Nostalgic America
The Ultimate Throwback TV Quiz: Name the Show from the Scene!
By Bruce Berns · December 20, 2024
Whether you're a fan of Westerns, crime dramas, soap operas, or sci-fi, there’s something here for everyone. Each question presents a single image—can you recall the show it’s associated with? Dust off your memory and see how well you fare as you revisit some of television’s greatest hits. Let the nostalgia flow, and don’t forget to share your results with friends to see who’s the ultimate TV buff! Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 1 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Star Trek (1966–1969) revolutionized science fiction on television with its visionary depiction of space exploration. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the series followed Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and the crew of the Starship Enterprise as they explored the galaxy, encountering diverse cultures and moral dilemmas. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) became an iconic character with his logical yet relatable persona. Known for its allegorical storytelling, the show tackled social issues like racism and war. Despite its short initial run, Star Trek inspired a massive franchise, pioneering a hopeful vision of humanity’s future through innovation and unity. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 2 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Peyton Place (1964–1969) was a groundbreaking prime-time soap opera, exploring the intertwined lives and scandals of residents in a small New England town. Based on the novel by Grace Metalious, the series delved into taboo topics like infidelity, class divides, and illegitimacy. Featuring stars like Mia Farrow and Ryan O’Neal, its serialized format kept audiences captivated with dramatic twists and cliffhangers. The show’s daring content pushed television boundaries, making it a cultural phenomenon and setting the stage for future soap operas. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 3 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Roots (1977) was a landmark miniseries based on Alex Haley’s novel, chronicling the journey of Kunta Kinte and his descendants from enslavement in Africa to eventual freedom. The series starred LeVar Burton and featured an all-star cast. Its unflinching portrayal of slavery’s horrors sparked national conversations about racial history and justice. Garnering critical acclaim and massive viewership, Roots became a cultural milestone, earning nine Emmy Awards and paving the way for socially conscious television. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 4 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Route 66 (1960–1964) followed Tod Stiles (Martin Milner) and Buz Murdock (George Maharis) as they traversed America in a Corvette, encountering diverse characters and societal challenges. Each episode was filmed on location, showcasing America’s landscapes and regional cultures. Known for its introspective tone and poignant storytelling, the series tackled contemporary issues like poverty and racism. Route 66 remains a unique, thoughtful exploration of the American experience. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 5 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Sea Hunt (1958–1961) starred Lloyd Bridges as Mike Nelson, an ex-Navy frogman who took on underwater adventures involving rescue missions, espionage, and treasure hunts. The show’s realistic depiction of diving, enhanced by Bridges’ engaging performance, popularized scuba diving and marine conservation. Its suspenseful, action-packed stories captured the imagination of audiences, making it a hit. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 6 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978) starred Lee Majors as Steve Austin, a former astronaut rebuilt with bionic technology after a catastrophic crash. Equipped with enhanced strength, speed, and vision, Austin worked as a government agent tackling dangerous missions. The show’s mix of action, science fiction, and human drama captivated viewers, solidifying it as a 1970s classic. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 7 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Starsky and Hutch (1975–1979) was a gritty yet stylish buddy cop drama following streetwise detectives Dave Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and Ken Hutchinson (David Soul). Known for their iconic red-and-white Ford Torino, the duo navigated dangerous urban cases, blending action with humor and camaraderie. The series’ balance of intensity and personality influenced future cop shows. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 8 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977) paired veteran detective Mike Stone (Karl Malden) with young inspector Steve Keller (Michael Douglas) in this police procedural set against the city’s dramatic landscapes. The show’s gritty realism, strong character dynamics, and thoughtful storytelling made it a standout in the crime genre. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 9 Can you name this person and the Television Show associated with her?
ANSWER: Susan Lucci became a television icon as Erica Kane on All My Children (1970–2011). Her complex, dynamic portrayal of the ambitious, love-stricken character earned her 19 Emmy nominations and one win. Lucci’s groundbreaking role defined daytime television and established her as the "Queen of Soaps," captivating fans for decades. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 10 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: That Girl (1966–1971) starred Marlo Thomas as Ann Marie, an aspiring actress navigating life in New York City. As one of the first sitcoms centered on an independent, single woman, it reflected changing gender roles in the 1960s. Thomas’ charm and comedic timing made the series a cultural touchstone. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 11 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The Mod Squad (1968–1973) followed three countercultural young adults working undercover for the police: Pete (Michael Cole), Linc (Clarence Williams III), and Julie (Peggy Lipton). Tackling social issues like racism and drug abuse, the show blended edgy themes with camaraderie, becoming a groundbreaking entry in the crime genre. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 12 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER:The Defenders (1961–1965) was a legal drama starring E.G. Marshall and Robert Reed as a father-and-son attorney team. Known for tackling controversial issues like abortion and civil rights, the show combined courtroom intrigue with thought-provoking storytelling, earning acclaim for its bold, socially conscious approach. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 13 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The Little Rascals (originally Our Gang) was a beloved series of comedic shorts from the 1920s and 1930s, later airing on television. Featuring a diverse group of mischievous children, including Spanky, Alfalfa, and Darla, the show celebrated childhood adventures and friendships with humor and heartwarming charm. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 14 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The Thorn Birds (1983) was a sweeping miniseries based on Colleen McCullough’s novel. Set in Australia, it followed forbidden love and family drama, with Richard Chamberlain as Father Ralph and Rachel Ward as Meggie Cleary. The show’s emotional depth and epic scope captivated audiences, becoming a TV classic. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 15 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Three’s Company (1977–1984) was a comedic farce about three roommates—Jack (John Ritter), Janet (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy (Suzanne Somers)—pretending Jack was gay to satisfy their landlord’s morality standards. With slapstick humor and misunderstandings, the show became a sitcom staple, propelled by Ritter’s impeccable timing. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 16 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Twin Peaks (1990–1991), created by David Lynch, was a surreal mystery following Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) investigating Laura Palmer’s murder in a small town. Its eerie tone, quirky characters, and dreamlike storytelling redefined television, influencing the modern landscape of serialized dramas. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 17 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: Wagon Train (1957–1965) was a Western following pioneers traveling westward, led by wagon masters played by Ward Bond and later John McIntire. Each episode featured guest stars and self-contained stories of hardship, adventure, and survival, making it a quintessential example of the genre. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 18 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The White Shadow (1978–1981) starred Ken Howard as Ken Reeves, a former pro basketball player coaching a racially diverse high school team. Blending sports drama with social issues, the show tackled racism, poverty, and ambition, earning praise for its realistic and heartfelt story telling. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 19 Can you name the Television Show associated with this image?
ANSWER: The Wonder Years (1988–1993) nostalgically chronicled the life of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Narrated by an adult Kevin, the show explored family, friendship, and first love with humor and poignancy. Its relatable storytelling made it a cultural touchstone. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.