50 TV Shows Quiz: Recall the Classics

[A] Seinfeld | "Seinfeld" is a groundbreaking sitcom that revolutionized television with its unique blend of humor and the mundane. Despite its focus on the trivial, "Seinfeld" managed to tackle social issues with subtlety and wit that resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic.

[A] I Love Lucy | "I Love Lucy" is a pioneering American television sitcom that aired from 1951 to 1957, starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley. The series is known for its physical comedy, memorable catchphrases, and the chemistry between its characters.

[C] The Honeymooners | "The Honeymooners" is a seminal sitcom that laid the groundwork for many future television comedies. It is celebrated for its ability to entertain while also providing a glimpse into the lives of working-class Americans in the 1950s, making it a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by generations of TV viewers.

[B] All in the Family | "All in the Family" was a groundbreaking American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1971 to 1979, addressing various social and political issues of the time through the life of the Bunker family. The show was a ratings juggernaut, topping the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years and winning numerous Emmy Awards.

[D] The Sopranos | "The Sopranos" is a critically acclaimed drama series that aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007. It follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he navigates the complexities of his criminal organization and his family life.

[B] 60 Minutes | As a pioneer in the news magazine format, "60 Minutes" has been a mainstay of American television since its debut in 1968. With a reputation for rigorous investigative journalism and insightful newsmaker interviews, it has become a staple for viewers seeking in-depth analysis and commentary on the week's events.

[B] Late Show with David Letterman | The "Late Show with David Letterman" was a late-night television talk show that aired on CBS from 1993 to 2015. Known for its top-notch guest lineup and Letterman's quirky humor, the show was a significant part of late-night television and contributed greatly to the genre.

[D] The Simpsons | "The Simpsons" is a groundbreaking animated sitcom that has been a staple of American television since it first premiered in 1989. The show centers on the antics of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—in the fictional town of Springfield. With its clever writing, satirical take on contemporary society, and memorable characters, "The Simpsons" has become a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

[C] The Andy Griffith Show | "The Andy Griffith Show" is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1960 to 1968. The show's gentle portrayal of small-town life and its memorable characters have made it a beloved part of American television history.

[D] Saturday Night Live | "Saturday Night Live" is an iconic American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show that has been broadcast since 1975. It is known for its celebrity hosts, live musical acts, and a regular ensemble of performers who create characters and comedic sketches.

[A] The Mary Tyler Moore Show | "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was a groundbreaking sitcom that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous Emmy Awards and being praised for its innovative approach to sitcom storytelling.

[B] The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | As the "King of Late Night TV," Johnny Carson dominated the medium's nether hours for three decades with his iconic show, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Known for his opening monologue, clever skits, and memorable characters, Carson created a sense of intimacy with his guests and audiences that made him a beloved figure in American television history.

[A] The Dick Van Dyke Show | "The Dick Van Dyke Show" is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1961 to 1966. The show was praised for its innovative format, which blended elements of both workplace and domestic comedy, and it has endured as a significant influence on sitcoms that followed.

[C] Hill Street Blues | "Hill Street Blues" is a pioneering American police drama television series that aired on NBC from 1981 to 1987. With its raw and realistic portrayal of police work, "Hill Street Blues" broke new ground in the television landscape and garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple Emmy Awards.

[B] Toast of the Town | "Toast of the Town" was the original title of the legendary television variety show hosted by Ed Sullivan, which later became known as "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1955. The show debuted on CBS on June 20, 1948, and was a platform for numerous artists and entertainers, featuring a wide array of acts including comedians, musicians, dancers, and novelty acts. It was known for its diverse lineup and for introducing many performers to a national audience for the first time, such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

[D] The Carol Burnett Show | "The Carol Burnett Show" was an American television variety and sketch comedy program that aired for 11 seasons from 1967 to 1978 on CBS. Known for its spontaneity and energy, the show often included Q&A segments with the studio audience and was renowned for its movie parodies such as "Went with the Wind" and "From Here to Maternity."

[B] Today | "Today" is a long-running American morning television show that airs on NBC. It debuted on January 14, 1952, and is the fifth-longest-running American network television program. The show is known for its format which includes a mix of news, interviews, and human interest stories, as well as segments on weather, financial news, and lifestyle features.

[A] Cheers | "Cheers" is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1993. The show was known for its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and warm atmosphere. "Cheers" received critical acclaim for its writing and acting, earning 28 Emmy Awards during its run.

[C] Thirtysomething | "Thirtysomething" was an American television drama series that aired from 1987 to 1991. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of adult life and its in-depth character development, making it a significant show of the late 1980s.

[C] St. Elsewhere | "St. Elsewhere" is an American medical drama television series that originally ran on NBC from October 26, 1982, to May 25, 1988. The series was a critical success, earning numerous awards and nominations during its run.

[A] Friends | "Friends" is an iconic American television sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004. The series explores the themes of friendship, love, and career, and is celebrated for its ensemble cast, humor, and the chemistry between the characters.

[B] ER | "ER" is a highly acclaimed American medical drama television series that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994, to April 2, 2009. The show won 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, including the 1996 Outstanding Drama Series award, and received 124 Emmy nominations, making it the most nominated drama program in history.

[D] ABC News Nightline | "ABC News Nightline" is a distinguished late-night news program that has been a significant part of American television journalism since March 24, 1980. It is known for its award-winning journalism and has been honored with several prestigious awards, including multiple Peabody Awards.

[B] Law & Order | "Law & Order" is a long-running American legal drama television series that aired on NBC from 1990 to 2010. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system and its ability to tackle current social issues.

[B] M*A*S*H | "M*A*S*H" is a groundbreaking American television series that aired from 1972 to 1983. The show was a critical success and remains a classic in television history, with a finale that is still one of the most-watched television events of all time.

[C] The Twilight Zone | "The Twilight Zone" is a legendary American television series created by Rod Serling that originally aired from 1959 to 1964. The show is known for its anthology format, featuring standalone episodes with different characters, settings, and plots that often involve science fiction, suspense, or supernatural elements.

[A] Sesame Street | "Sesame Street" is a groundbreaking American educational children's television series that first aired in 1969. The show won numerous awards and is considered a landmark in children's television programming, having a profound and lasting impact on generations of viewers.

[D] The Cosby Show | "The Cosby Show" was a popular American television sitcom that aired on NBC from September 20, 1984, to April 30, 1992. The series was praised for its wholesome humor and relatable family dynamics, and it became a cultural touchstone for many viewers.

[D] The Phil Donahue Show | Phil Donahue was a pioneer in the world of television, creating a new genre of daytime talk shows with his program "The Phil Donahue Show," which aired from 1967 to 1996. Donahue revolutionized the format by introducing audience participation, tackling controversial topics, and focusing on social issues, which was a stark contrast to the more celebrity-centric talk shows of the time.

[B] Your Show of Shows | "Your Show of Shows" was a pioneering live 90-minute variety show broadcast weekly in the United States on NBC from February 25, 1950, to June 5, 1954. The show was a significant influence on later variety and sketch comedy shows, and its legacy can still be felt in television comedy today. It was ranked #30 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2002.

[C] The Defenders | "The Defenders" is a team of four superheroes from Marvel Comics who come together to fight against evil and protect New York City. The show is known for its action, drama, and the unique abilities each member brings to the team.

[C] An American Family | "An American Family" was a groundbreaking documentary series that aired on PBS in 1973. It is considered one of the first reality television series, capturing the daily life of the Loud family from Santa Barbara, California.

[B] Playhouse 90 | "Playhouse 90" was a distinguished American television anthology series that aired on CBS from 1956 to 1961. The series was remembered for its high production values and the impact it had on the television industry, with episodes like "Requiem for a Heavyweight," written by Rod Serling, which won numerous Emmys and was later adapted into a feature film. The series is considered a benchmark for dramatic anthology programs and a testament to the power of live television drama.

[D] Frasier | "Frasier" is a critically acclaimed American sitcom that aired on NBC from 1993 to 2004. The show is known for its clever writing, memorable characters, and insightful exploration of family dynamics. It has received numerous awards, including a record-setting 37 Primetime Emmy Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the best television series of all time.

[C] Roseanne | "Roseanne" is a groundbreaking American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1988 to 1997, with a revival season in 2018. The show tackled various social and family issues with both humor and heart, earning it critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

[D] The Fugitive | "The Fugitive" is a classic American television drama that originally aired from 1963 to 1967. The show follows the story of Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and who escapes custody to search for the real killer, a one-armed man.

[A] The X-Files | "The X-Files" is a groundbreaking American science fiction drama television series created by Chris Carter. Premiering on the Fox network on September 10th, 1993, the show lasted nine seasons in its original run, with two additional seasons airing in 2016 and 2018. The show is known for its blend of suspense, complex storytelling, and character-driven drama. It has garnered a cult following and critical acclaim, earning multiple awards, including 16 Emmy Awards.

[B] The Larry Sanders Show | "The Larry Sanders Show" is an HBO television sitcom that aired from 1992 to 1998, created by and starring Garry Shandling as Larry Sanders, a fictional talk-show host. The show was praised for its innovative approach to the sitcom format and its unflinching look at the dark side of show business. It has been recognized as a significant influence on later television comedies and remains a cult classic.

[C] The Rockford Files | "The Rockford Files" is a classic American detective drama television series that aired on NBC between September 13, 1974, and January 10, 1980. The show was created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, and it has been praised for its innovative storytelling and Garner's charismatic performance.

[A] Gunsmoke | "Gunsmoke" is a classic American television Western drama series that aired on CBS from 1955 to 1975. The show tackled various social issues and is remembered for its fine ensemble cast, which included Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, and Milburn Stone. It has been praised for its high production values and engaging storytelling, and it remains a significant part of television history.

[C] Buffy the Vampire Slayer | "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is a cult classic American television series that aired from 1997 to 2003. The series has left a lasting impact on popular culture and is celebrated for its innovative storytelling and character development.

[B] Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In | "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" was a popular American sketch comedy television series that aired from 1967 to 1973. The show was known for its rapid-fire style of comedy sketches, punchlines, and gags edited together in a fast-paced and almost random format. It featured trademark elements such as the joke wall and the Fickle Finger of Fate award.

[B] Bonanza | "Bonanza" is an iconic American western television series that aired on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. The show is recognized as the second-longest-running western series, with a total of 14 seasons and 430 episodes, just behind "Gunsmoke."

[D] The Bob Newhart Show | "The Bob Newhart Show" is an American situation comedy that aired on CBS from September 16, 1972, to April 1, 1978. The show earned several Emmy nominations during its run and is remembered for its intelligent humor and timeless appeal.

[D] Twin Peaks | "Twin Peaks" is a groundbreaking and cult classic American television series created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. Premiering on April 8, 1990, the show is celebrated for its unique storytelling, surreal atmosphere, and iconic characters such as the Log Lady, Audrey Horne, and the mysterious Black Lodge.

[B] Star Trek: The Next Generation | "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is a highly acclaimed American science fiction television series that aired from 1987 to 1994. The series has been praised for its exploration of complex social and ethical issues, as well as its innovative special effects for the time. It has had a lasting impact on the science fiction genre and has spawned numerous spin-offs, films, and a dedicated fan base.

[A] Rocky and His Friends | "Rocky and His Friends" was the original title of the animated television series that later became known as "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." It was produced by Jay Ward Productions and originally aired on the ABC network from November 19, 1959, to June 27, 1964. The series was known for its humor that appealed to both adults and children, with clever writing and satire that often poked fun at American culture and history. The show has become a classic in American television animation and has a lasting legacy for its innovative approach to the medium.

[A] Taxi | "Taxi" is a classic American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1978 to 1983, created by James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, and David Davis. The series was praised for its character-driven humor and poignant storylines that often touched on serious social issues. It won a total of 18 Emmy Awards during its run and is remembered for its contribution to the sitcom genre with its blend of comedy and drama.

[B] The Oprah Winfrey Show | "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was a highly influential American talk show hosted by Oprah Winfrey that aired from 1986 to 2011. The show was known for its candid discussions on a wide range of topics, from personal growth and relationships to social issues and current events.

[C] Bewitched | "Bewitched" is a classic American sitcom that charmed audiences with its whimsical take on the life of a witch living in the suburbs. The show's iconic nose-twitch to cast a spell and its exploration of the human condition through a supernatural lens has made it a beloved part of television history.