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

The 1950s marked a significant transition in television history, with the advent of color broadcasting. While color television sets were not yet commonplace, a surprising number of shows were filmed in color, paving the way for the future of television. Many producers, anticipating the eventual dominance of color television, chose to film their shows in color to increase their marketability for syndication in the years to come. This foresight proved to be a wise decision, as these color programs remain vibrant and engaging even today.

Comparatively few series were produced in color in the 1950s due to the limited number of color TV sets in households. Color series were often distributed in black and white to reduce production and transmission costs. This practice applied to color movies as well. Even with a color TV, viewers weren’t guaranteed to see all the shows in their intended color format.

Several notable series were filmed entirely in color during the 1950s. These included “The Cisco Kid,” “My Friend Flicka,” “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,” “Judge Roy Bean,” and “Northwest Passage.” These shows represent a significant contribution to the history of television, showcasing the early adoption of color technology and its impact on visual storytelling.

“The Cisco Kid,” a Western series starring Duncan Renaldo and Leo Carrillo, was the first filmed series produced entirely in color for television. The show featured two Hispanic heroes who consistently fought against injustice, assisting ordinary people against various criminals and corrupt officials.

Other series, like “Adventures of Superman” and “The Lone Ranger,” initially filmed in black and white but transitioned to color later in their runs. “Adventures of Superman” switched to color in its third season (1955), while “The Lone Ranger” made the change in its final season (1956-57). This shift to color often coincided with a broader trend in the television industry towards embracing new technologies and enhancing the viewing experience.

“My Friend Flicka,” produced by 20th Century Fox, holds the distinction of being the first filmed color TV series produced by a major studio. Based on a 1943 Technicolor feature film, the series offered vibrant visuals and compelling stories about a young boy and his horse.

“Science Fiction Theatre,” a show that explored scientific concepts and their potential impact on society, also produced its first season in color (1955-56). Notably, the series often relied on compelling storytelling and strong performances rather than elaborate special effects.

“Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,” a popular adventure series, featured the iconic red uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police against the backdrop of snowy landscapes. This visual contrast, enhanced by color filming, made the show particularly striking.

Even with the challenges of early color television technology, these 1950s shows demonstrated the power of color to enhance storytelling and create a more immersive viewing experience. They stand as a testament to the innovative spirit of early television producers and their vision for the future of the medium. The legacy of these colorful pioneers continues to influence television production today.