RETRO REWIND

Cheers, MASH, and all there's to know about the golden age of TV!

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In the fast-paced world of television, some shows still manage to transcend their time, retaining their charm and relevance decades after their original airings. Whether it's the captivating storytelling, memorable characters, or universal themes, these old-time gems continue to captivate modern audiences.

Here are 10 classic TV shows that stand the test of time, offering stories that remain as fresh today as they were during their heyday.

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Rod Serling's groundbreaking anthology series, The Twilight Zone, remains a masterclass in storytelling. A genius mix of horror, pulp fiction, and comedy, each episode plunges viewers into a world of mystery, often ending with unexpected and thought-provoking twists. And the good news is that, despite premiering in the late 50s, there have been a steady stream of revivals and spin-offs, almost to this day.

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Lucille Ball's comedic genius shines in I Love Lucy, a seminal sitcom that set the standard for the whole genre. Spanning six seasons, the show was the most-watched show in the United States for several years, and with good reason! The show's blend of physical comedy and witty dialogue still elicits genuine laughter and resonates with modern audiences. If you are a fan of the genre, this is a must-watch.

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Named after a term used by miners when referring to a large deposit of silver ore, Bonanza is a Western set in the 1860s. The show follows the adventures of the wealthy Cartwright family as they navigate life on the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada, near Lake Tahoe. With a unique blend of action, drama, and moral lessons, the show remains a classic example of the genre.

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An acronym for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, MASH explores the realities of war with a very well-balanced blend of comedy and drama. Set in the early 1950s, during the Korean War, the show has an ensemble of larger-than-life characters that try to survive and keep their humanity in the chaos of war. A timeless gem, the show's sharp writing and memorable characters make it relevant to this day.

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A trailblazer for women in television, The Mary Tyler Moore Show broke new ground with its portrayal of a single, independent career woman. In the 1970s, this was a rarity in American television, and it soon became one of the most beloved shows of the decade. Praised to this day for its complex and relatable characters and storylines, the series remains a cultural touchstone for its wit, charm, and serious themes.

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Set in an eponymous bar in Boston, Cheers is a quintessential sitcom that revolves around the lives of its colorful regulars. Although it was almost canceled during its first season, Cheers ascended to become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed series in television history, running from 1982 to 1993, and spanning a total of 275 episodes across eleven seasons. The show's clever writing and amazing cast make it a mandatory watch for anyone seeking laughter and camaraderie.

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A classic sitcom that captures the humor and dynamics of working-class life in the 1950s, The Honeymooners follows the lives of New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden, his wife, and friends. Jackie Gleason's larger-than-life performance as Kramden and the show's timeless humor ensure that even modern audiences can relate.

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Starring comedy legend Dick Van Dyke, this sitcom follows the misadventures of a comedy writer for a fictional TV show and his family. The series delves into the everyday lives of its characters, presenting a myriad of comedic scenarios that the main cast often find themselves entangled in. Both sharp and endearing, The Dick Van Dyke Show left an enduring legacy in the world of comedy TV shows, and its influence in modern shows is evident to this day.

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A visionary science fiction show created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek continues to inspire audiences with its exploration of space, humanity, and the unknown. Certainly one of the most rewatchable TV shows that there have ever been, and despite beginning in the 1960s, the franchise hasn’t lost an inch of cultural relevance. Whether you want to revisit the original series, and its modern successors or immerse yourself for the first time in the awe-inspiring world of the series, you are in for a treat.

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Bewitched follows the life of Samantha Stephens, a witch married to a mortal man, as she tries to navigate the challenges of suburban life while keeping her magical abilities a secret. With the stellar performance of Elizabeth Montgomery, the show's blend of fantasy, humor, and social commentary remains enchanting to this day.

Goodies from around the world

What does Bûche de Noël mean? Traditional foreign festive foods

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Is there a meal you look forward to every year? Perhaps roasted turkey or gingerbread cookies? All over the world, nations have their own festive traditions and associated delicacies—some sweet, some savory, some baked, and some fried. Let’s explore the names and stories of these foreign treats and decide which ones we’d like to try first.

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Bûche de Noël simply translates to "Christmas log." It’s sometimes also called a Yule log cake. This French dessert is, unsurprisingly, a favorite during the jolly season.

Made from a rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream and decorated to resemble a log, it often features chocolate, vanilla, or coffee flavors. Some variations also include powdered sugar or meringue to mimic snow.

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The tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes originated in Southern Italy as a way to celebrate the bounty of the sea and familial togetherness. It remains a cherished Christmas Eve tradition in many Italian-American households.

The feast calls for families to come together and prepare seven seafood dishes. The number seven is derived from its biblical association with completeness.

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Do you think you could eat twelve grapes in just a few seconds? That’s exactly what the Spanish attempt to do as midnight strikes on New Year’s Eve. This ritual is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Strictly speaking, you should eat each of Las Doce Uvas ("The Twelve Grapes") with every chime of the midnight bells.

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If you were to attend a Norwegian wedding, you would likely see a towering cake made of glazed dough rings. If you're lucky, you might also find this treat served on Christmas or anniversaries.

The rings are made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites and are stacked to form a conical structure. Sometimes, a Kransekake ("wreath cake") hides a surprise inside, such as a bottle of wine.

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Mooncakes are round to symbolize the full moon. They originated in China as a treat for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

These cakes are traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. They are crowned with beautiful stamped tops that feature Chinese characters representing concepts like "harmony" or "longevity."

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Hallaca is a tamale-like dish eaten in Venezuelan summers for Christmas. It is made from corn dough filled with meat, raisins, capers, and olives, then wrapped in plantain leaves.

Because hallacas are quite difficult to prepare, making the dish often becomes a communal activity on Christmas Eve. Their name comes from the Guaraní word ayuaca, meaning "mix of things."

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Hot Cross Buns, marked with a cross, are spiced sweet rolls traditionally eaten on Good Friday in the UK.

Made with flour, sugar, raisins, and spices, these buns date back to at least the 12th century, when monks baked them to honor the crucifixion. Some people enjoy them with butter, cream, or jam.

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An ornate box filled with small, varied dishes—this is a traditional way to welcome the New Year in Japan. Osechi Ryori translates directly to "New Year’s Food."

Inside the lacquered box, you might find dishes like datemaki (sweet rolled omelet) or kuromame (sweet black soybeans), along with many colorful seafood delicacies.

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Not donuts, but close enough. Picarones (which translates to "rascal" or "stinger" in English) are sweet fritters made from squash and sweet potato, often served with syrup or a dusting of sugar.

In Peru, they are a favorite treat during Señor de los Milagros, a religious festival celebrated in the country’s spring. But any day is a good day to enjoy them, too.

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Bibingka is a coconut-flavored rice cake enjoyed during Christmas in the Philippines, particularly after Simbang Gabi (dawn masses).

This centuries-old tradition dates back to Spanish colonial times. Bibingka is made with rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, then topped with cheese or salted egg. For a final touch of flavor, it is wrapped in banana leaves before baking.

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Lussekatter translates to "Lucia Cats," a name far better than their original one—"Lucia Devils." These saffron-infused pastries are baked and enjoyed on St. Lucia’s Day, a religious celebration held on December 13 in Sweden.

Traditionally shaped like an "S," lussekatter were originally served as a special breakfast to ward off evil spirits. They are often decorated with raisins for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Vitello Tonnato ("veal with tuna sauce") is a festive favorite in many South American households. It consists of thinly sliced veal covered in a creamy tuna-caper sauce.

Originally from Italy’s Piedmont region, the dish was brought to South America through immigration, becoming popular in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its chilled preparation makes it perfect for the warm weather of Christmas and New Year’s dinners in these regions.