The First Shows To Ever Air on Nick at Nite

On July 1st, 1985, the Nick at Nite programming block debuted. For nearly four decades, late-night Nickelodeon has delivered classic sitcoms from television’s past. I remember falling in love with shows like I Love Lucy and Mary Tyler Moore as a kid when I stayed up way past my bedtime.

Join us as we take a look back at the pioneers—the first ten sitcoms ever to grace the screens of Nick at Nite.

From the wholesome adventures of iconic families to the hilarious antics of talking horses, these shows paved the way for the laughter-filled evenings we fondly remember. So, if you want to take a trip down memory lane and explore the shows that started it all, grab some popcorn and a comfy spot before tuning into these ten original Nick at Nite sitcoms.

1. DENNIS THE MENACE (1956-1961)

Dennis the Menace brings the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Dennis Mitchell to the small screen. Based on the famous comic strip, the show follows the energetic and well-intentioned Dennis as he unintentionally wreaks havoc on his unsuspecting neighbors, especially his grumpy neighbor Mr. Wilson. The show was so successful it was adapted into two films in the 1990s.

2. THE DONNA REED SHOW (1958-1966)

The Donna Reed Show showcases the life of Donna Stone, a loving wife and mother, as she navigates the challenges of suburban family life. With her husband, Alex, and their two children, Mary and Jeff, the show offers a heartwarming portrayal of a typical American family and their humorous, everyday situations.

3. MY THREE SONS (1960-1972)

My Three Sons revolves around the life of widower and aeronautical engineer Steve Douglas, played by Fred MacMurray. As the title suggests, Steve is the father of three sons: Mike, Robbie, and Chip. The sitcom explores the trials and tribulations of raising a family while balancing work and personal life.

4. MISTER ED (1961-1966)

Mister Ed takes a hilarious twist on the traditional sitcom formula by introducing a talking horse. Architect Wilbur Post discovers he is the only person who can hear Mr. Ed, his equine companion. Together, they embark on comedic escapades and get involved in amusing situations that often leave Wilbur in a bind.

5. THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS SHOW (1965-1966)

This short-lived 1960s TV sitcom starred the Smothers Brothers as fictionalized versions of themselves. The show followed their lives as they got involved in humorous situations and encounters.

However, this particular sitcom had a short run and didn’t achieve the same level of success and impact as their later variety show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which featured satirical humor and musical performances. The show featured sketches, comedy routines, and guest appearances by popular musicians.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour became much more notable than its predecessor for pushing boundaries and addressing controversial social and political issues, though it ultimately led to its cancellation.

6. THE MONKEES (1966-1968)

The Monkees follows the adventures of a fictional rock band composed of four young men: Davy, Micky, Peter, and Mike. Blending comedy, music, and zany antics, the show presents a lighthearted and quirky take on the emerging music industry and the band’s fictionalized lives as aspiring musicians.

7. THE ANN SOTHERN SHOW (1958-1961)

The Ann Sothern Show features Ann Sothern as the lead character, Katy O’Connor, a talented actress who transitions from the glamour of Hollywood to the role of a housemother at an all-girls hotel. The sitcom showcases Katy’s humorous and endearing interactions with the hotel’s staff and guests.

8. THE BAD NEWS BEARS (1979-1980)

The Bad News Bears is a television adaptation of the popular movie franchise. It centers around a little league baseball team of misfits. The sitcom follows their comical attempts to improve their skills and overcome various obstacles while dealing with their unconventional coach, Morris Buttermaker.

9. CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU? (1961-1963)

This lighthearted comedy is set in New York City’s fictional 53rd precinct. The show focuses on the humorous misadventures of two bumbling police officers, Gunther Toody and Francis Muldoon, as they navigate their beat and encounter a colorful cast of characters.

10. MAKE ROOM FOR DADDY(1953-1964)

Make Room for Daddy, also known as The Danny Thomas Show, centers around the life of nightclub entertainer Danny Williams. The sitcom explores Danny’s attempts to balance his career, relationships, and, most importantly, his role as a caring and involved father to his three children.