Matinee Theater (1955)
- Drama
- Status : Ended
- Total Seasons : 3
- Total Episodes : 574
Overview
Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery had previously produced the live series Cameo Theatre which introduced to television the concept of theater-in-the-round, TV plays staged with minimal sets. Jim Buckley of the Pewter Plough Playhouse recalled: When Al McCleery got back to the States, he originated a most ambitious theatrical TV series for NBC called Matinee Theater: to televise five different stage plays per week live, airing around noon in order to promote color TV to the American housewife as she labored over her ironing. Al was the producer. He hired five directors and five art directors. Richard Bennett, one of our first early presidents of the Pewter Plough Corporation, was one of the directors and I was one of the art directors and, as soon as we were through televising one play, we had lunch and then met to plan next week’s show. That was over 50 years ago, and I’m trying to think; I believe the TV art director is his own set decorator —yes, of course! It had to be, since one of McCleery’s chief claims to favor with the producers was his elimination of the setting per se and simply decorating the scene with a minimum of props. It took a bit of ingenuity.- Status : Ended
- Total Seasons : 3
- Total Episodes : 574
Overview
Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery had previously produced the live series Cameo Theatre which introduced to television the concept of theater-in-the-round, TV plays staged with minimal sets. Jim Buckley of the Pewter Plough Playhouse recalled: When Al McCleery got back to the States, he originated a most ambitious theatrical TV series for NBC called Matinee Theater: to televise five different stage plays per week live, airing around noon in order to promote color TV to the American housewife as she labored over her ironing. Al was the producer. He hired five directors and five art directors. Richard Bennett, one of our first early presidents of the Pewter Plough Corporation, was one of the directors and I was one of the art directors and, as soon as we were through televising one play, we had lunch and then met to plan next week’s show. That was over 50 years ago, and I’m trying to think; I believe the TV art director is his own set decorator —yes, of course! It had to be, since one of McCleery’s chief claims to favor with the producers was his elimination of the setting per se and simply decorating the scene with a minimum of props. It took a bit of ingenuity.
Matinee Theater (1955) – Full TV Series Summary, Episodes & Review
| Title | Matinee Theater |
|---|---|
| First Air Date | Mon Oct 31 1955 |
| Last Air Date | Fri Jun 13 1958 |
| Status | Ended |
| Tagline | - |
| Country | US |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Drama |
| Total Seasons | 3 |
| Total Episodes | 574 |
| Creators | - |
| Production | NBC |
| Rating | 5.0/10 |
Overview
Matinee Theater is a Drama television series that premiered in 1955, with its first episode releasing on Mon Oct 31 1955. Known for its cinematic production quality and gripping storyline, the show has become one of the most influential modern series in its genre.
Matinee Theater is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1955 to 1958. The series, which ran daily in the afternoon, was frequently live. It was produced by Albert McCleery, Darrell Ross, George Cahan and Frank Price with executive producer George Lowther. McCleery had previously produced the live series Cameo Theatre which introduced to television the concept of theater-in-the-round, TV plays staged with minimal sets. Jim Buckley of the Pewter Plough Playhouse recalled: When Al McCleery got back to the States, he originated a most ambitious theatrical TV series for NBC called Matinee Theater: to televise five different stage plays per week live, airing around noon in order to promote color TV to the American housewife as she labored over her ironing. Al was the producer. He hired five directors and five art directors. Richard Bennett, one of our first early presidents of the Pewter Plough Corporation, was one of the directors and I was one of the art directors and, as soon as we were through televising one play, we had lunch and then met to plan next week’s show. That was over 50 years ago, and I’m trying to think; I believe the TV art director is his own set decorator —yes, of course! It had to be, since one of McCleery’s chief claims to favor with the producers was his elimination of the setting per se and simply decorating the scene with a minimum of props. It took a bit of ingenuity.
Latest Episode Details
Course for Collision
Season 3, Episode 135
Aired on 1958-06-13
Runtime: 60 minutes
No description available.
Storyline & Plot Overview
Matinee Theater follows a layered narrative filled with mystery, emotional depth, and character evolution. Each season expands on the core storyline while introducing new conflicts, dangers, and twists that keep audiences engaged. The show masterfully balances suspense, sci-fi concepts, and personal character drama, making it a binge-worthy experience.
Production & Background
Created by and produced by NBC, the series features top-tier cinematography, atmospheric lighting, and highly detailed world-building. Filming locations, visual effects, and sound design all contribute to creating a cinematic universe that feels immersive and authentic.
Audience Response
With an impressive rating of 5.0/10, the series has gained global acclaim. Viewers praise its emotional storytelling, character depth, pacing, and ability to maintain suspense across multiple seasons.
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- Other series with supernatural or mystery-driven plots
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many seasons does this series have?
The show currently features 3 seasons with a total of 574 episodes.
2. Is the series still running?
No, the series has concluded its run.
3. Where can I watch this TV show?
It is available on its official streaming platform based on region and licensing.
4. What genre does this series belong to?
It primarily falls under Drama, blending multiple elements to create a unique viewing experience.
5. Is this TV show based on a book or original screenplay?
The show is creatively developed by the creators, using a mix of original storytelling and thematic inspirations.
6. Does each season follow a continuous storyline?
Yes, the series builds upon previous seasons while expanding its world, characters, and narrative arcs.
7. How long is each episode?
Episode runtime varies depending on the season and creative direction.
8. Are new episodes coming soon?
There is no official release date for upcoming episodes.
9. What makes this show popular?
The series is praised for its character depth, storytelling, world-building, and consistent suspense.
10. Is this series good for binge-watching?
Yes, the engaging storyline and seasonal cliffhangers make it perfect for binge-watch sessions.
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