RETRO REWIND

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

Published on March 3, 2024

Image: Jonas Leupe

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.

1

The Twilight Zone

Image: ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND

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.

2

I Love Lucy

Image: Bureau of Industrial Service

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.

3

Bonanza

Image: Sarah Lachise

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.

4

MASH

Image: CBS Television

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.

5

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Image: CBS Television

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.

6

Cheers

Image: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

7

The Honeymooners

Image: CBS Television

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.

8

The Dick Van Dyke Show

Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

9

Star Trek

Image: Wonderlane

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.

10

Bewitched

Image: ABC Television

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.

Deep roots

11 everyday words with indigenous roots

Published on March 3, 2024

Image: Zoshua Colah

English is a very welcoming language in the sense that it incorporates terms from many other languages from all over the world. And, as it couldn’t be otherwise, Native American languages have lent many of their words and terms to English speakers. Some traveled through Spanish or French before settling into English, and others arrived directly through early contact and trade, helping shape the way we speak today. Did you know about these 11 terms?

1

Canoe

Image: Michael Niessl

The word "canoe" comes from the Taino term canoa, which was first used by Caribbean islanders long before Europeans arrived. Early explorers adopted it to describe the slim, sturdy boats they saw.

Over time, "canoe" became the standard English word for a small paddled craft. Today it still carries that sense of simplicity and closeness to nature.

2

Barbecue

Image: Philipp Kämmerer

The word "barbecue" comes from barbacoa, another Taino term for a wooden frame used for cooking meat over fire. Europeans adopted it and applied it to both the method and the gathering itself.

Today, "barbecue" means everything from a backyard cookout to a regional cooking style. Its origins highlight the deep culinary influence of Native Americans in the nation's current culture.

3

Skunk

Image: Elisa Stone

"Skunk" comes from the Algonquian word squnk, which means "urinating fox" (quite a fitting term, indeed). This was an obvious reference to the animal’s strong defensive spray. Early settlers adopted the term directly.

Since English had no better name for the creature, the Native word stuck. Today, the word skunks is also used as playful slang.

4

Moose

Image: Shivam Kumar

The word "moose" originates from Eastern Abenaki, a part of the Algonquian family, where it meant "he strips off bark." Yes, it described the animal’s habit of tearing bark from trees.

The name entered English quickly because settlers relied on Native knowledge of local fauna. The word remains unchanged because of its accuracy and usefulness.

5

Raccoon

Image: Gary Bendig

"Raccoon" comes from the Powhatan word arakun, meaning "he scratches with his hands." It described the animal’s clever, humanlike front paws.

Settlers adopted the term because it captured the creature’s behavior beautifully. Today, the raccoon is used as a household symbol of curiosity, not unlike the animal itself.

6

Chipmunk

Image: Annegret Kammer

The term "chipmunk" most probably comes from the Ojibwe word ajidamoo, which means "one who descends trees headfirst." Early English settlers adapted the sound into today’s form.

Though the spelling changed over time, the lively image of a chipmunk racing down a tree face-first stayed.

7

Caribou

Image: JD-Photos

The word "caribou" comes from the Mi’kmaq term qalipu, which means "snow shoveler," referring to the animal’s habit of digging through snow for food.

French settlers brought the word into English, keeping its descriptive nature. The name still connects the modern animal to the winter landscapes it belongs to.

8

Totem

Image: Stéfano Girardelli

"Totem" comes from the Ojibwe word ototeman, which means "kinship group." It described symbols representing clans and shared roots.

English adopted it to describe carved poles and symbolic elements. Though broader in modern usage, it still hints at the original sense of community, identity, and heritage.

9

Coyote

Image: Dylan Ferreira

"Coyote" comes from the Nahuatl word coyōtl, which was used by Indigenous tribes of central Mexico. Spanish speakers adopted it, and English borrowed later.

The word kept its meaning, and it remains one of the most direct links between the English language and Nahuatl.

10

Avocado

Image: Gil Ndjouwou

The tasty avocado’s name traces to the Nahuatl word ahacatl, which refers to the fruit and to a body part as well. Spanish speakers transformed it into aguacate.

Later on, English speakers adapted it to avocado. While the name sounds contemporary and culinary, it has ancient Native roots.

11

Chocolate

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The last Nahuatl word and also the last word on the list comes from the term xocolātl, which describes a bitter cacao drink that was consumed long before Europeans arrived in America. The name traveled from Spanish to English.

Though the product changed dramatically, the word survived. Today, chocolate is a universal symbol of sweetness, with rich and deeply indigenous roots.

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

aquiver

/əˈkwɪvər/