TVLine has compiled a ranking of the top 15 CBS programs, highlighting classics from the network's nearly century-long history. The list spans genres like Westerns, sitcoms, and procedurals, with I Love Lucy claiming the top spot. This retrospective celebrates CBS's contributions to television since its origins in 1927.
CBS, known as the Eye Network or Tiffany Network, has been a cornerstone of American television since its radio beginnings in 1927. A recent TVLine article ranks its 15 greatest shows, drawing from an era of iconic programming that includes long-running hits and groundbreaking comedies.
Starting at number 15, Gunsmoke aired for 20 years with James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon in Dodge City, offering Western tales of law and order across 635 episodes. The Jeffersons, a Norman Lear spin-off from All in the Family, ran from 1975 to 1985, starring Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford as a Black couple navigating racism and economic issues in Manhattan.
The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978) featured comedian Bob Newhart as psychologist Robert Hartley amid eccentric colleagues. The Andy Griffith Show delivered 1960s Americana with Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor in Mayberry, alongside Don Knotts and a young Ron Howard.
Perry Mason (1957-1966) starred Raymond Burr as a defense attorney solving Los Angeles cases, while Elementary modernized Sherlock Holmes with Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu in 21st-century New York. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977) showcased Mary Richards as a resilient news producer in Minneapolis, backed by a stellar ensemble including Ed Asner.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents brought suspense anthologies from 1955 to 1962 on CBS, with Hitchcock introducing episodes directed by future luminaries like Robert Altman. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) highlighted physical comedy from Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore as a TV writing couple.
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996) centered on Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher solving murders in Cabot Cove. The Honeymooners (1955-1956) offered gritty working-class humor with Jackie Gleason as bus driver Ralph Kramden.
M*A*S*H (1972-1983) blended war dramedy during the Korean War, featuring Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce. All in the Family (1971-1979) tackled social issues through Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker.
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964), created by Rod Serling, delivered sci-fi and horror with moral twists. Topping the list, I Love Lucy (1951-1957) starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in timeless sitcom antics with friends William Frawley and Vivian Vance.
This ranking underscores CBS's legacy in shaping TV genres and cultural conversations.