The Best TV Shows of 1961

11 top-rated shows, ranked by audience score — each with its current AI renewal verdict.

1. 1
   
   The Dick Van Dyke Show

   CBS · 1961

   ★ 8.4Ended0%
2. 2
   
   The Avengers

   ITV1 · 1961

   ★ 8.3Ended0%
3. 3
   
   The Defenders

   CBS · 1961

   ★ 7.9Ended0%
4. 4
   
   The New Breed

   ABC · 1961

   ★ 7.7Ended0%
5. 5
   
   The Mike Douglas Show

   1961

   ★ 7.3Ended0%
6. 6
   
   Hazel

   NBC · 1961

   ★ 7.2Ended0%
7. 7
   
   Top Cat

   ABC · 1961

   ★ 7.1Ended0%
8. 8
   
   Ben Casey

   ABC · 1961

   ★ 7.1Ended0%
9. 9
   
   Dr. Kildare

   NBC · 1961

   ★ 7.0Ended0%
10. 10
    
    Mister Ed

    CBS · 1961

    ★ 6.9Ended0%
11. 11
    Otogi Manga Calendar

    Fuji TV · 1961

    ★ 0.0Ended0%