Looking Back to the '60s: What TV Shows Did You Watch?

When we were growing up, trying to decide what to watch on TV was always an ongoing battle. What's it going to be tonight?  Walter Cronkite or Lassie?  My Three Sons or The Millionaire?  

Our TV was about the size of a toaster, so cramming eight people around the set made for some interesting arguments, and some memorable evenings.

Before we’d settle in for the evening, most of our time was spent outdoors.  On Pacoima Court, we were blessed with a ravine at the end of the block, where we’d frolic in a jungle of adventure, navigating the ivy, bugs and rodents that swarmed through the terrain.

But nighttime was a different chapter, with my older brothers and sisters trying to bully us with their program choices. At times, my twin sister Teresa and I were forced to endure those popular news shows.  What 6-year-old wants to learn about the Cuban Missile Crisis?

I remember thinking that Walter Cronkite always looked about 80, even when he was in his 40s, with his professorial mug taking up the entire face of the television.

Before we could watch TV, we all had to make sure our chores and homework were completed. Since my mom was a teacher, it made sense that she would instill good work habits, and reward us with some visual entertainment for completing these tasks.

Some of my favorite shows included My Three Sons, Lassie, Howdy Doody, Mighty Mouse, and I Dream of Jeannie. But many of the shows we watched also included stars that lived in and around Studio City, and it was always a kick to see these personalities on television. 

Ernie, from My Three Sons graduated from NHHS in our class of 1971. In fact, he graced us with his presence at our most recent reunion held at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills. I didn’t know him very well, but it was great to see his perky face once again.

R.G. Armstrong was a prominent character actor during the '50s and '60s, and continued his career for many decades after that. We often got to see him playing a badass cowboy-type when we went to visit his kids, Robbie and Daryl Armstrong up on Reklaw Drive in the hills of Studio City.

I once heard rumors that Mickey Dolenz grew up nearby, and that he attended Walter Reed Jr. High.  Mickey was one of the members of The Monkees, who were very popular during the 60’s. When they sang on TV, most of my female friends went into heat.

Recently, I turned on Hulu to catch a few of my favorite vintage TV shows. Our place was being painted, and our downstairs TV was packed under plastic. The living room was a war zone, so I thought I’d relax by watching a few mindless TV shows upstairs on my computer.

Between the, Sea Hunt, Flipper and Lassie, my nerves were calmed, and guess what? These shows were just as entertaining as they were in the 50’s.

 Yaba Daba Doo!