Television shows have come a long way over the years and not just in terms of switching from black and white to color. The days when TV couples slept in separate beds and curse words were bleeped are over. However, if you miss those good old times of wholesome television then you're in luck.
Amazon Prime Video has an awesome collection of classic TV shows available to watch with your membership. So why not make a snack, gather the family around the old gogglebox, and step back in time with these favorites from yesteryear.
1. I Love Lucy
Real-life couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz star in this hilarious comedy debuting in 1951. Lucy is the zany wife of Ricky Ricardo, a Cuban bandleader who never gives in to her desire to get on his stage. And Lucy, along with her neighbor and best friend Ethel, certainly gets into some silly and sticky situations.
From the job-switching episode where they stuff their mouths with chocolates, to the trip to Italy where Lucy squashes grapes with a local, I Love Lucy is a true classic.
2. The Honeymooners
In another husband and wife sitcom, Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows will make you laugh from their tiny Brooklyn apartment. This first episode aired in 1955 and, using comedy, follows the couple through their struggles. Ralph Kramden is forever scheming for an idea to make big money while his wife Alice is always there to rein him in at the end.
If you have never seen The Honeymooners, then check out the show that coined the phrase, "One of these days Alice -- Pow! Straight to the moon!"
3. The Beverly Hillbillies
You may have seen the 1993 movie of the same name, but if you never watched the original TV hit, The Beverly Hillbillies, then you are missing out. Follow the Clampett family as they strike it rich in their country cabin home and head to high-class Beverly Hills with their millions. The humor comes in every episode as members of the family try to fit into city life.
When you are ready to check out their cement pond, follow Jed, Granny, Jethro, and Ellie May as they move to Beverly (Hills, that is).
4. The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show tells the story of a widower sheriff named Andy Taylor. Living in Mayberry, Andy, his son Opie, Aunt Bee, and Deputy Barney Fife will definitely make you chuckle. Starring Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and Ron Howard, you already know this is the perfect crew to give you a laugh. The show debuted in 1960 and includes comical characters bumbling through their daily lives in small town USA.
The Andy Griffith Show ran for many years, turning from black and white to color and keeping audiences laughing along the way.
5. Petticoat Junction
You may not have heard of Petticoat Junction, but if you plan to visit Hootervile, you will enjoy your stay. A mother and her three daughters run the Shady Rest Hotel in the heart of another small town sitcom. But in a boring train-stop town, what is there for three beautiful young ladies to do? Tune in to find out what fun they concoct in this 1963 comedy.
6. My Favorite Martian
It may not be even close to The X-Files, but My Favorite Martian is a funny take on an alien story. Premiering in 1963, this sitcom follows a Martian who is stranded on earth after his ship crashes. He stays with a reporter and is disguised as the young man's uncle.
Busybodies sense something is up and the Martian uses his powers here and there, bringing you a bundle of giggles.
7. The Three Stooges
You likely recall The Three Stooges, but have you ever actually watched an episode? With silly, slapstick humor, the comedy team of Moe, Larry, and Curly have been making people laugh since the 1920s. While the stooges went through their stages, from Curly to Shemp to Joe, Moe and Larry remained to keep the crew in check.
For a comedy that spans decades, check out at least one episode, if not more, of the iconic show The Three Stooges.
8. Family Affair
Do you remember those cute little twins Buffy and Jody and their big sister Cissy? If not, then it is time for you to watch Family Affair. All three kids are taken in by their uncle, played by Brian Keith. And the British butler Mr. French, played by Sebastian Cabot, keeps his eye on them as much as possible.
Considered a comedy and debuting in 1966, this timeless show will touch both your heart and your funny bone.
9. The Twilight Zone
Enter a different dimension with Rod Serling in the supernatural series, The Twilight Zone. The show first aired in 1959 and ran for five years bringing a suspenseful look at the unexplained. This series can be described as science fiction, horror, or drama, depending on the story. But one thing is for certain: The Twilight Zone is entertaining and enjoyable within each 30-minute episode.
10. The Cisco Kid
If you enjoy the Lone Ranger and Tonto in the old west, then take a look at The Cisco Kid and his sidekick Pancho. What started as a one-shot comic turned into a six-year show beginning in 1950. This serious but comical team fights to keep the locals safe from corruption.
Filmed in color, you will enjoy the humor that Pancho brings to every episode of The Cisco Kid.
11. Star Trek
Star Trek is one of the most popular science-fiction dramas of all time, and loved by many. The original series premiering in 1966 stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and George Takei. The crew pilots the Starship Enterprise as it travels through space exploring the unknown.
Find your favorite episodes or check out entire seasons. Captain Kirk and Dr. Spock await your visit, so say "Beam me up, Scotty" and head to Amazon Prime Video for Star Trek. And while you're there, take a peek at shows you can download and watch later.
12. Mission: Impossible
Well before Tom Cruise starred in the movie, Mission: Impossible was a popular television show. This drama series, premiering in 1966, follows a group of spies on various, dangerous missions. Known as the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), the team tackles espionage with tact and talent.
If you want to see where it all began before it hit the big screen, check out the original Mission: Impossible.
13. The Rifleman
Maybe westerns are more your speed and if so, The Rifleman is your show. Starring Chuck Connors, you can watch this rancher take on desperados in the old west. While keeping his son safe and his land secure, this Union Civil War veteran and widower knows how to handle his rifle. For a good, old-school western series, check out The Rifleman.
14. Bonanza
On for almost 15 years, Bonanza takes you into the Cartwright family home on their ranch, the Ponderosa. The show stars Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts, and David Canary, for a wonderful lineup of talent.
Become a Cartwright for three episodes as these men defend their land and help their community in this classic TV drama.
What's Your Favorite Classic TV Show?
There are still so many more classic televisions shows that would be great to see on Amazon Prime. Hopefully the oldies but goodies keep coming. And, if you need even more television shows that are worth your time on Amazon Prime Video, check out these Amazon Originals. Or for something new, take a look at these free TV shows available on Crackle.
What is your all-time favorite classic television show? Or do you prefer classic movies instead? Either way, please let us know in the comments below! And if you ever need help fixing Amazon Prime Video when it's not working, we have got you covered.
Image Credit: AndreyPopov/Depositphotos