Television · 1959
Golden Age Visions, Color Westerns, and Twilight Zones
In 1959, television expanded its artistic boundaries with groundbreaking sci-fi anthologies, full-color prime-time Westerns, and sophisticated animation. As international broadcasting matured, live news events like the Moscow Kitchen Debate showcased the medium's unmatched power to capture global political drama.
- CBS / US / Sci-Fi Anthology
The Twilight Zone
Rod Serling's iconic anthology series debuts, blending fantasy, science fiction, and sharp social commentary into landmark television storytelling.
- NBC / US / Color Western
Bonanza
The Cartwright family makes their debut in television's first regular full-color prime-time Western, becoming an enduring pop culture phenomenon.
- NBC & CBS / US & USSR / News Event
The Nixon-Khrushchev 'Kitchen Debate'
An impromptu Cold War debate between Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in Moscow is broadcast to millions of viewers.
- CBS / US / Western Series
Rawhide
The long-running cattle-drive drama premieres on CBS, launching a young Clint Eastwood into international stardom as Rowdy Yates.
- ABC / US / Animated Comedy
Rocky and His Friends
Jay Ward's witty animated series introduces Rocky and Bullwinkle, pioneering self-referential cartoon satire aimed at both kids and adults.
- ABC / US / Crime Drama
The Untouchables
Robert Stack stars as Prohibition agent Eliot Ness in a gritty, action-packed crime series that becomes a massive ratings hit.
- BBC / UK / Music Panel Show
Juke Box Jury
Host David Jacobs invites celebrity panelists to judge the latest pop record releases, creating a weekend viewing staple for British teenagers.
- NBC / US / Live Special
11th Primetime Emmy Awards
Broadcast in color for the first time, the awards ceremony sees 'An Evening with Fred Astaire' sweep an unprecedented nine statuettes.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?