1960s TV Shows: One-Sentence Summary Quiz

Answer: Bonanza

Pa, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe Cartwright owned their own "Bonanza" of land full of Ponderosa pines and silver, and more often than not got a little trigger-happy with those who trespassed. This series ran from 1959 to 1973, even after Pernell Roberts (Adam) had left the show.

Answer: Rawhide

"Rawhide" (1959-1966) chronicled the exploits concurring over a cattle drive through the Wild West--although I'm sure they reached their destination eventually! This was Clint Eastwood's breakthrough role, as hand Rowdy Yates, while Eric Fleming played the trail boss Gil Favor. The iconic theme song was sung by Frankie Laine.

Answer: The Andy Griffith Show

"The Andy Griffith Show" ran from 1960 to 1968. Andy Griffith played Sheriff Andy Taylor, who controlled crime in the little town of Mayberry with more hindrance than help from his Deputy and cousin, Barney Fife (Don Knotts). Little Ronnie Howard played Andy's son Opie Taylor, and Frances Bavier was Andy's Aunt Bee.

Answer: Star Trek

That was a typical plot line for a "Star Trek" episode, although roles did reverse on occasion! Running for only three seasons from 1966 to 1969, "Star Trek" still created an enormous fan following. Canadian actor William Shatner played Captain James T. Kirk, while Leonard Nimoy was the Vulcan first officer Spock and DeForest Kelley played Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy.

Answer: The Beverly Hillbilles

When "A man named Jed" stumbled across an oil patch, he knew he had to move his country bumpkin family to the Beverly Hills! It was the most-watched TV show of both 1962 and 1963, and ran until 1971. It starred Buddy Ebsen and Irene Ryan as the heads of this impossible family.

Answer: Gunsmoke

Starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, "Gunsmoke" aired in 1955 and ended in 1975--twenty years! It was the last fictional TV of the 1950s to leave the air in the 1970s. Dillon had many sidekicks over the years, the most notable being Chester and Festus.

Answer: Petticoat Junction

"Petticoat Junction" was where the train stopped at Shady Rest hotel, run by Kate Bradley and her daughters, Billie Joe, Bobbie Joe, and Betty Joe. The train that stopped at the water stop right outside the hotel was their only source of visitors, and whenever the railroad tried to discontinue the route, the girls were ready to fight! The show ran from 1963 to 1970.

Answer: The Ed Sullivan Show

Ed Sullivan, who was famous for saying that it was going to be "a really big shew", as he pronounced it, ran his show of talent from 1948 to 1971. One of his biggest shows was in 1964 when the Beatles performed--the screams of the fans almost literally brought the house down! Elvis also made several notable appearances.

Answer: Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Gomer Pyle was originally a character on "The Andy Griffith Show", becoming one of Andy's Deputies in Season Three. He "sold out", however, to star in his own spin-off, and join the Marines. He was played by actor and singer Jim Nabors. The show ran from '64 to '69.

Answer: Batman

Batty, but true! Batman was played by Adam West. The show ran from 1966 to 1968--a short span as far as TV shows go, but it was still a favorite. With Burt Ward as Robin, Batman formed the Dynamic Duo--only one of many film and television castings of Batman and Robin.