The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse (1953)
A classic American dramatic anthology series that aired on ABC from 1953 to 1955, brought to viewers by the sponsorship of Pepsi-Cola.
The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse - Series Information
- Original Title: The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse
- First Air Year: 1953
- Last Air Year: 1955
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 92
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse - Plot
The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse is an American dramatic anthology series that aired on ABC from 1953 to 1955, sponsored by Pepsi-Cola. The show was hosted by Arlene Dahl, Anita Colby, and, finally, Polly Bergen
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The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Anita Colby
- Arlene Dahl
- Polly Bergen
- Dorothy Green
- Walter Coy
- William Phipps
- Peter Graves
- Marguerite Chapman
- Irene Hervey
- Dick Simmons
Writers
- John McGreevey
The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse - FAQs
Who hosted The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse?
The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse cycled through three glamorous hostesses over its run. Arlene Dahl and Anita Colby each took turns welcoming viewers, with Polly Bergen serving as the final host before the series concluded in 1955. Each brought her own distinct personality to the role.
What kind of show was The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse?
It was a dramatic anthology series — meaning each episode told a self-contained story with a different cast and plot. This format was hugely popular in early American television, allowing a wide variety of dramatic tales to be presented within a single weekly program on ABC.
Was The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse sponsored by a brand?
Yes, Pepsi-Cola was the exclusive sponsor, which is how the show got its name. Sponsor-branded programming was a defining feature of early 1950s television, with corporations funding entire series in exchange for prominent advertising — a practice that shaped the commercial landscape of the medium's golden age.
Where can I watch The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse today?
Streaming availability for The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse may vary by region and platform. As a vintage 1950s production, it is not widely distributed on major streaming services. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options available in your area.
Which network aired The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse?
The series aired on ABC, one of the three major American broadcast networks at the time. It ran from 1953 to 1955, spanning two seasons and 92 episodes — a substantial run that reflected the appetite audiences had for anthology drama programming during television's early years.
Did Peter Graves appear in The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse?
Peter Graves, who would later become a household name through Mission: Impossible, was among the guest performers on The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse. The series served as an early showcase for many actors who went on to significant careers in Hollywood film and television throughout the 1950s and beyond.
How many episodes does The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse have?
The series ran for 92 episodes across two seasons: Season 1 comprised 52 episodes and Season 2 followed with 40. This prolific output was typical of the era, when television schedules demanded a high volume of content and anthology formats made it easier to sustain long episode counts.
What are some shows similar to The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse?
Fans of classic anthology drama may also enjoy Tales of the Unexpected (1979) for its similarly episodic storytelling. For broader classic television drama, Eight Is Enough (1977) and Alice (1976) capture the spirit of mid-century American TV. More contemporary anthology-style series offer a modern take on the format.
More About The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse
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