Countdown: Best 25 Shows of the 1966/67 TV Season (greatest prime-time lineup in network history)

This is a revised version of an earlier video.

[@stendec-dd3he]

Most of us were just children, but these shows stayed with us, and in some ways shaped us. Not a bad way to learn and grow. Good stuff, pal.

[@FredFlix]

Thank you, stendec. They almost always taught us proper values.

[@stendec-dd3he]

@@FredFlix Yeah, for some, parental figures we never had, wanting a better life, to be the hero, all of the above and more. The writers and the actors bringing the words to life, molded many of us. We learned.

[@Barnabas45]

Agreed, Feel sorry for this generation!

[@Laceykat66]

They were adult shows which is why they have lasted so long in the culture. We grew into them they did not talk down to us.

[@FredFlix]

@@Laceykat66 That's a good point.

[@cardinalsfan8182]

Loved the Green Hornet 🐝-needs to be on Blu-ray ASAP!!

[@robertromero8692]

I agree, but you can watch the entire series on KZbin.

[@fliegeroh]

You had to be home (or in front of a TV set at a friend's house) to watch TV in those days. Only 3 major networks, yet, there was more good stuff on in 1966 then the 200+ channels I had when I finally cut the cable in 2015. Not even a VCR to record a show for later. You either saw it, or you didn't . Heck, we thought a remote would be a nice luxury to have. In those days, the youngest kid in the family had to get up to change the channel. Only a half hour of local news and a half hour of national news and that was it.

[@FredFlix]

Well said, fliegeroh.

[@Litauen-yg9ut]

Times have sure changed my friend...

[@Nastyfinger1444]

And that was too much news even then.

[@markcornish2519]

We had a remote then for our black and white TV. It only had 2 buttons, power and channel, the channel button would just run through the available stations

[@OldDood]

If you missed a show your only hope was to see it again was in a 'Rerun' during the summer.

[@garymckee448]

I was four years old in 66 and now I have no idea what is on network TV programs now but I remember a lot of these programs 😆 Thanks Fred

[@rcdoodles6214]

I was 11 in 1966. My dad loved Get Smart and The Fugitive. Saturday nights us kids would wash our hair before Get Smart and then be allowed to watch the show. My sister and I loved The Avengers, Mission Impossible and Big Valley. Thank you very much for this incredibly fun video, great job!

[@karenford9797]

Loved the video! My honorable mention goes to The Rat Patrol! My father, a Marine during the Korean War era, watched it with us every week. I also have had a life long love for Jeeps from that show.

[@judyjones5089]

I was 14, 15 in this time periodnd brings back such fond memories of being with my folks, watching Tv, wonderful summers, hanging with friends, enjoying myself and those around me.

[@jimtuckett6694]

One of my all time favorite shows from the 66-67 season was the Rat Patrol on ABC.

[@MLaker221]

If you're too young for these, then these remind you of sneaking TV late at night. I'm 1987 and I'm glad they were still showing us some of these in the 90s.

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Loved the Monkees and The Green Hornet. To be honest all 25 were great..... and thanks for the memories

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, USMC Veteran.

[@scheis123]

I was 9 years old then, but I remember all of these as I watched this. I was surprised, however, to realize that I'd forgotten all about "The Invaders" in the ensuing years. I watched that as a kid! Thank you for bringing back some good memories.

[@richelliott9320]

Yes I must agree that was the greatest season. The cartoons of that time were also among the best ever

[@juliedebrey8829]

These were some of the best shows. Real classics. Nowadays, it's 90% commercials, and 10% trash.

[@salianni16]

The mid-60s were a great time for TV. They were so good that you can still watch the best shows from that era even today if you have the right channels on TV or online. My favorites from the video were "Green Acres", "Bewitched", "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Get Smart", "The Andy Griffith Show", and "The Monkees". Also from this season, I would like to add "My Three Sons", "I Dream Of Jeannie", "Family Affair", "Petticoat Junction" , "Laugh-In", and best of all, "Gilligan's Island". It's my favorite series from the 1960s. I'm shocked that it wasn't included!

[@nanajanamike]

The Fugitive, The Avengers, Mission: Impossible. We were there Fred!

[@FredFlix]

And...loving it, Mike.

[@rockerdowns6051]

This was awesome. I was 4 years old watching these programs with mom and my three brothers while dad worked. They are all gone now. Life was better then. Thank you for taking me back to being with them.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, RD.

[@jackmorgan8931]

The year I went into 10th grade high school.... I couldn't agree more: The greatest prime-time lineup in network history.

[@FIREBRAND38]

I actually remember this season very well. As a 7-8 year old my tastes ran more towards the higher numbers like Batman, Lost in Space and The Invaders. I came to love Mission Impossible but this was the season it started its Sunday at 10:00-11:00 PM so I wasn't allowed to watch it until it fell on New Year's Eve and I saw my Dad watching it and I asked what it was and he said to sit down and see how they mess with people. And then I never missed the Wild Wild West or I Spy. I Spy still had one of the best opening sequences in television. And of course, waiting to see what that week's new episode of Star Trek would be like. You're right of course. That was arguable the greatest prime-time lineup in network history. Thanks for assembling this.

[@FredFlix]

Nice comment, John.

[@georgecostanza8927]

It’s hard to argue with a season with “Lost in Space”, “Star Trek”, “Batman”, “Mission: Impossible”, “Bewitched” and “The Monkees”.

[@woofgbruk5947]

I loved the 60s Batman TV series when i was a kid! For me Adam West is The Batman and Burt Ward The Boy Wonder!

[@garytafolla2845]

Great memories! Those were such better days. Everyone was patriotic and no one was so easily offended by the truth. Thank you for posting this video. I really enjoyed it. 😀

[@cardinalsfan8182]

Agreed Gary-why can’t trump supporters accept the truth and quit supporting a treasonist sack of s**t.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Gary. You nailed the commentary.

[@Terry.W]

Luckily we have a TV channel in the UK that shows most of these programmes ...great stuff..

[@yoshitoshi98]

It was the best year for Saturday mornings.

[@georgem2334]

They were great shows way back when. Thanks for the memories!

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, George.

[@comsense9638]

I was 11. Perfect age for this time.

[@robertromero8692]

Same here.

[@farnumbp]

Me too

[@Rangersly]

I would take any of those shows over the modern mulch we've had on tv in the last few decades. Compared to today, we had a tiny number of different channels (for most of us, it was between 2 or 4), yet we had access to a great variety in those days: comedy, drama, sci-fi, westerns, crime/police shows (Hawaii Five-0, a personnal favorite, would debute a year later), adventure, variety, war, etc. Back then, every news show reported pretty much the same facts without any agenda. You made my day by putting the Dean Martin Show so high on your list! Some other good shows that didn't make your list include Bonanza, Ironside, Family Affair, It Takes a Thief, Daniel Boone, Dragnet, The Carol Burnett Show... Just the fact that there was no room for these tv series on your excellent selection of Top 25, shows the quality and diversity of programs that was available in those days.

[@wheeler71]

Good memories , where has the time gone

[@Laceykat66]

My young mind is always amazed at how many early 60s shows were still popular after 1966 (the division that started what we think of as the 1960s). I thought that Andy Griffith, the Fugitive, and Run for Your life were gone by this time. Thank you for setting me straight.

[@johnclark4593]

Two TV shows that NEVER should have been in color: Andy Griffith and The Fugitive. Those shows needed to be in black-and-white. Griffith because it portrayed an America long since gone, Fugitive because it was a film noir TV show.

[@johnkaczinski468]

Wow, Fred… What a year!! As always, more Emma Peel!!

[@merce10554]

Watched them all except for Andy Griffith and Green Acres and we all had our favorites: Dad's was Bewitched, Mom's were Combat and Mission: Impossible. My brother's were Star Trek and The Invaders and mine were Kato, Yllia Kuryakin, Mr. Spock and Mike Nesmith. Always going for the offbeat, even at 12yo. Great vid, Fred. Thanks. 💜🤟☺️

[@FredFlix]

I liked all of the above, Mercedes, except I preferred Solo over Kuryakin.

[@merce10554]

@@FredFlix 3 out of 4 is not bad. 🤟☺️

[@elifoust7664]

FUGITIVE FINALE. GREAT

[@johnbarnett6924]

Most of these shows I missed, We were Marines ,in our First year of Deployments❤ thanks for this posting John Barnett revisited November 2023❤

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, John.

[@josephcisneros9290]

Incredible memories once again Fred. I forgot all about the show "Run for your life." Thanks for bringing that show and all the rest back to mind.

[@FredFlix]

Sure thing, Joseph.

[@dougmorris9317]

Fred, this was awesome--THANK YOU. I sure am sorry for not commenting sooner, but I made a vow to only watch Fredflix videos on my TV. I kept putting off getting back on my computer to express my thanks! I have to tell you, the Monkee's commercial was such a huge flashback. I don't think I've seen that in over 50 years! But I remember laughing my fool head off at Mickey Dolenz and Brand X! What great stuff, thanks again! 🙂♥️👍👍👍👍

[@tomklock568]

There were a lot of great ones! There were only a couple on here that I don't remember. Good job Fred!

[@alanolson6913]

I was in my teens then so the kids shows weren’t on my radar too much but most of the others were. My brother and I tried to never miss Mission Impossible along with I Spy. We also tried to never miss The Avengers. Besides the stars, the theme music was a huge part of what we remember.

[@rodneyvoshell9296]

Thank you for the wonderful memories. The days in which you had to be home to watch the tv shows or wait for a summer repeat. No electronic recording devices.

[@FredFlix]

It was a rough life, Rodney.

[@rodneyvoshell9296]

@@FredFlix I loved every minute of it

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

A positively superior video in EVERY WAY Fred!! Absolutely Top-Notch stuff!

[@FredFlix]

Thanks, Nunetc.

[@luisreyes1963]

It wasn't until well in my early teens that I have discovered most of these shows that came out the year of my birth, 1966. Thanks for the memories, FredFlix. 👶

[@maureencora1]

My Sister is 1966 Too, I Tell My Sister Kids What Ever # Super Bowl That's How Old She is. (smile)

[@tellemomma9780]

Thank you Fred! You are lovely to put together these reminders of our pasts when for most of us times were happier, life was kinder, and when you only had 3 or 4 channels there was ALWAYS something to watch! Lol!

[@FredFlix]

And, Chantelle, they never had 8 commercials in a row.

[@tellemomma9780]

@@FredFlix so true! Just enough to grab a snack or pre! Lol! And most of the time they were worth watching! Now I don't have the patience to watch the intro to a show and I used to love the theme songs and the familiar feel of them! If only we could go back! Lol!

[@jayrutter6111]

O M G You are absolutely right , I was 21 and I think just a little too old to be home when most of these shows were on……but reruns prove your point…..except for Green Acres and Beverly Hillbillies.

[@billywatson118]

I remember going to a neighbors house to watch the first color TV show when they first started.

[@nancyschremmer5480]

On my list... "The Avengers" will always be #1 ❤ I own a dvd set of all the Emma Peel episodes. She was my childhood role model 🙂

[@davek5027]

The classiest and most clever series of all time. My childhood favorite.

[@samiam619]

Role model for you…Heart Throb for the rest of us!

[@tomklock568]

Loved the show! And Mrs. Peel!

[@sweetnighter72]

I loved the Avengers. Emma Peel was the opposite of the helpless female you often saw on TV and in the movies. I had my two role models: Lt. Uhura and Emma Peel.

[@markcornish2519]

I have that set, amazing how few episodes Emma peel was in. She was the best steed partner

[@johnshields6852]

I was 6 in 1966, I loved some of these shows . Thanks for memories

[@ruthresetar5940]

The Green Hornet was worth watching just for the weekly scent of Bruce Lee kicking butt.

[@thewatcher5271]

Way To Go Fred! Love Your Work! Some Memories Never Fade!

[@FredFlix]

Much appreciated, Watcher.

[@djbvida]

Loved the Avengers. Emma Peel and John Steed. Thanks for all these memories.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Debbie.

[@slaphead8835]

1966-67 was indeed a very strong time for network tv. I was about 10 years old and loved The Wild Wild West. The Avengers was on too late for me. But I loved the theme song and Dianna Rigg.

[@gregggoss2210]

Great shows Fred, and definitely most of my favorites. Loved Run For Your Life. METV and H&I gotta change up their lineup Fred. I've DVR'd all the current shows to death.

[@FredFlix]

METV has become ridiculously repetitive.

[@marthawelch4289]

@@FredFlix You are right about that!

[@michaeltuz608]

And when I wasn't watching one of those cool shows, I was reading Marvel Comics! What a year to be alive!

[@FredFlix]

And, Michael, Marvel was peaking!

[@farnumbp]

Me too

[@tigre7739]

So many great shows! I enjoyed a lot these in reruns growing up through the '70s, my favorite I would probably have to say was Batman, Bewitched, Get Smart, Star Trek, Mission Impossible, mostly in that order. Some of these shows I watched with family, like The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres, which was always alot of laughs! My family also liked westerns and those themed shows, so we all watched a lot of those, not really my favorites 😏. Cool video! 😎

[@Lisa-di1wi]

I was a 9-year-old fourth grader back then. And my Wednesday nights back then were for my beloved Green Acres!

[@karenhickson8848]

I remember my mom saying the PTA meetings had to be cut short because so many people wanted to be home in time to watch The Fugitive!

[@WaynoGur]

WoW! I knew all of these except the Green Hornet. Always remember: you can't beat Irwin Allen when it comes to quality challenged entertainment.

[@johnschuster1770]

One of the best years of TV when you're in 7th grade.

[@moviesgalore9947]

This was the season every show had to be in Color and that was a huge gift to the TV manufacturers they sold so many Color TVs over the next 5 years by 1971 most people had one Color TV and one old black & white TV in their homes. Shows like Munsters and Addams Family and McHale's Navy were canceled the studios thought switching to color film would be too expensive.

[@robertromero8692]

Quite an impressive lineup, although some of the shows (Irwin Allen and Batman) haven't held up for me. Great nostalgia, Fred. I remember them well. It was strange to see the WWW fight scene without music, although I understand why it was missing.

[@FredFlix]

Thanks, RR.

[@carseye1219]

I actually liked the campy, tongue-in-cheek Batman of that TV era more than the darker film franchise.

[@elifoust7664]

Ema Peale wowwwy wow

[@georgehenderson7783]

5:22 This one made me cry. The FBI is no longer what it was. 🥺

[@davek5027]

Just beautiful. Thanks again, Fred.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Dave.

[@maureencora1]

I was 9 & 10 yrs. old. Fond Memories.

[@Sonny_V]

Why was Mrs. Peel beating up the guy from Devo?

[@danlevesque5437]

Combat,startrack, and Andy Griffith coming from a kid born in the mid 80s my top 3 picks in order of this collection

[@alexharper403]

I know you didn't have room for more great shows, but this is a good list!

[@BrianRPaterson]

What a great collection of shows. I was only 4, but I loved Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and Batman, and just about all the others on the list. It was a wonderful time for TV.

[@fredcloud9668]

This does bring back memories. Thanks,Fred.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Fred.

[@sapphire13579]

I watched all but one of these shows--Run For Your Life. Nice ride down Memory Lane.

[@FredFlix]

A lot of people missed Run.

[@samiam619]

For us it was Ed Sullivan that we didn’t watch. Don’t know what was on instead but it must have been pretty good.

[@beavisjones1831]

Love to know the media status On the actual year i was born And understand why i loved them so much in syndication thanks fred for bringing me along with you to the way back machine ❤️

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Beavis.

[@DSheartlady]

watch most of these brings back memories thank you for the journey🙂

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Debra.

[@continentalgin]

Fantastic, Fred! You've done it again! Greatest TV, I totally agree.

[@continentalgin]

I still have a crush on Emma Peel.

[@FredFlix]

Thanks, multiverser.

[@pauldusa]

before these, I use to watch Astro Boy, and my Dad watched, Victory At Sea, miss all the older cartoons the most

[@robertromero8692]

I love Astroboy, as well as the marionette shows created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.

[@garyjones2582]

They don't make shows like these anymore.. Fred thx for the memories.. Take care my friend...

[@FredFlix]

Thanks, Gary. You as well.

[@MichaelDBauer]

Great list. I watched most every one of those at one time or another. One of my favorites not listed though was Star Trek. Still is. I bought digital seasons of Star Trek and watch an episode per night. Even with that, my favorite TV series from the 60s was Dragnet '67 through '70. I have that series as well. I watch numerous episodes of that daily, not to mention (though I am) that I have the seasons on DVD and have one playing at night when I go to bed. Tinnitus is no fun and the price I am paying for playing in a band in high school - as in my avatar. Didn't think hearing protection was important. Oops. Loved seeing Emma Peel since she was one of my early childhood crushes. So beautiful.

[@FredFlix]

Star Trek is listed, Michael. It's No. 2 I think.

[@MichaelDBauer]

@@FredFlix How did I miss that? Well, I'm officially old if that wasn't already apparent. I'm glad to see your videos popping up on my feed page again. I missed them.

[@emilysantoyo918]

This is a great list of Best TV Shows from Greatest Seasons of the 60s Fred!

[@FredFlix]

Glad you enjoyed it, Emily.

[@hyacinth4368]

In 1965, I was 10. There was no one to love on TV except Jim West, Will Robinson(and he wasn't really all that cute), or maybe Batman side-kick Robin(I thought he was a square). But, then came September 1966! The Monkees! Finally, four of them to love! And I loved all 4. Still do!

[@anthonyriche552]

Great compilation! Though I was born a bit later, many of those same shows still aired. I looooved Lost in Space as a kid though the robot scared me lol. Mission Impossible came on Saturdays along with The Big Valley and Bonanza (not listed here). And my sister used to make fun of me for watching Get Smart. Oh, the memories!

[@FredFlix]

Big Valley is listed.

[@anthonyriche552]

@@FredFlix I was talking about Bonanza unless I missed it somehow.

[@ginac9970]

Fred, THANK YOU for another great post! They make my heart happy!

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Gina.

[@Ij-jan]

Thanks for the video. It brings back memories.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, l j.

[@budgarner3522]

Nothing like watching the Wonderful World of Color on the ol' B & W TV. And right on with the #1 pick for the Fugitive. Watched it with dad every night.

[@onelovechild1307]

Enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, 1LC.

[@richelliott9320]

I actually liked the Steven Hill episodes the best. Little more gritty

[@SnowDogRedSectorEh]

FredFlix please tell us you have a time machine to teleport us back

[@FredFlix]

I would have one in my back yard except for those damn zoning laws.

[@hydrolito]

That was when most of the shows switched from black and white to color but we still had black and white TV which included shades of gray.

[@rmiller334]

Thanks Fred, still appreciating you.

[@FredFlix]

Good to know, rmiller334.

[@garywright7826]

I loved the character Emma Peel of the "Avengers" ! But Catwoman (Julie Newmar) was my favorite. 😉👍🏿

[@JeterSwisherFan88]

TV at some of its finest.

[@dougbrowne9890]

Every show was top notch!! Nothing produced today comes close. NONE!

[@FredFlix]

And hits were measured not in one or two million viewers but tens of millions. So shows (and their stars) HAD to be good to get on and stay on.

[@samuelgates5935]

Hey I was 6yrs old when this was happening man😎

[@tommontague5721]

Good stuff Fred....Thanks again.

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Tom.

[@bobbysands6923]

Fugitive was awesome! Thanks for the post!

[@FredFlix]

You're welcome, Bobby.

[@STho205]

Terrible how James West and his antics tore up Victoria Barkley's beautiful home in that scene.

[@budgarner3522]

Agreed! What a montage of great memories. The Fugitive was one my dad loved and we watched together. Was The Prisoner this season or previous? We only saw it on weekend afternoons; it was not Prime Time in my area. And, all of this on my birthday of all times. Thanks Fred,.

[@Luvarby]

Get Smart. Geezus. Greatest comedy in TV history. Can't even come up with a close 2nd place. There.. I said it. I meant it. He got me with the ol' greatest TV series in the history of mankind trick.

[@Luvarby]

You upoad outstanding material. "Gone Groups..." is next on the agenda. Thanks for the nostalgia. What a great year for TV! Nuclear family of five. I was the youngest. Born in 1960. No color TV, yet Dad did buy a Camaro that same year, and he thought TV was for shirkers/bums. He liked Football & Ed Sullivan, though. Am posting after the first six, so I can imagine what's yet to come with the other 19.

[@FredFlix]

I hope you enjoyed the whole video, Nanc.

[@Luvarby]

@@FredFlix I did enjoy it. Your "100 Beauties" was quite good, as well. Hope you get famous and get finacially rewarded for your efforts.

[@FredFlix]

@@Luvarby I hope so too, Nanc.

[@dadoctah]

And to think we didn't get Ironside, Dragnet or the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour until the following season.

[@gogoyubari366]

I used to watch all these classic shows!

[@michaelhewitt258]

The mid 60's All the classics Spy and Detective Shows

[@leonwalls5064]

Very good list. I'm glad Combat made it on the list.

[@originalsklaus]

23 out of 25! 'Run for Your Life' with Ben Gazarra, don't remember that one with any clarity. Dean Martin's variety show, I was 10, not much into variety shows. All the others, was a BIG fan of them!!!

[@lucano57]

Nice work Fred.