Television Ratings: 1950s Part 1

A TOP 10 Nielsen ratings that charts changes over two seasons for selected popular shows of the 1950s. Check out my TOP 20 ratings charts (Parts 1-6) for the 1960s and (Parts 1-5) for the 1970s.

1952-54: A few shows picked up steam in homes across America. I Love Lucy reigns as number one, and Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts makes a strong showing. While still enjoying radio success, Dragnet remains in top form since its debut in 1951, as has You Bet Your Life. The Colgate Comedy Hour finished its fifth of six seasons in respectable form.

Television Ratings: 1970s Part 1

TV NIELSENS 1970s: (L-R: 70-71/71-72)

Note Robert Young's popularity in Marcus Welby, M.D., Medical Center and Ironside lost viewers; Adam-12 unwavering about mid-pack; Mannix hit its stride with a big jump; The debut of Sanford and Son (gray) proved to be a winner from its 1972 debut. The Doris Day Show (gray) squeaked in a respectable showing for its second season. Rather remarkable considering her character changed every season, from a widow to a single, carefree career woman, i.e., Mary Tyler Moore's hit series. 

Note: Not color-highlighted yet, interesting to note, the Carl Reiner inspiration, The New Dick Van Dyke Show (#18/right column), had its only top 20 rating in its first season with an ideal time slot. However, its ratings were lower than its supporting shows, and it was subsequently moved to the graveyard of doom, Sunday nights. A fourth season never materialized, due mostly to a controversy between Reiner and CBS. A network he refused to work with again.

Television Ratings: 1960s Part 1

There were significant changes in the top 20 Nielsen ratings from (L-R) 1958-60 (Oct-Apr). The Red Skelton Show and Perry Mason gained viewers while The Rifleman looked to be running out of steam at about the mid-series point and the popular The Life and Times of Wyatt Earp was hanging in there by loyal viewers only as it neared its series run.

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