50. Thunderbirds

Filmed in Videcolor and Supermarionation (it says so right in the opening), this British mid-60s classic answers the question: What would a retired astronaut with his own private island, access to unlimited technology, and five upstanding sons do if given the chance? He'd help people in need, of course, and do it with the slickest supersonic jets, amphibious vehicles, and rockets imaginable.

Once you get past the fact that, yes, the cast of Thunderbirds are all 9-inch puppets, the eye-popping color and groovy vehicles are all quite cinematic. Thunderbirds lasted only two seasons but inspired numerous sequels, reboots, film versions, tie-in fiction and, indirectly at least, Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Team America: World Police.

In February, ITV announced its intention to bring the show back one more time for the 50th anniversary in 2015. Thunderbirds are Go, and, apparently, will continue to Go.