Aired: 1968 – 2001
Budget: $45 million in total
“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is one of the most cherished shows of all time. The show starred Fred Rogers, who invited guests to come on the show for educational segments and skits. The show was aimed at children, though many adults would tune in as well.
“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” debuted on NET and then on NET’s successor, PBS, from 1968 to 2001, making it one of the longest-running shows of all time.
The Flintstones
Aired: 1960 – 1966
Budget: $350,000 per episode
"The Flinstones" is one of the most popular cartoon television shows in history and the first animated series to have a prime-time slot on ABC. "The Flinstones" followed cavepeople in the Stone Age dealing with everyday problems.
Created by none other than Hanna-Barbera, the show featured the voices of some of animation's greatest such as Don Messick and Mel Blanc. The show was ranked the second-greatest animated TV show of all time by TV Guide. If that isn't an indication of its success, we don't know what is!
Felix the Cat
Aired: 1953 – 1961
Budget: $10,000 per episode
Before Mickey Mouse and Disney stole his success, Felix the Cat was the first animated character to have the same admiration as movie stars. "Felix the Cat" was a part of the silent film era, the black and white cat is one of the most recognizable cartoons in history.
Pat Sullivan, along with lead animator, Otto Messmer, kept the show going from 1929 to 1930, and in 1953 Felix cartoons began airing on American television. Felix has since starred in other television programs and two feature films.
Leave it to Beaver
Aired: 1957 – 1963
Budget: $30,000-$40,000 per episode
"Leave it to Beaver" has made a reputation for itself as one of the most iconic shows in history. The sitcom aimed towards children had six seasons and 234 episodes and starred Barbara Billingsley, Jerry Mathers, Tony Dow, and Hugh Beaumont.
The Cleavers represent "The American Dream," the ideal version of a 1950s family, and centered around "The Beaver." The adventurous boy seemed to always get into trouble, whether it be at home, school, or in the neighborhood.
Mighty Mouse Playhouse
Aired: 1955 – 1967
Budget: $50,000 per episode
"Mighty Mouse Playhouse" was a collection of short films starring the animated character Mighty Mouse. CBS ran the show for a half-hour from 1955 until 1967, making the character much more popularized than ever before.
The low-budget animation company was sold to CBS when more and more companies left behind short films and moved towards television shows. "Mighty Mouse" had a total of an astounding eighty short films throughout its run!