1950s Television Shows in Color: A Look Back at Early Color TV

The world of 1950s television was largely black and white, but a surprising number of shows were filmed in color. Due to the limited number of color TV sets in households at the time, color series were often distributed in black and white to reduce production and transmission costs. Only forward-thinking producers, anticipating the future dominance of color television, invested in filming their shows in color.

Several notable series from the 1950s were produced entirely in color, including “The Cisco Kid,” “My Friend Flicka,” “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,” “Judge Roy Bean,” and “Northwest Passage.” These shows represent a significant milestone in television history.

Other series, initially produced in black and white, eventually transitioned to color. “Adventures of Superman,” for instance, adopted color in its third season (1955), while “The Lone Ranger” made the switch in its final season (1956-57). Even long-running western series like “Gunsmoke,” “Death Valley Days,” and “Wagon Train,” which began in the 1950s, ultimately embraced color in the following decade.

“The Cisco Kid,” notably, was the first television series filmed entirely in color. Starring Duncan Renaldo as Cisco and Leo Carrillo as Pancho, the show featured two Hispanic heroes who consistently intervened to help ordinary people facing various injustices.

The show boasted action-packed storylines, frequent location shooting, and a high-caliber supporting cast, sometimes featuring notable actors like Phyllis Coates and Peggy Stewart.

“My Friend Flicka,” produced by 20th Century Fox, stands out as the first color television series produced by a major studio. Based on a 1943 Technicolor feature film, the series offered compelling stories centered around a young boy and his horse.

“Science Fiction Theatre,” remarkably, produced its first season in color while the second season reverted to black and white due to budget constraints. The series distinguished itself by focusing on suggestive science fiction themes rather than relying heavily on special effects.

“Sergeant Preston of the Yukon” combined studio sets with impressive outdoor shots of dog sledding against snowy landscapes. The vibrant red of Preston’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police uniform truly popped in color. The action-packed adventures made it a favorite among children.

Even “The Gene Autry Show” joined the ranks of color television in its final season (1955-56). The surviving color episodes showcase a surprisingly sharp picture quality, offering a vibrant glimpse into the golden age of Western television.

These color television programs from the 1950s provide a valuable window into the early days of color broadcasting, showcasing the innovation and artistry of television pioneers. They remain a testament to the enduring appeal of classic television.