Classic Adventure Television: 4 TV Shows That Shaped the Genre

Adventure was a popular jumping off point for classic television shows in the 1950s. Comic book characters like Superman provided a built-in audience with children, teens, and even adults. However, shows like "Zorro," "Adventures in Paradise," and "Sea Hunt," also helped to shape the collective imaginations of those watching.

Here is a look at some of the best adventure TV shows that classic television has to offer.

1. "Zorro"
"Zorro" began as a book series and was also turned into numerous films, but the in 1957, Disney kicked off the first "Zorro" television series, according to Zoro Productions. Because "Zorro" got its start as a book series, it was one of the first to use a mask to hide the identity of the hero. "Zorro" also affected comic books. For example, Bruce Wayne stated that Zorro was a role model to him. Each episode had action, adventure, suspense, and a moral lesson, much like many comic book heroes today.

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2. "Adventures in Paradise"
"Adventures in Paradise" centered on character Adam Troy, a Korean War veteran who was a captain of a freelance schooner, the Tiki III, according to IMDb. Most of the adventures Adam finds himself on are based in the South Pacific as he carries cargo and passengers from places like Hong Kong to the Pitcairn Island. In addition to traveling different places, the show also dove in the romantic and investigative dealings of the sea captain.

3. "Sea Hunt"
Scuba diving was still relatively new when "Sea Hunt" began in 1958. The show plot lines revolved around mostly finding sunken treasure or downed satellites, but it was unique because most of the plot was narrated by the main character. Because scuba diving still new, it really highlighted the adventures that could be had under the sea through exploration, according to TV.com.

4. "The Adventures of Superman"
"The Adventures of Superman" was a low-budget children's show that didn't always have the best plot lines, according to IMDb. However, it was what it did for DC Comics, as well as a generation of children, that cannot be overlooked. From the hero's constant saving Metropolis from danger to emphasizing a moral code, the show helped shaped future versions of the franchise. While many of the adventures involved flying into the air to save the earth from doom, it has a message that still resonates and carries through the series today.

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