People tired of comedies dependent on shock humor or silliness will appreciate timelessness of old-time radio. The title characters of Fibber McGee and Molly, a show that aired from 1935 through 1956, argue about who’s spending money, who’s doing chores, and why hall closet is packed with so much junk. Listeners will realize that some facets of American life haven’t changed that much. Jokes about war bonds aside, McGees and other comic families of yesteryear aren’t too different from modern families – and they manage to be funny without gross-out gags.

Listeners interested in drama and intrigue can enjoy a wide selection of titles. Long before they hit small screen, lawyer Perry Mason, Lone Ranger, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, and Detective Sgt. Joe Friday of Dragnet solved crimes on radio. RUSC’s library includes episodes of more than 40 detective series and nearly 60 dramas and thrillers.

In ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, millions of families gathered around radio in evenings to catch their favorite shows. Life was simpler back then, but shows that appealed to nuclear family of 1950 can still capture imagination of 21st-century listeners of all ages. For more information and access to thousands of downloads, check out rusc.com.