Adrian Berlutti
The 1960s left us with a legacy of bold fashion, shifting values, and unforgettable historical moments. These shows capture the essence of the 60s, offering glimpses into the decade’s iconic highs and lows. For history buffs and retro fans alike, here are ten shows that bring the old times vividly to life!
Mad Men
Here’s a show that pulls you right into the heart of the vintage advertising scene: Mad Men. Picture it—smoke swirling around sharp-suited ad executives as they dream up campaigns that redefine what people buy and believe. Don Draper’s life reflects the glamor and struggles of the time where appearances mean everything.
The Crown
If you have a liking for British royalty, The Crown brings a slice of Britain through the life of Queen Elizabeth II. It doesn’t just show the royal side; it explores the family dynamics, international relations, and personal pressures, all amid the changing norms of those days. The visuals alone make it feel like you’re looking at Buckingham Palace in reality.
Call The Midwife
For a heartfelt, ground-level view of the era, Call The Midwife delivers. Set in London’s East End, it follows nurses and midwives helping families who are facing all sorts of challenges. From evolving medical practices to shifting social values, it’s a warm and insightful look at a world balancing tradition and change.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
It’s a stand-up comedy with a twist! In The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a 60s housewife takes on the male-dominated comedy scene, defying expectations using humor and style. Every episode packs energy using colorful sets and witty lines, capturing the ambition and thrill of a groundbreaking performer.
Aquarius
Aquarius takes you straight to 1967 Los Angeles, blending law enforcement work and the counterculture movement. It follows an LAPD detective as he tangles with Charles Manson’s cult. From the free spirit of the hippies to darker mysteries, it’s a wild ride through the era’s vibrant but uneasy undercurrents.
All the Way
When it comes to political tension, All the Way captures the pressure President Lyndon B. Johnson faced in passing the Civil Rights Act. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal makes LBJ’s struggles so real, giving an inside look at one man’s influence on history during the 60s. It’s a mix of grit and legacy.
Victoria
Although set in the 19th century, Victoria resonates with the 1960s spirit by depicting a young queen facing challenges and embracing change. Through her journey of balancing duty and growth, the show reflects the era’s themes of transformation and reminds us that societal progress is a timeless pursuit.
Feud: Bette and Joan
Hollywood in the 60s wasn’t all glitz and glamor, and this is an example that dives into the intense rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. With a backdrop of old Hollywood, it shows what happens when ambition and competition collide, delivering all the drama of the industry’s biggest icons.
American Dreams
Imagine the golden age of rock and roll in its true music, fashion, and wild dreams, rolled in one family’s story—that’s American Dreams! Follow the Pryors as they tune in to American Bandstand, tackle family feuds, and ride the whirlwind of a changing world. It’s the sixties, in all its funky glory, right from the heart of Philly.
The Wonder Years
Growing up isn’t easy, especially in the 60s! In The Wonder Years, young Kevin Arnold dives headfirst into everything, including school drama and first love, all while the world shifts around him. It’s funny, it’s awkward, and it’s pure 60s magic through the eyes of one curious kid.
