50’s Television Shows: A Look at Early Color Programming

The landscape of 1950s television is often associated with black and white imagery. However, a closer look reveals a vibrant, albeit limited, world of color programming. Comparatively few series were produced in color during this decade due to the low adoption rate of color television sets. Even when filmed in color, many shows were distributed in black and white to reduce production and transmission costs.

Forward-thinking producers, anticipating the eventual dominance of color television, chose to film their shows in color to enhance their longevity and marketability in syndication. Shows like “The Cisco Kid,” “My Friend Flicka,” “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,” “Judge Roy Bean,” and “Northwest Passage” were all filmed entirely in color during the 50s.

Several series initially produced in black and white eventually transitioned to color, including iconic shows like “The Lone Ranger,” “Adventures of Superman,” “The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok,” and “The Gene Autry Show.” This shift often occurred towards the end of their runs or during the early 1960s as color television became more prevalent.

“The Cisco Kid,” a groundbreaking series, holds the distinction of being the first filmed television series produced entirely in color. Starring Duncan Renaldo as Cisco and Leo Carrillo as Pancho, the show featured two Hispanic heroes fighting injustice in the Old West. The series boasted action-packed storylines, frequent location shooting, and a strong supporting cast.

“Adventures of Superman,” starring George Reeves, transitioned to color in its third season (1955), capitalizing on the growing popularity of color television. The shift allowed viewers to experience iconic imagery, like Superman’s costume and action sequences, in a whole new light.

Even with the limited availability of color television, the 50s saw the emergence of several color series that left a lasting impact on television history. These pioneering shows paved the way for the full-color programming that would dominate the following decade. While some of these shows suffered from lower production values or poor-quality surviving prints, others stand out for their vibrant colors and captivating stories.

Accessing these early color programs today can be challenging, with some series available on DVD and others found on platforms like YouTube. The quality of surviving prints can vary significantly, ranging from pristine restorations to faded and damaged copies. However, for television enthusiasts and historians, the opportunity to experience these pioneering 50’s television shows in color provides a unique glimpse into the early days of color television broadcasting.