1950s Color TV: Pioneering Programs in a Black & White Era

The 1950s are often remembered for black and white television. However, a vibrant world of color programming existed, though limited by the low adoption rate of color TVs. Many shows, even those filmed in color, were broadcast in black and white to reduce costs.

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

Several initially black and white series 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 in the early 1960s as color TV became more common.

“The Cisco Kid,” a groundbreaking series, was 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, with 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 color TV’s growing popularity. The shift allowed viewers to experience iconic imagery, like Superman’s costume and action sequences, in vibrant color.

Even with limited color TV availability, the 50s saw the emergence of several color series that impacted television history, paving the way for the full-color programming of the following decade. While some suffered from lower production values or poor surviving prints, others stand out for their vibrant colors and captivating stories.

Accessing these early color programs today can be challenging, with some available on DVD and others on platforms like YouTube. The quality of surviving prints varies significantly. However, for television enthusiasts and historians, experiencing these pioneering 50s shows in color offers a unique glimpse into the early days of color television broadcasting.