Open Thread: Must-See TV – Senior Planet from AARP
It’s hard for younger generations to grasp that there was a time when all television was appointment television. Our favorite shows were like gossamer—fleeting moments that required our presence to enjoy. Once the episode ended, it vanished, leaving only reruns in its wake. Planning our viewing schedules was essential (remember TV Guide?), and if there was only one TV in the house, parents often had to mediate disputes over what to watch.
Kid Favorites
The only time we kids had control over the TV—aside from being the walking remote controls—was during Saturday morning cartoons and, for us latchkey kids, after-school shows on weekdays.
Reflecting on today’s offerings for children, I find myself nostalgic for the innocence of early kids’ TV shows like Shari Lewis and Kukla, Fran and Ollie—puppeteers who predated Mr. Rogers. I remember Winky Dink, a syndicated national show my parents forbade me from watching after I once colored the TV screen with crayons. John Gnagy was another option, but his lessons felt way over my head. You can still catch one of his lessons here!
Local television in New York City featured gems like The Super Circus with Ringmaster Claude Kirschner (who was perhaps the world’s worst ventriloquist) and “Officer Joe Bolton” introducing The Dick Tracy Show. National favorites included Bozo the Clown and Romper Room. I still remember being a guest on Bozo the Clown’s show with my Brownie troop—I was so tiny! I even reminded him on our way out that he promised we could kiss his nose. He replied, “Yes indeedy!” I was puzzled because it didn’t feel like a real nose.
I did mention I was tiny.
TV Traditions
As I grew older, my tastes evolved. I developed a fondness for the snarky humor of The Soupy Sales Show and Rocky and Bullwinkle. Naturally, as I entered high school, I joined my classmates every morning at the lockers to discuss the latest episode of Dark Shadows.
Before the 80s and the rise of the VCR, we couldn’t watch what we wanted whenever we pleased. This limitation made our viewing experiences feel more special, almost like family traditions, especially during the holidays.
Must-see TV during that era included Laurel and Hardy’s “March of the Wooden Soldiers” and “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.” Amazingly, my parents went along with my brother’s and my choices. Looking back, I realize it was likely a way to keep us occupied while they set up the tree and prepared for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
YOUR TURN
What were your favorite TV shows as a kid? Did you have any TV show traditions, and do you still follow them? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers. She frequently writes about Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout the city. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
It’s hard for younger generations to grasp that there was a time when all television was appointment television. Our favorite shows were like gossamer—fleeting moments that required our presence to enjoy. Once the episode ended, it vanished, leaving only reruns in its wake. Planning our viewing schedules was essential (remember TV Guide?), and if there was only one TV in the house, parents often had to mediate disputes over what to watch.
Kid Favorites
The only time we kids had control over the TV—aside from being the walking remote controls—was during Saturday morning cartoons and, for us latchkey kids, after-school shows on weekdays.
Reflecting on today’s offerings for children, I find myself nostalgic for the innocence of early kids’ TV shows like Shari Lewis and Kukla, Fran and Ollie—puppeteers who predated Mr. Rogers. I remember Winky Dink, a syndicated national show my parents forbade me from watching after I once colored the TV screen with crayons. John Gnagy was another option, but his lessons felt way over my head. You can still catch one of his lessons here!
Local television in New York City featured gems like The Super Circus with Ringmaster Claude Kirschner (who was perhaps the world’s worst ventriloquist) and “Officer Joe Bolton” introducing The Dick Tracy Show. National favorites included Bozo the Clown and Romper Room. I still remember being a guest on Bozo the Clown’s show with my Brownie troop—I was so tiny! I even reminded him on our way out that he promised we could kiss his nose. He replied, “Yes indeedy!” I was puzzled because it didn’t feel like a real nose.
I did mention I was tiny.
TV Traditions
As I grew older, my tastes evolved. I developed a fondness for the snarky humor of The Soupy Sales Show and Rocky and Bullwinkle. Naturally, as I entered high school, I joined my classmates every morning at the lockers to discuss the latest episode of Dark Shadows.
Before the 80s and the rise of the VCR, we couldn’t watch what we wanted whenever we pleased. This limitation made our viewing experiences feel more special, almost like family traditions, especially during the holidays.
Must-see TV during that era included Laurel and Hardy’s “March of the Wooden Soldiers” and “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.” Amazingly, my parents went along with my brother’s and my choices. Looking back, I realize it was likely a way to keep us occupied while they set up the tree and prepared for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
YOUR TURN
What were your favorite TV shows as a kid? Did you have any TV show traditions, and do you still follow them? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers. She frequently writes about Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout the city. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
