Renowned bandleader Lawrence Welk began his own variety series in 1955... and it has never stopped running. Each program was straightforward musical numbers from Welk's band (many of which had featured solos at one point or another), as well as vocal selections and dance numbers from the show's cast. Most of the introductions to the performances, read stiffy by Welk, were kept short. Many of the shows revolved around a certain theme (e.g., "The Music Man" or the Fourth of July), with appropriate songs and dance numbers. The most famous of the featured singers were the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Janet, Kathy and Peggy), who were featured most every week for 13 years. At the end of each show, Welk would invite women from the audience on stage to dance with him as the theme, "Bubbles in the Wine" (and later, "Champagne Fanfare") played. The show enjoyed a 16-year network run on ABC, and later a successful 11-year syndicated run. Just months after the original series ended, older shows (from c. 1965-1982) were repackaged with new footage and entered a long run in both syndication and on PBS.
The Cleavers are the 1950s "All-American Family" in this "feel-good" family sitcom. Parents Ward and June and older brother Wally try to keep Theodore ("the Beaver") out of trouble. However, Beaver continues to end up in one kind of jam or another. Unlike real life, these situations are always easily resolved to the satisfaction of all involved, and Beaver gets off with a few stern moralistic words of parental advice. Instigator and troublemaker Eddie Haskell is an older guy who always manages to avoid being caught.
Widower sheriff Andy Taylor invites his aunt, Bee Taylor, to move in with him to help take care of his son Opie, after his housekeeper leaves to get married. Mayberry is a nice little town, not far from big city Raleigh. Andy and cousin Deputy Barney Fife have various love interests throughout the series. The most endearing thing about this series is the loving relationship between Andy and his son Opie. It's a "feel good" series that's been enjoyed for decades by all ages.