The golden age of television began in the early 1950 s when I was just a child. Some of the TV programs that were popular then are still shown in syndication on TV today on channels like the TVL and channel and the Turner Broadcasting Station (TBS).
There is almost no comparison between what was aired then and what we see on television now. TV back in the 50 s and 60 s was innocent and predictable, entertaining, and memorable. After all, there was not much else to do back then after the sun went down except to come into the house and sit down in front of the single TV set to watch whatever show, movie, sitcom, or documentary was set before us. As a person of color I couldn’t “relate” to many of the characters portrayed on TV.
There was little or no diversity in the performers. But the shows’ content often made me feel good about the day and hopeful about the future. Then there were the action and adventure programs- westerns in particular like, Rawhide, Gunsmoke, and Wagon Train. Shows like The Ed Sullivan Show were responsible for introducing more new talent to American audiences than anyone in the history of broadcasting.
Likewise shows like Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour and The Arthur Godfrey Show gave the underdogs an opportunity to show their talents. TV Sitcoms like I Love Lucy, The Burns and -Allen Show and The Andy Griffith Show gave us constant laughs. In retrospect, the Golden Age of Television impresses me because the comedy was wholesome and unpretentious. In the drama there were no social conflicts such as we have today like teenage pregnancy; HIV and Aids; spiraling divorces, racial prejudice, age and sex discrimination etc.
The Term Paper on The Impact Of Television On The Film Industry
... the year, that defined the medium’s Golden Age. Television?s Golden Age consisted mainly of variety shows because of ... iconoscope, two American researchers invented the electronic television system. Television sets, computers, automated teller machines, video game ... and its potential convenience. Despite its popularity, television set production and broadcasting was temporarily halted ...
The comedy was clean and G-rated. The action and adventure was exciting and not as bloody as it is today. Because TV was new in the early 50 s’ every program was a first. It was a novelty that had a captive audience every weekday evening and all day Saturdays and Sundays. It was the central medium of entertainment and diversion for almost every home – including mine.
One notable thing to be said is that all programs could be viewed by an entire audience – child, adult, male, female. TV content today is rated based on how suitable it is for certain audience segments. There is increased violence, sex, nudity, and obscene language making some programming unacceptable for some age groups. Sitcoms today demonstrate a different type of humor- much of it has sexual overtones. Action and Adventure programs today tend to be more violent and bloody. Dramas depict situations taken right from today’s newspaper headlines.
Storylines are more social or political in nature. The variety shows of the 50 s and 60 s has given way to the reality shows of the 21 st century. The likes of Survivor, Fear Factor, The Bachelor, and American Idol have consumed us. The westerns of the 50 s and 60 s have virtually disappeared. Most comedy / variety shows today can only be seen on cable TV because of their R ratings. Yes, I am impressed with the golden years of television mainly because of their longevity and staying power.
One can still see re-runs of many of the shows of the 50 s, 60 s, and 70 s on television today. And some of the shows have been remade into more modern versions of the same. There are days when you don’t want to watch gunfights, murders, and soapy, teary dramas. An episode of I Love Lucy or Gomer Pyle is just what the doctor ordered..
