History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1967

Throughout the swinging sixties, 1967 saw a swell surge of Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair in the world of tv! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like The Prisoner and The Carol Burnett Show, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Patrick McGoohan and Joe Hamilton proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. The Prisoner

   Released in 1967 by Patrick McGoohan, George Markstein, ATV

   On September 5, 1967, audiences in Canada were the first in the world to be welcomed to The Village. The premiere of 'The Prisoner' on the CTV network was a highly unusual event for a British production, which typically debuted in its home country first. This Canadian premiere preceded the UK broadcast on ATV by over three weeks, setting the stage for the show's international journey and its eventual cult status. This strategic, if unconventional, rollout introduced the world to the surreal and allegorical tale of an unnamed agent's struggle for freedom, immediately signaling that this was not a typical television series. The date marks the first time anyone heard the iconic declaration, 'I am not a number! I am a free man!', beginning a legacy that would challenge and captivate viewers for decades to come.

2. The Carol Burnett Show

   Released in 1967 by Joe Hamilton, CBS

   On September 11, 1967, American television history was made with the premiere of 'The Carol Burnett Show' on CBS. In an era where variety shows were predominantly hosted by men like Ed Sullivan and Dean Martin, the debut of a major, hour-long comedy-variety program headlined by a woman was a significant cultural event. Carol Burnett, already a beloved Broadway and television star, seized an opportunity in her CBS contract to launch the show. This premiere marked the beginning of an 11-year run that would not only redefine the genre but also become a cherished weekly ritual for millions of families, cementing itself as a cornerstone of CBS's legendary Saturday night lineup.