New Series 1955

Art Carney, Hello Ball

The Honeymooners (1955–1956) - Originally a sketch from 1951 thru 1955 on the "Jackie Gleason Show". Though rated as the #2 show in the first season it lost the competitive fight to Perry Como the following year and ended after only 39 episodes. It starred Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, Art Carney and Joyce Randolph. The Honeymooners

Gunsmoke (1955–1975) - Starring James Arness as Marshall Dillon with Milburn Stone as Doc, Amanda Blake as Kitty and Dennis Weaver as Deputy Chester Goode. It was the top show on TV until 1961 when it was extended from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Burt Reynolds joined the cast in 1962. Gunsmoke

Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962) - A popular half hour American television anthology series hosted by movie director Alfred Hitchcock. It featured thrillers and mystery's often with macabre or surprise endings. Alfred Hitchcock Presents

The original Mousekateers

Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1959) - This afternoon variety show helped fund the building of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. It consisted of dance numb ers by the Mousekateers, serial dramas and a cartoon. Annette Funicello went on to became a movie star and Bobby Burgess to become that smiling dancer on the Lawarence Welk Show. The Mickey Mouse Club

The Benny Hill Show (UK) (1955–1989) - Variety show with Benny Hill, the King of double entendre sight gags. The Benny Hill Show.

Captain Kangaroo (1955–1984) - Bob Keeshan came off his job as Clarabelle on the Howdy Dowdy Show to become the longest running morning daily children's show. Also starring Hugh Brannum as Mr Greenjeans. Captain Kangaroo

The Lawrence Welk Show (1955–1982)
Cheyenne (1955–1962)
Jungle Jim (1955–1956)
Brave Eagle (1955–1956)
Ozark Jubilee (1955–1960)

Series End 1955

Life with Elizabeth (1952–1955)
My Little Margie (1952 – 1955)

Television News 1955

Fess Parker Sings Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett was the first television miniseries which appeared in 5 hour long parts on the Disneyland television show. It became a big hit and made stars of Fess Parker in the title role and Buddy Ebsen as his sidekick George Russel. The series, though presented in black and white, was filmed in color at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the first three episodes combined to create a theatrical color movie Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier that was also a success.

The first Miss America Pageant was broadcast on live TV. Miss California, 19 year old Lee Meriwether (left) was crowned as the 27th Miss America.

Joyce Brothters, an unknown housewife who had an interest in boxing appeared on the $64,000 Question and became the only woman to ever win the prize. Her popularity on the quiz show spun into a TV show, radio talk show and a syndicated column that ran for over 50 years. Dr. Joyce Brothers

Howard Hughes sold RKO Pictures to General Tire who became the first movie studio to stop fighting TV and embracing it by selling its film library to the television networks. RKO

The Emmy's 1955 - 1956

Phil Silvers Show (1955-1959) as Sgt Bilko

Best Dramatic Series: Producers' Showcase
Best Actor, Continuing Performance: Phil Silvers, Phil Silvers Show
Best Actress, Continuing Performance: Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Art Carney, The Honeymooners
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Nanette Fabray, Caesar's Hour
Best Single Program of the Year: Producers' Showcase: Peter Pan (NBC)
Best Comedy Series: Phil Silvers Show, You'll Never Get Rich
Best Comedian:  Phil Silvers
Best Comedienne: Nanette Fabray
Best Variety Series: Ed Sullivan Show
Best Music Series: Your Hit Parade
Best Action or Adventure Series: Disneyland
Best Documentary Program, Religious, Informational, Educational or Interview: Omnibus
Best News Commentator or Reporter: Edward R. Murrow
Best Children's Series: Lassie
Best Audience Participation Series: $64,000 Question

Most Watched 1955 -1956

1. The $64,000 Question
2. I Love Lucy
3. The Ed Sullivan Show
4. Disneyland
5. The Jack Benny Show
6. December Bride
7. You Bet Your Life
8. Dragnet
9. The Millionnaire
10. I've Got a Secret
11. General Electric Theatre
12. Private Secretary
13. Ford Theatre
14. The Red Skelton Show
15. The George Gobel Show
16. Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts
17. The Lineup
18. The Perry Como Show
19. The Honeymooners
20. The Adventures of Robin Hood

TV Guide Schedule 1955