Book Review: Great American Sitcoms of the 1950s

During the fifties, the television sitcom was at its most creative.  This was the first full decade of broadcast television for the masses, as families started buying TVs to have free entertainment in their home.  McFarland publishers has released a great new book which chronicles and examines this period in TV history.

Noted media critic and historian Jackson Upperco presents his understanding of history by writing his book in somewhat chronological order. His first chapter follows the development from Greek theater to moving pictures, all the way to the innovative TV era.  His next looks at the very early examples of sitcoms at the end of the 1940s, just as narrative television was first developing.  Jackie Gleason’s very early success on The Life or Riley, the ethnic-based humor of The Goldbergs, and the foundational Mary Kay and Johnny are all represented here. 

The quick development of TV sitcoms, and of television itself, from the dawn of the 1950s and thru that decade, is quite remarkable.  And through its sitcoms, we see that development, as early as 1951 when Desi Arnaz made the decision to shoot I Love Lucy on film with the three-camera motion picture process in front of a live audience, ensuring its continued broadcasts to this day.

There is a great deal about the top level shows that remain timeless classics.  Along with I Love Lucy, there is The Phil Silvers Show, created by Nat Hiken, in which Silvers defined his long career with his brilliant portrayal of Army Sergeant Ernest T. Bilko.  The ability to have well-drawn characters at every level supporting Silvers in the central role, is one of this show’s many triumphs.  Clever writing, fine performances, and a level of humor that remains effective in the 21st century are among this show’s important aspects.

The ”Classic 39” episodes of Jackie Gleason’s The Honeymooners, filmed and broadcast during the 1955-1956 season, is another benchmark classic of the era.

The early shows with Black actors as central figures, like Beulah and Amos ‘N Andy, are not quickly dismissed like other studies, but are understood as being flawed but with their own areas of significance to history.  The development of how women were presented.  The development of the family oriented sitcom.  The development of the laugh track.  All of this is discussed thoroughly by the author.

The transition of some radio shows to TV – some successful, some not – with radio stars like Jack Benny, Burns and Allen, et al, is another part of the book that offers a great deal of fascinating information.

The book also has several nice photos as illustrations.

Great American Sitcoms of the 1950s is an excellent and important book that is highly recommended for libraries, research centers, and any fan of this classic television era.  The author did a fine job with a book that is interesting, informative, and fun to read.

The book can be ordered at this link: https://a.co/d/fTKSTAT