Television Ratings: 1950s Part 3

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.

1956-58: I Love Lucy ended its run in the top spot, allowing Gunsmoke to shoot to number one. Two other long-running Westerns, Have Gun, Will Travel and The Life and Times of Wyatt Earp, were solid at mid-pack starting in 1957. I've Got A Secret was on an upward trajectory, offering the occasional format twists featuring host Garry Moore. December Bride remained solid until the end.

Television Ratings: 1970s Part 3

TV NIELSENS 1970s: (L-R: 74-75/75-76)

The new fad in sitcoms where serious issues are juxtaposed with comedy is led by All In The Family. Four shows (orange) premiered strongly, as did two The Mary Tyler Moore Show spin-offs (yellow). Moore's show, The Waltons, and M.A.S.H. dropped viewership while seven gimmick police/P.I. shows (gray) remain in the bottom ten. The Rockford Files never again ranked in the top twenty, but its fan base skyrocketed in syndication. 

Television Ratings: 1960s Part 3

The mid-decade of loyal or new CBS viewers. These highlighted shows either increased in popularity or remained steady. (1962-64 Oct-Apr)

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