Top 1965 TV Shows: ‘Green Acres,’ ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ & More

It was in 1965 that Major Anthony Nelson first encountered a beautiful genie in I Dream of Jeannie, the Robinson family became Lost in Space, New York lawyer Oliver Douglas and his socialite wife Lisa planted roots in Hooterville via Green Acres, the Old West Barkley family came together on The Big Valley, James West and Artemus Gordon made that same territory safe on The Wild Wild West, Maxwell Smart fought the agents of KAOS and “forces against niceness” on Get Smart and Colonel Robert Hogan made monkeys out of the Nazis on Hogan’s Heroes. In other words, those shows, and many others that made their debut, represent quite a year in the history of classic TV.

Each of those television series and more are celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, so we’ve turned the spotlight on the following 13 shows to join in on the celebration.

1. ‘F Troop’ (1965–1967)

Created by: Richard M. Bluel

Cast: Forrest Tucker (Sgt. Morgan O’Rourke), Larry Storch (Cpl. Randolph Agarn), Ken Berry (Capt. Wilton Parmenter), Melody Patterson (Wrangler Jane)

Premise: F Troop is a satirical Western sitcom (arriving at a time when Westerns rules TV) set in the 1860s at Fort Courage, a fictional U.S. Army outpost. The series showcases the misadventures of the inept soldiers stationed there, led by the bumbling Capt. Wilton Parmenter. Sgt. O’Rourke and Cpl. Agarn run various schemes, often in cahoots with the local Native American tribe, the Hekawis, led by Chief Wild Eagle. The series parodies Western genre tropes, focusing on the comedic interactions between the fort’s occupants and their neighbors.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

The first season was filmed in black and white, while the second season transitioned to color.
Melody Patterson was only 16 when she was cast as Wrangler Jane; she had misrepresented her age to secure the role.
Larry Storch (Cpl. Agarn) and Forrest Tucker (Sgt. O’Rourke) had a lifelong friendship that began before the show and continued afterward.
Ken Berry would go on to star in The Andy Griffith Show spinoff, Mayberry R.F.D..

2. ‘My Mother the Car’ (1965–1966)

Created by: Allan Burns and Chris Hayward

Cast: Jerry Van Dyke (Dave Crabtree), Ann Sothern (Voice of “Mother”/1928 Porter), Maggie Pierce (Barbara Crabtree), Cindy Eilbacher (Randy Crabtree)

Premise: My Mother the Car is a fantasy sitcom (one of many that reigned supreme on TV during the 1960s) where attorney Dave Crabtree discovers that his deceased mother has been reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile. Communicating with him through the car’s radio, his mother offers advice, guidance and, yes, nagging, often leading to humorous situations. The show centers on Dave’s efforts to keep the car’s secret from his family and a scheming collector, Captain Manzini, who is determined to acquire the unique vehicle.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

The show is often cited as one of the most bizarre TV concepts, leading to its reputation as one of the worst TV shows ever made.
Despite its poor reception, the series is nonetheless remembered for its unique premise.
Ann Sothern provided the voice for the car but was never seen on screen.
The 1928 Porter used in the show was a custom creation, as no such model existed in reality.

3. ‘Lost in Space’ (1965–1968)

Created by: Irwin Allen

Cast: Guy Williams (Prof. John Robinson), June Lockhart (Maureen Robinson), Mark Goddard (Maj. Don West), Marta Kristen (Judy Robinson), Angela Cartwright (Penny Robinson), Billy Mumy (Will Robinson), Jonathan Harris (Dr. Zachary Smith)

Premise: Set in the then-future of 1997, Lost in Space follows the Robinson family, selected to colonize a planet orbiting the star Alpha Centauri. Sabotage by the devious Dr. Zachary Smith causes their spaceship, the Jupiter 2, to veer off course, leaving them stranded in uncharted space. The series chronicles their attempts to find a way back to Earth, encountering various alien species and challenges along the way.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

The show’s iconic catchphrase, “Danger, Will Robinson!” became a part of popular culture.
Jonathan Harris’s character, Dr. Smith, was initially written as a serious villain but evolved into a more comedic, cowardly character due to Harris’s portrayal.
The Robot, with its famous lines “It does not compute,” “warning, warning” and “danger, Will Robinson,” became one of the show’s most beloved characters.
The series was rebooted by Netflix in 2018, introducing a new generation to the adventures of the Robinson family.

4. ‘Green Acres’ (1965–1971)

Created by: Jay Sommers

Cast: Eddie Albert (Oliver Wendell Douglas), Eva Gabor (Lisa Douglas), Pat Buttram (Mr. Haney), Tom Lester (Eb Dawson), Alvy Moore (Hank Kimball)

Premise: Green Acres is a rural sitcom (and one of many taken off the air by CBS’ “rural purge” of the early 1970s) about Oliver Wendell Douglas, a successful New York attorney who fulfills his dream of owning a farm. He drags his glamorous, city-loving socialite wife, Lisa, to the countryside, where they encounter a host of eccentric neighbors and face the challenges of farm life. The show’s humor often stems from the clash between Oliver’s idealistic vision of farming and the quirky reality of rural living.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

The show is a spin-off of Petticoat Junction and shares the same fictional universe as The Beverly Hillbillies.
Eva Gabor’s character, Lisa, was known for her humorous malapropisms and glamorous wardrobe, even while performing farm chores.
The show’s theme song became one of the most recognizable TV themes of the era.
Despite its comedic tone, the series subtly satirized aspects of American society, including bureaucracy and the legal system.

5. ‘The Big Valley’ (1965–1969)

Created by: A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman

Cast: Barbara Stanwyck (Victoria Barkley), Richard Long (Jarrod Barkley), Peter Breck (Nick Barkley), Lee Majors (Heath Barkley), Linda Evans (Audra Barkley)

Premise: The Big Valley is a Western drama centered on the Barkley family, wealthy ranchers in California’s San Joaquin Valley during the 1870s. Led by the matriarch Victoria Barkley, the family faces various challenges, including land disputes, social issues, and personal conflicts. Each episode often focuses on a different family member, highlighting their individual struggles and growth.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

Barbara Stanwyck’s portrayal of Victoria Barkley was groundbreaking, presenting a strong, independent female lead in a genre dominated by male characters.
Lee Majors, who played Heath, later became famous for his role as Col. Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man.
The series was known for its high production values, including authentic period costumes and sets.
The Big Valley received multiple award nominations, with Stanwyck winning an Emmy for her performance in 1966.

6. ‘Gidget’ (1965–1966)

Created by: Frederick Kohner (based on his novel)

Cast: Sally Field (Frances “Gidget” Lawrence), Don Porter (Russell Lawrence), Peter Duel (Jeffrey “Moondoggie” Matthews), Lynette Winter (Larue Wilson)

Premise: Gidget follows the adventures of Frances “Gidget” Lawrence, a free-spirited teenager who’s doing her best to handle life, love and surfing in southern California. The show—despite the fact it ran for a single season—captures the youthful optimism of the 1960s, with Gidget serving as a role model for teenage girls.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

Gidget marked Sally Field’s television debut, launching her successful acting career.
Despite its single-season run, the show became iconic and led to multiple TV movies and spin-offs (none of which, it should be noted starred the actress).
The series is credited with popularizing surfing culture in mainstream media.
Sally Field initially felt typecast but later embraced the role’s positive legacy.

7. ‘The Wild Wild West’ (1965–1969)

Created by: Michael Garrison

Cast: Robert Conrad (James T. West), Ross Martin (Artemus Gordon), Michael Dunn (Dr. Miguelito Loveless)

Premise: A unique blend of Western and spy genres (note that it was produced during the height of Bondmania), The Wild Wild West follows Secret Service agents James T. West and Artemus Gordon as they use advanced gadgets and clever disguises to thwart villains in the Old West. Frequently encountering eccentric foes, including the diabolical Dr. Loveless, the duo operates out of a luxurious train and undertakes missions for the U.S. government.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

The series is often referred to as “James Bond on horseback” due to its high-tech gadgets and action.
Robert Conrad performed most of his own stunts, leading to several on-set injuries.
The show faced criticism for its violent content, contributing to its cancellation in 1969.
A 1999 film adaptation starred Will Smith and Kevin Kline but was poorly received (and for good reason).

8. ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ (1965–1971)

Created by: Bernard Fein and Albert S. Ruddy

Cast: Bob Crane (Col. Robert E. Hogan), Werner Klemperer (Col. Wilhelm Klink), John Banner (Sgt. Hans Schultz), Richard Dawson (Cpl. Peter Newkirk)

Premise: Set in a German POW camp during World War II, Hogan’s Heroes is a sitcom that follows the exploits of Allied prisoners who secretly run a sabotage and espionage operation under the nose of their inept Nazi captors. Led by Col. Hogan, the prisoners use cunning schemes to assist the Allied war effort while maintaining the façade of compliance with the camp’s commandant, Col. Klink. To be fair, it isn’t all that difficult to pull the wool over their eyes.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

Werner Klemperer, a Jewish refugee, agreed to play Col. Klink only if the character was portrayed as an incompetent fool.
Many cast members, including Klemperer and John Banner, were Jewish and had fled Europe during the Nazi regime.
The show was criticized for its comedic depiction of a POW camp, but it focused on the prisoners’ resourcefulness rather than glorifying their captors.
Bob Crane’s mysterious death in 1978 added a layer of intrigue to his legacy.

9. ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ (1965–1970)

Created by: Sidney Sheldon

Cast: Barbara Eden (Jeannie), Larry Hagman (Maj. Anthony “Tony” Nelson), Bill Daily (Maj. Roger Healey), Hayden Rorke (Dr. Alfred Bellows)

Premise: When astronaut Tony Nelson discovers a genie bottle on a deserted island, he unwittingly releases Jeannie, a 2,000-year-old genie who becomes devoted to him. As Jeannie tries to fulfill Tony’s every wish, often resulting in all hell breaking loose comically, he struggles to keep her existence a secret from his colleagues and superiors at NASA. Tony exasperation gradually turns to romance with Jeannie, the two getting married in the show’s final season.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

Barbara Eden’s iconic costume was modified to meet network censors’ restrictions, particularly regarding her navel.
Larry Hagman struggled with the show’s comedic tone and the fact that he was considered second by many to be second fiddle to Eden. He later achieved fame in the drama Dallas as J.R. Ewing.
Sidney Sheldon created the series after the success of Bewitched, another supernatural sitcom.
Jeannie’s bottle was actually a repurposed Jim Beam whiskey decanter.

10. ‘Get Smart’ (1965–1970)

Created by: Mel Brooks and Buck Henry

Cast: Don Adams (Maxwell Smart/Agent 86), Barbara Feldon (Agent 99), Edward Platt (Chief)

Premise: A spoof of the spy genre in general and James Bond in particular, Get Smart follows Maxwell Smart, an inept secret agent working for the counterintelligence agency CONTROL. Partnered with the capable Agent 99, Max battles KAOS, an international crime syndicate, using absurd gadgets and unorthodox methods. The show’s humor stems from Max’s clumsiness and unwarranted confidence. If Bond and Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau had a son, he would be Maxwell Smart.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

Don Adams won three consecutive Emmys for his role as Maxwell Smart.
The series introduced iconic catchphrases like “Missed it by that much!” and “Would you believe…?”
The shoe phone became a signature gadget, representing the show’s quirky humor.
Mel Brooks and Buck Henry intended the series to parody the Cold War-era obsession with espionage.

11. ‘The F.B.I.’ (1965–1974)

Created by: Quinn Martin

Cast: Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (Inspector Lewis Erskine), Philip Abbott (Assistant Director Arthur Ward), William Reynolds (Special Agent Tom Colby)

Premise: A procedural drama series based on real cases from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The F.B.I. follows Inspector Lewis Erskine and his team as they investigate crimes ranging from espionage to the mob and bank robberies. The show emphasized authenticity, often collaborating with the FBI to portray accurate law enforcement procedures.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

J. Edgar Hoover, then-director of the FBI, approved the series and provided input to ensure accuracy.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. became synonymous with the role of Erskine, earning multiple award nominations.
The show used dramatized versions of actual FBI cases, which were announced during the end credits.
The FBI’s cooperation included access to real case files and technical advice on set.

12. ‘Days of Our Lives’ (1965–Present)

Created by: Ted and Betty Corday

Cast (Original): Macdonald Carey (Dr. Tom Horton), Frances Reid (Alice Horton), John Clarke (Mickey Horton), Maree Cheatham (Marie Horton)

Premise: Set in the fictional town of Salem, Days of Our Lives focuses on the lives, loves, and dramas of the Horton family and their interconnected community. From romantic entanglements to shocking betrayals, the series has become a staple of daytime television, renowned for its complex characters and long-running storylines.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

Macdonald Carey’s voiceover, “Like sands through the hourglass…” remains iconic.
The show has introduced groundbreaking storylines, including early depictions of LGBTQ+ relationships and social issues.
It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015, with several original cast members returning for special episodes.
The series has won numerous Daytime Emmy Awards and holds a Guinness World Record for longevity.

13. ‘The Dating Game’ (1965–1973)

Created by: Chuck Barris

Cast: Jim Lange (Host)

Premise: An innovative game show, The Dating Game features a single contestant who interviews three potential dates (hidden from view) through a series of playful and often suggestive questions. The contestant then chooses one suitor for a date, which the show provides as a prize. The lighthearted format became a template for future dating shows.

Behind-the-scenes facts:

The show was groundbreaking for its flirtatious tone, which pushed boundaries for 1960s television.
Future celebrities, including Steve Martin, Farrah Fawcett, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, appeared as contestants.
The Dating Game popularized the idea of game shows as entertainment spectacles rather than strictly quiz-based formats.
The show was created by Chuck Barris, who would later create The Gong Show.

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