Back in the 1960s, western dramas such as Bonanza and Gunsmoke dominated the Nielsen Ratings. But comedies and dramas about the United States Military were also popular or perhaps even more so, as there were over 15 shows with a military theme in this decade. By 1969, only one show remained and in the 1970s there were only three shows for the entire decade, likely due to America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. You may not agree with the selections below but I am basing the rankings on popularity amongst the American public back in the day, rather than my own personal preferences.
1) Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C 1964 -1969: Gomer Pyle was originally a character who worked at a gas station in Mayberry North Carolina, in the equally popular Andy Griffith Show. This comedy show ranked in the top three in the country for television shows for four of the five years of its running
2) Hogan’s Heroes 1965 -1971: Another comedy based upon a German POW camp during World War II starring Bob Crane as Colonel Hogan. Some of the memorable German characters in this show were Colonel Klink and Sergeant Schultz who both were Jewish citizens who fled Germany during the war.
3) Combat! 1962 -1967: The television drama also based during World War II was the only other military show to make a yearly top 10 list for the decade. The show starred Vic Jason as Lieutenant Hanley and Vic Morrow as Sergeant Saunders. Morrow later died in a tragic helicopter accident while filming the movie version of The Twilight Zone.
4) Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea 1964 – 1968: Based upon the 1961 film by the same name, this drama starring Richard Basehart and David Hedison was based upon the voyages of the Seaview, an elite Naval submarine taking place in the futuristic 1970s.
5) McHale’s Navy 1962 – 1966: This popular World War II sitcom starred Lieutenant Commander McHale (Ernest Borgnine) and Ensign Park (Tim Conway) who were members of a PT boat crew. Some of you may recall that the then President of the US, John F. Kennedy was the commander of PT 109.
6) Twelve O’ Clock High 1964 – 1967: Yet another drama based upon World War II, this series was based upon the adventures of a US Air Force squadron who flew B-17s and was based in England. It was nominated in 1965 as best TV show by the Golden Globes.
7) F Troop 1965 – 1967: This mid 60s classic featured the United States Cavalry shortly after the Civil War. Although this show was historically inaccurate and only lasted for two years, it had many famous guest stars included Vincent Price, Milton Bearle, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Don Rickles.
8) The Rat Patrol 1966 -1968: World War II drama based in Northern Africa fighting against troops lead by the infamous “Desert Fox” Nazi Field Commander Rommel. The show starred Christopher George, who was a US Marine veteran.
9) Garrison’s Gorillas 1967 -1968: World War II drama based upon ex- cons that become special forces-type soldiers and are promised release from prison after the war. Similar to the 2009 movie Inglorious Bastards in many ways.
10) Ensign O’Toole 1962 – 1963: Lastly this comedy series based in current day, featured Dean Jones as Naval officer on board a US Navy Destroyer.
Other shows that were made in the 1960s included The Lieutenant, Blue Angels, Wackiest Ship in the Army, Custer, No Time for Sergeants, and Mr. Roberts. Some of you might say, well what about Sergeant Bilko? The Phil Silvers Show ended in 1959. I don’t think I missed any others but if I did, please let me know!
