Telephone Time (1956)
A vintage American anthology drama series where every episode turns a telephone call into a compelling, self-contained story of suspense, emotion, and human connection.
Telephone Time - Series Information
- Original Title: Telephone Time
- First Air Year: 1956
- Last Air Year: 1958
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (27 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 82
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 8, 1956 (United States - NR), April 8, 1956 (Canada - PG), April 8, 1956 (Mexico - B)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Countries: United States of America
Telephone Time - Plot
Telephone Time is an American anthology drama series that aired on CBS in 1956, and on ABC from 1957 to 1958. The series features plays by John Nesbitt who hosted the first season. Frank C. Baxter hosted the 1957 and 1958 seasons. The program was directed by Arthur Hiller.
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Telephone Time - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- John Nesbitt
- Hugo Haas
- Beverly Washburn
- William Talman
- Nestor Paiva
- Michael Landon
- Harry Townes
- Steven Geray
- Barbara Baxley
- Celia Lovsky
Writers
- John Nesbitt
- Norman Lessing
- Donald S. Sanford
Telephone Time - FAQs
What is Telephone Time about?
Telephone Time is an American anthology drama series built around real-life stories involving telephone calls. Each episode dramatizes a different tale, ranging from suspenseful to heartwarming, with the telephone serving as the central narrative device connecting characters and driving the plot forward.
Where can you stream Telephone Time?
Telephone Time is available to watch for free with ads on Tubi TV. It's a great option for classic television fans who want to explore this vintage anthology series without any subscription cost.
Who hosted Telephone Time on television?
The series had two hosts across its run. John Nesbitt, who also wrote for the show, hosted the first season on CBS in 1956. Frank C. Baxter then took over hosting duties for the 1957 and 1958 seasons when the series moved to ABC.
How many seasons and episodes does Telephone Time have?
Telephone Time ran for three seasons and a total of 82 episodes. Season 1 comprised 17 episodes, Season 2 expanded to 36 episodes, and Season 3 wrapped up the series with 29 episodes, spanning from 1956 to 1958.
Which networks aired Telephone Time?
Telephone Time premiered on CBS in 1956 for its first season, then moved to ABC for its remaining two seasons, airing from 1957 to 1958. The network shift did not interrupt the show's anthology format or its signature telephone-driven storytelling.
Did Michael Landon appear in Telephone Time?
Yes, Michael Landon — years before his iconic roles in Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie — appeared in Telephone Time as part of its rotating cast. The series served as an early television credit for Landon during the mid-to-late 1950s, showcasing his early dramatic range.
Who directed Telephone Time?
Telephone Time was directed by Arthur Hiller, who would later become a celebrated Hollywood film director known for movies such as Love Story and The In-Laws. His work on this anthology series represents one of his early directing credits in the television industry.
What are shows similar to Telephone Time?
Fans of Telephone Time's anthology format may enjoy The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone (1985), Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Neil Gaiman's Likely Stories, and Soulmates. These series share a similar episode-by-episode storytelling approach with self-contained dramatic narratives.
More About Telephone Time
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