In my part of the country, Milton Berle ruled Tuesday nights. You couldn't schedule anything that would interfere with watching that show on the 13" B&W roundish tube.
Sid Caesar and sidekick Imogene Coca weren't quite as popular, but their effect on future comedy/variety shows was probably greater. Take a look as the writers, guest stars and bit players on Your Show of Shbows for a who's-who of TV greats, before they were great.
Uncle Miltie was great. Do you remember Paul Winchell & Jerry Mahoney? How about December Bride? I Remember Mama with Peggy Woods I believe? Does anyone remember Super Circus? It used to be on Saturday mornings. Rin Tin Tin, Flicka, Circus Boy with Mickey Dolenz? Captain Midnight? Sky King? They were all our favorite shows.