14 Terrible 1960s TV Shows We’d Rather Forget

The 1960s was a golden era for television, brimming with innovation and memorable shows. However, not everything that aired during this time turned to gold. Behind the glow of hits like “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek,” there lurked some truly terrible television misfires.

From outlandish plots to cringe-worthy performances, these shows left audiences scratching their heads. While it’s fun to reminisce about the good, let’s take a humorous journey through some of the less successful offerings from this vibrant decade.

Ready to roll your eyes? Here are 14 TV shows from the 1960s we’d rather forget.

1. My Mother the Car

Television in the 1960s certainly had its share of quirky premises, but My Mother the Car may take the cake—or the spare tire.

This oddball comedy featured a man navigating life with his deceased mother reincarnated as a 1928 Porter car. The concept was ambitious but quickly ran out of gas, leaving viewers stranded in a sea of awkward dialogue and forced humor.

Though it tried to rev up the laughs, critics weren’t buying the ticket, and the show sputtered to a halt after just one season. It’s a reminder that not every unique idea makes for a smooth ride.

2. The Flying Nun

Taking a leap of faith into the absurd, The Flying Nun starred a young Sally Field as Sister Bertrille, a nun whose aerodynamic headpiece allowed her to soar through the skies. While the concept might have seemed heavenly on paper, its execution left many grounded.

Field’s undeniable charm couldn’t quite elevate the series above its flimsy special effects and illogical premise. Despite its three-season flight, the show is remembered more for its silliness than its substance.

3. It’s About Time

Time travel is often a winning recipe for entertainment, but It’s About Time managed to turn a promising concept into a prehistoric misstep. The show followed astronauts stuck in the Stone Age, where slapstick humor reigned supreme.

Instead of evolving into clever storytelling, the series devolved into a string of tired gags. Its caricatured portrayal of cavemen didn’t help matters, leaving audiences feeling as stuck as the characters.

Unsurprisingly, it was sent back to the past after just one season.

4. Gilligan’s Island

Although it holds a cult following today, Gilligan’s Island was often criticized during its original run for its repetitive plots and slapstick humor. The show chronicled the endless misadventures of shipwrecked castaways whose attempts at escape were hilariously thwarted by their own ineptitude.

While some viewers found its kitschy charm endearing, others couldn’t get past the lack of depth or character development. Despite its flaws, the series remains a nostalgic emblem of 1960s TV tropes.

5. The Beverly Hillbillies

The Beverly Hillbillies was a ratings juggernaut, but not everyone was on board with its fish-out-of-water humor. The show followed the Clampett family as they navigated life in Beverly Hills, often relying on outdated stereotypes for laughs.

While it occasionally hit the mark with clever satire, many episodes leaned too heavily on predictable, lowbrow humor. Despite its divisiveness, the show’s nine-season run proves that sometimes, familiarity triumphs over finesse.

6. The Pruitts of Southampton

A wealthy family hiding their financial ruin might sound like a solid setup for comedy, but The Pruitts of Southampton struggled to strike the right balance. Even with the legendary Phyllis Diller at the helm, the show couldn’t deliver the laughs it promised.

Its attempts at humor often fell flat, leaving the juxtaposition of wealth and bankruptcy feeling more awkward than amusing. The series was short-lived, becoming one of the decade’s less memorable experiments.

7. Petticoat Junction

Spinning off from The Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction centered on the Shady Rest Hotel and its colorful cast of characters. Unfortunately, it often felt like a diluted version of its predecessor.

With recycled jokes and thin character development, the show relied heavily on its rural charm to stay afloat. While it managed a respectable seven seasons, it’s not exactly remembered as a pinnacle of 1960s television.

8. The Ugliest Girl in Town

This comedy about a man posing as a woman for career advancement hasn’t aged well. The Ugliest Girl in Town leaned on a gimmick that quickly wore thin, with jokes that often veered into offensive territory.

Even by 1960s standards, the humor felt dated, and audiences found more cringe than comedy. Unsurprisingly, the show was swiftly canceled after just one season.

9. Mr. Terrific

In the era of burgeoning superhero TV shows, Mr. Terrific tried to add humor to the mix but fell flat. The show followed Stanley Beamish, a gas station attendant turned superhero thanks to a special pill.

Rather than thrilling adventures, viewers were treated to lackluster comedy and uninspired storytelling. The concept had potential, but poor execution left it powerless against cancellation.

10. The Brady Bunch

Although it’s now a beloved cultural icon, The Brady Bunch faced criticism during its original run for its overly saccharine plots and clichéd dialogue. The show painted an idyllic portrait of a blended family, but its lack of realism and depth turned off many critics.

Despite this, its nostalgic appeal has only grown over the years, proving that sometimes, even a sugary premise can become sweet in hindsight.

11. The Green Hornet

Despite Bruce Lee’s captivating performance as Kato, The Green Hornet struggled to find its footing. The show’s tone was much darker and more serious than its contemporaries, which may have alienated viewers looking for lighter fare.

While Lee’s martial arts sequences were a highlight, the lackluster writing and slow pacing kept the series from reaching its potential. Today, it’s remembered fondly by fans of Lee, but less so for its overall quality.

12. The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

This supernatural sitcom followed a widow and her ghostly sea captain roommate, blending whimsy and comedy with mixed results. Though the premise had charm, the execution often felt flat, with humor that struggled to land.

The show’s pacing and lack of depth contributed to its short lifespan, making it a ghost of what it could have been.

13. Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp

What’s better than a spy spoof? Apparently, someone thought the answer was chimpanzees playing secret agents. Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp relied on novelty rather than substance, with antics that amused briefly before growing tiresome.

While the chimps were undeniably adorable, the thin plotlines and repetitive jokes made the show feel like a one-trick pony. It remains a curious relic of television’s wilder experiments.

14. Shindig!

A variety show featuring the hottest acts of the 60s sounds like a recipe for success, but Shindig! struggled to balance its star power with consistent quality. The performances often outshone the show itself, leaving it feeling like a missed opportunity.

Despite its uneven content, Shindig! offers a nostalgic snapshot of 1960s pop culture and the burgeoning music scene of the era.