Can You Name These Black and White TV Shows?

By: Sameena Mughal
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name These Black and White TV Shows?
Image: Wiki Commons by CBS Television

About This Quiz

When television was new, people everywhere were curious about it and clamored to get one. Families were just beginning to huddle around the TV to watch their favorite shows. So many shows have come and gone in past decades. The old black and white programs left their marks for different reasons over time. Some were funny. Some were serious. Some introduced the world to music that was never heard before.  

The black and white TV shows set the stage for what would come after. These shows either depicted life as it was or how people wanted it to be. The family-friendly shows like "My Three Sons" and "Leave It to Beaver" had dads that everyone wanted. For adventure seekers and cowboy lovers, there were shows like "Gunsmoke" and "Have Gun — Will Travel" that showed cowboys saving the day. Then, more mysterious and artistic shows captured the imagination. Programs like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone" may have been creepy at times, but they had the audience glued to their seats.

All of these shows were models for what would come later. We still watch many of these classics. We remember some episodes like we just saw them. Go into your memory banks; then, take a look at our pics and see what you know about vintage television!

"Bewitched"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Can you tell us what this show about an enchanting housewife is called?
"Life with Elizabeth"
"Date with the Angels"
"Bewitched"
"The Bob Cummings Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first two seasons of "Bewitched" were shot in black and white; then it switched to color. That wasn't the only change. Two different actors played the male lead, Darrin Stephens, since the original actor, Dick York, left the show due to a lingering back injury.

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"The Addams Family"
Wiki Commons by NBC Television
Do you recognize this "kooky" family comedy?
"I'm Dickens, He's Fenster"
"The Addams Family"
"Crossroads"
"The Betty Hutton Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the original monster sitcoms, "The Addams Family" followed the adventures of Morticia and Gomez Addams. Their eclectic brood included Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Lurch and Cousin Itt. Oh, and don't forget Thing, a severed hand.

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"Howdy Doody"
Wiki Commons by Roy Erickson
What's the name of this famous puppet with his own show?
"Watch With Mother"
"Howdy Doody"
"Blue Peter"
"Kukla, Fran and Ollie"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Howdy Doody" was one of the first children's television shows when it debuted in 1947. The host of the show, Bob Smith, had been on a radio show in which a character named Elmer often said, "howdy doody." The show became a huge success, and he became known as Buffalo Bob.

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"The Lone Ranger"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Can you tell us the name of the series about a "masked man"?
"Brave Eagle"
"The Lone Ranger"
"Buffalo Bill, Jr."
"Buckskin"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Lone Ranger" was a classic hero-saving-the-day kind of show. The masked man and his Native American sidekick, Tonto, did good deeds and never waited around to be thanked, highlighting the goodness of people.

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"The Ed Sullivan Show"
Wiki Commons by Maurice Carnes LaClaire
The first variety show from CBS was named what?
"The Hollywood Palace"
"American Bandstand"
"The Ed Sullivan Show"
"The Jimmy Dean Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Beatles made their first appearance on American television on "The Ed Sullivan Show," live on February 9, 1964. It was a history-making moment that 73 million people tuned in to watch.

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"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Do you know this true-to-life TV classic?
"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet"
"Our Miss Brooks"
"Beulah"
"December Bride"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ozzie and Harriet Nelson fashioned their show after their real life. They had the same first and last names in real life and on the show, as did their sons, Rick and David. Even the house on the show looked like their real house.

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"The Bing Crosby Show"
Wiki Commons by CBS Radio
Do you know the name of this crooner's short-lived show?
"F Troop"
"Grindl"
"The Bing Crosby Show"
"Wendy and Me"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Bing Crosby Show" only lasted a season. Despite the singer's vocal stylings, audiences just didn't connect with Bing Crosby playing a former crooner teaching electrical engineering.

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"Green Acres"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
What's this sitcom about "farm livin'" called?
"The Beverly Hillbillies"
"Green Acres"
"Mayberry R.F.D."
"Petticoat Junction"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Green Acres" had a fish-out-of-water premise, following the lives of New Yorkers Oliver Wendell Douglas and Lisa Douglas as they figure out how to live as farmers in a place called Hooterville. The breakout character of the show was Arnold Ziffel, a pig.

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"Perry Mason"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
Do you recognize this courtroom drama about a defender of the falsely accused?
"The Trials of O'Brien"
"The Defenders"
"Perry Mason"
"Mannix"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Perry Mason" was based on books of the same name. The author, Erle Stanley Gardner, started his own production company to bring his character to life. He even brought on real attorneys to the production team.

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"Hazel"
Wiki Commons by NBC Television
Before "The Help," there was this program. Would you tell us its name?
"Hazel"
"Pete and Gladys"
"Love on a Rooftop"
"Gidget"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Hazel" follows the adventures of a live-in housekeeper named Hazel who has a lot to say. She works for the Baxter family and is often butting heads with George Baxter, the family patriarch. Because of her strong will, she mostly gets her way.

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"The Dick Van Dyke Show"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
Can you name this show about a television writer?
"The Dick Van Dyke Show"
"Make Room for Daddy"
"Good Morning, World"
"That Girl"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A television classic, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" was the winner of 15 Emmy Awards and only ended because of the stars wanting to move on. Mary Tyler Moore is credited for creating the capri pants trend at the time.

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"I Love Lucy"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
Do you remember this red-headed queen of comedy and her show?
"Annie Oakley"
"Blondie"
"December Bride"
"I Love Lucy"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"I Love Lucy" is one of the most beloved shows of all time. The show's stars, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, changed how television operated by producing the show themselves, which was unheard of at the time.

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"Dennis the Menace"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
What do you call this classic about a troublemaking boy?
"Dennis the Menace"
"The Stu Irwin Show"
"The Hathaways"
"My Three Sons"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sitcom "Dennis the Menace" was based on a comic strip of the same name. The title character got into many adventures and annoyed his neighbor, Mr. Wilson, to no end. Both Dennis and Mr. Wilson also made an appearance on "The Donna Reed Show."

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"Leave It to Beaver"
Wiki Commons by Pat McDermott
"Gee whiz!" Can you remember this "goofy" show?
"The Wonder Years"
"Channing"
"Leave It to Beaver"
"The Growing Paynes"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You would think a show that premiered the same day that the Sputnik satellite launched would have an auspicious start. That wasn't the case for "Leave to Beaver," however. It was canceled by CBS, only to be picked up by ABC, then lasting five seasons.

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"Rawhide"
CBS
"Ride 'em in. Cut 'em out." What do you call this show?
"Rawhide"
"Bronco"
"The Gabby Hayes Show"
"Gunsmoke"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The classic TV Western "Rawhide" ran for eight seasons. Its star, Clint Eastwood, would achieve more success in movie Westerns. He gave a nod to his "Rawhide" days when he wore the boots from the show in his movie "Unforgiven."

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"Mister Ed"
Wiki Commons by Coulter-Strauss Public Relations
What was this program about a talking horse called?
"Fury"
"Mister Ed"
"The Texan"
"My Friend Flicka"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Mister Ed" was based on a short story that first appeared in "Liberty" magazine in 1937. In the show, the horse was played by a palomino named Bamboo Harvester and a stunt double called Pumpkin.

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"Dragnet"
Wiki Commons by NBC Television
Before "NYPD Blue," there was this classic crime drama. What's it called?
"Burke's Law"
"Dragnet"
"Adam-12"
"Arrest and Trial"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Dragnet" first aired in black in white from 1951 to 59. It starred Jack Webb as tough cop Joe Friday. He directed many of the episodes and was one of the reasons the show was so realistic.

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"Father Knows Best"
CBS
Can you name this program, centered on a wise patriarch, his wife and his kids?
"Bachelor Father"
"The Bob Cummings Show"
"The Goldbergs"
"Father Knows Best"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Father Knows Best" was not a hit when it first aired on CBS in 1954. The network canceled it, and after public outcry, NBC picked it up. When ratings soared, the show made its way back to CBS.

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"The Adventures of Robin Hood"
ATV London
This show about a band of "merry" outlaws and their leader was called what?
"Playhouse 90"
"Whirlybirds"
"The Adventures of Robin Hood"
"Big Town"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Robin Hood story has received many treatments, following the adventures of noble thieves. The television series "The Adventures of Robin Hood" was filmed in England and saw success on both sides of the pond.

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"The Donna Reed Show"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Do you know this sitcom starring an "It's a Wonderful Life" actress?
"Angel"
"The Real McCoys"
"The Ann Sothern Show"
"The Donna Reed Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Donna Reed Show" was a family show that focused on the lives of the Stones. During the show's run, the two young stars of the show, Shelley Fabares and Paul Petersen, had songs that became hits.

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"Tales of the Texas Rangers"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Before Walker, there was this '50s show. What is it?
"Sergeant Preston of the Yukon"
"Cavalcade of America"
"Mack and Myer for Hire"
"Tales of the Texas Rangers"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Tales of the Texas Rangers" is one of many television programs that started off as a radio show. The police drama was like a "CSI" of its time, attempting to be as true-to-life as possible.

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"The Abbott and Costello Show"
Wiki Commons by NBC Radio
Do you recognize these comic actors and their show?
"The Real McCoys"
"The Colgate Comedy Hour"
"The Abbott and Costello Show"
"Mr. Peepers"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Abbott and Costello" was a slapstick comedy show featuring Bud Abbott as the straight man and Lou Costello as the wise guy. Their classic routine "Who's on First?" is forever remembered as a comedy classic.

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"The Three Stooges"
Wiki Commons by NBC Television
Can you tell us what this comedy about fools is called?
"Benny Hill"
"The Three Stooges"
"Meet Corliss Archer"
"Ford Theatre"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry, Moe and Curly — or sometimes Shemp or Joe — were the characters featured on the "Three Stooges" television show. The show was actually made up of a series of short films they made for Columbia Pictures.

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"Peyton Place"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
The first nighttime soap opera was named what?
"Empire"
"Peyton Place"
"The Young Marrieds"
"The Travels of Jamie McPheeters"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Peyton Place" was a prime time serial based on a book. The show's original cast included Mia Farrow and Ryan O'Neal, before they went on to their successful Hollywood careers.

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"Lassie"
Wiki Commons by Dell Mulmey
Who was the loyal dog with her own show?
"Benji"
"The Everglades"
"Lassie"
"Flipper"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although Lassie was referred to as female on the show, the canine was actually male, played by many different dogs during its 20-year run, from 1954 to 1974. Lassie also lived with several different families.

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"The Mickey Mouse Club"
Wiki Commons by Macfadden Publications
Can you guess what this children's variety show is called?
"Walt Disney's Wonderful World"
"The Mickey Mouse Club"
"Spin and Marty"
"The Muppet Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the time of Britney Spears, "The Mickey Mouse Club" had its first run, from 1955 to 1958. Mouseketeer Annette Funicello went on to great success doing beach movies with Frankie Avalon.

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"The Untouchables"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Do you recognize one of the original police dramas, set during Prohibition?
"Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse"
"Checkmate"
"Cain's Hundred"
"The Untouchables"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before Kevin Costner played Eliot Ness in the movie version of "The Untouchables," Robert Stack played the real-life federal agent in a TV drama of the same name. After a rocky start due to critics' disapproval, the show went on to film for four seasons.

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"The Roy Rogers Show"
Wiki Commons by frontrowkid
Can you tell us the name of this show with the famous cowboy?
"The Roy Rogers Show"
"Sugarfoot"
"Laramie"
"The Rebel"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Roy Rogers Show" had a successful six-year run on television. It starred the cowboy himself and his wife, Dale Evans. The show also made Rogers' horse, Trigger, a star who eventually had a comic book named after him.

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"The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin"
Wiki Commons by James Brown
This show went to the dogs. Do you know it?
"Rescue 8"
"Circus Boy"
"Jungle Jim"
"The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin" followed a young orphan named Rusty and his trusty German shepherd, Rin Tin Tin. They are cared for by U.S. Cavalry troops in Arizona, where they all work to tame the American West.

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"The Patty Duke Show"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Can you tell us what this classic sitcom about lookalikes was called?
"Double Trouble"
"The Dennis O'Keefe Show"
"Bus Stop"
"The Patty Duke Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Patty Duke Show" had the actress performing double duty as cousins who look like identical twins. The show explains the unusual biological occurrence by the girls' fathers being identical twins. Still, audiences watched for three seasons.

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"The Phil Silvers Show"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
Can you remember the name of this show about a conniving army sergeant?
"The Phil Silvers Show"
"The Red Skelton Show"
"Your Show of Shows"
"You Bet Your Life"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Phil Silvers Show" is considered by many to be comedy genius. The cocreator of "Seinfeld," Larry David, has said the show was a favorite of his, and it inspired episodes of the popular show.

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"Gilligan's Island"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
Can you say the name of this show about castaways?
"It's About Time"
"The Good Guys"
"Gilligan's Island"
"Hogan's Heroes"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A show about seven people stuck on an "uncharted desert isle," "Gilligan's Island" was not a success with critics when it first aired in 1964. Its original run was about three years. It became popular through syndication.

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"The Rifleman"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
Do you remember this Western, centered on a hero rancher?
"The Rifleman"
"The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp"
"Maverick"
"Bonanza"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Rifleman" wasn't just your ordinary gunslinger series. It focused on widower, rancher and single father Lucas McCain, who was raising his son in the New Mexico territory. It was the first series to show a single parent household.

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"The Fugitive"
Wiki Commons by WBKB-TV/ABC
What is this mystery show about a doctor on the lam called?
"The Fugitive"
"Route 66"
"Naked City"
"Richard Diamond, Private Detective"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Fugitive" wasn't just a hit movie starring Harrison Ford. It was also a successful television program about the plight of the wrongly accused Richard Kimble, played by David Janssen. The series finale was one of the highest rated of the time.

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"Highway Patrol"
Ziv Television Programs
What is the name of this police drama with great car chases?
"Highway Patrol"
"Sgt. Bilko"
"Hawaiian Eye"
"77 Sunset Strip"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Due to filming in visually stunning locations and using artsy camera angles, "Highway Patrol" had flash and style that audiences loved. They also loved the leader of the squad, Dan Mathews, who barked orders from his radio.

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"Peter Gunn"
Wiki Commons by NBC Television
Do you know this jazzy noir show with the famous theme song?
"Target: The Corruptors!"
"The Detectives"
"Richard Diamond, Private Detective"
"Peter Gunn"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Peter Gunn" was created by none other than comedy filmmaker Blake Edwards. He also directed and wrote episodes of the Emmy-nominated show. The film's theme song won Emmy and Grammy awards for composer Henry Mancini.

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"Wagon Train"
Wiki Commons by ABC Television
What is this show about cowboys trekking across the Midwest?
"Tales of Wells Fargo"
"Death Valley Days"
"Cheyenne"
"Wagon Train"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Wagon Train" was number one when it first premiered in 1957. It depicted the journeys of a wagon train and the people they encountered along the way, which included characters played by movie stars like Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan, the future president.

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"The Life of Riley"
Wiki Commons by NBC Television
What was the name of this '50s forerunner of "American Dad"?
"The Great Gildersleeve"
"Joe and Mabel"
"The Life of Riley"
"Life With Luigi"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Life of Riley" was originally a radio show during WWII and beyond, following the antics of blue collar dad, Chester A. Riley, the well-intentioned but bumbling hero. The actor who played Riley on the radio show, William Bendix, also played him on the TV show, after a couple of seasons that featured Jackie Gleason in the role.

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"Texaco Star Theatre"
Wiki Commons by CBS Radio
Can you name this show that gave the world Milton Berle?
"The George Gobel Show"
"The Perry Como Show"
"Texaco Star Theatre"
"The Millionaire"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Texaco Star Theatre" took its host, Milton Berle, to superstardom in its eight-year run. The former vaudeville performer eventually earned the nicknames "Uncle Miltie" and "Mr. Television" on the show.

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"The Honeymooners"
Wiki Commons by CBS Television
Do you recognize this golden bit of television and its loudmouth star?
"I Married Joan"
"The Honeymooners"
"My Little Margie"
"Dear Phoebe"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Honeymooners" started as a sketch, first on "The Cavalcade of Stars" and then on the "Jackie Gleason Show." Eventually, it became a standalone show. CBS shot 39 episodes live in front of a studio audience before they canceled it less than a year later.

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Wiki Commons by CBS Television