by Marcia Studley

Created on: June 02, 2009

Television was still learning what it was in the 1950's, and comedy took a lot of different shapes as people began to welcome the tube into their homes. The best comedies of the 1950's are harder to define than in any other decade simply because they were so long ago. There isn't a broadcast network out there that airs these classics on a regular basis. They show up in special salutes, but that's about it. Some of the shows that blasted their way from the 50's to the 60's do manage to get aired, but so many other comedies have been ignored, which means they aren't available for viewing on a regular basis.

With a couple of qualifications, I offer up my list of the best of the fifties, comedy-wise. I feel I would be remiss if I didn't say up front that some of these shows I've only seen once or twice, and other classics of that decade I've never seen. As a child of the TV generation, though, I've probably viewed more of these than those my age and under. Over the years, I've researched television, including many of these comedies, a great deal, so my knowledge base is quite wide. My point is that quite unintentionally, a good show might be left out or misplaced. I can only do my best to pick the best based on what I know and feel.

My other dilemma was if a show was selected for the best of the 1960's comedies, an article I wrote previously, should they also be in contention for the 'best of' here as well? For the most part, the answer is yes. The one exception I made was The Donna Reed Show, which debuted in 1958. The crux of this show was in the 60's, so I'm leaving it to that decade solely.

That said, here's the list of the best comedy shows in the 1950's.

11) Our Miss Brooks - Eve Arden was full force in this show about English teacher Connie Brooks. The cast had some great standouts, including Gale Gordon and a young Richard Crenna. This was a spiffy show full of wit. It had to be to match Arden's vivacious personality. She had attitude, that's for sure. She was, as the title indicates, single as well. Though she had a very strong liking for the school's biology teacher, Miss Brooks was a strong, career-minded character who cared about her students. She brought them, and us, a lot of laughs.

10) Private Secretary - Ann Sothern played Susie McNamara, a private secretary. Efficient at the office, her personal life was another story. This series aired for five seasons and included a supporting cast of Jesse White, Don Porter, and Ann Tyrell. One

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>