In the early and mid 1950's, sitcoms and game shows led the TV programs that most people watched. But in the late 50's, westerns took over. In 1958, eight of the top ten TV shows were westerns. TV specials and news events were also very important. They were used to spread relevant and timely messages back then. They were able to attract huge audiences.

In light of how TV was being used, many people were beginning to make the switch from radio to TV to meet their needs for information, entertainment, and supportive family ties. Programs such as The Life of Riley, December Bride, and Gunsmoke went from being on the radio to television. The TV series Wagon Train was however a western series that ran on NBC 1957–62 and then on ABC 1962–65. This show became a popular one that had never been on radio.

The Life of Riley was a favored American radio sitcom series of the 1940's that became a long-running 1950's TV series. December Bride was an old-time and favorite American radio sitcom. It was broadcast on CBS from June 1952, to September 1953. The CBS television broadcast was a version of the show that ran 1954-1959. With Gunsmoke, it was an American epic radio series that ran from 1952 to 1961. The TV series was also very successful and ran for 20 seasons (1955 to 1975), and lasted for 635 episodes.

The show Wagon Train was one inspired by the 1950 film Wagon Master. This show looked to model itself after early epic film westerns like The Big Trail (1930).

More Info: en.wikipedia.org