1950s Televisions: A Look at the Golden Age of Television
The 1950s marked a significant turning point in the history of television. This era witnessed a dramatic shift in programming, production, and audience demographics, solidifying television’s place as a dominant force in American culture. From live broadcasts in New York City to the rise of Hollywood production, the decade laid the groundwork for the television landscape we know today.
The Rise of Hollywood and Filmed Programming
In the early 1950s, television programming was primarily broadcast live from New York, often reflecting theatrical traditions. However, a major shift occurred as production moved to Los Angeles. Hollywood studios, initially hesitant to embrace television, recognized its potential and began producing shows. This transition led to the emergence of iconic genres like sitcoms, westerns, and dramas, filmed and edited in the style of classic Hollywood movies.
Gunsmoke
This change also had significant economic implications. Filmed shows could be rerun, generating ongoing revenue through syndication, a practice unheard of with live broadcasts. By 1960, only 36% of network television was live, down from 80% in 1953. This shift paved the way for the dominance of filmed content in the decades to come. Shows like I Love Lucy, produced by Desilu Productions, were early examples of the success of filmed programming.
The Expanding Television Audience and Programming Trends
The 1950s also saw a dramatic increase in television ownership. In 1950, only 9% of American households owned a television. By 1959, that number soared to 85.9%. This rapid expansion was fueled by decreasing television prices and the lifting of a freeze on new station licenses, making television accessible nationwide. As the audience grew and diversified, programming evolved to cater to a wider range of tastes.
The popular western Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 to 1975, exemplifies the evolving nature of 1950s television. While set in the American West, Gunsmoke tackled contemporary social issues like civil rights and civil disobedience, setting it apart from other programs of the time. However, the majority of shows in this era focused on escapism, offering action-packed dramas or utopian comedies that avoided addressing complex real-world problems.
The Suburban Sitcom and the American Dream
One of the most defining genres of 1950s television was the suburban family sitcom. Shows like Father Knows Best and Leave It to Beaver presented idealized portrayals of traditional nuclear families living in comfortable suburban settings. These programs often overlooked the social and political anxieties of the Cold War era, instead offering a comforting vision of American life.
A classic scene from Leave It to Beaver, showcasing the idealized family life often depicted in 1950s sitcoms.
Leave It to Beaver, in particular, became synonymous with the idyllic image of 1950s suburbia. Ironically, the show’s run coincided with a period of significant global tension, including the launch of Sputnik and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Yet, these events were largely absent from the show’s storylines, reflecting a broader trend in entertainment television to provide a sense of normalcy and escapism.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 1950s Television
The 1950s were a foundational period for television. The shift to Hollywood production, the rise of iconic genres, and the dramatic expansion of the television audience transformed the medium into a powerful cultural force. While often presenting an idealized vision of American life, the programming of this era continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a glimpse into the values, anxieties, and aspirations of a bygone era. The innovations and trends of 1950s televisions set the stage for the medium’s continued evolution and enduring influence on society.
