By Lie Shia Ong
MSN TV

The look of the traditional American family on television has definitely evolved through the years.

Starting in February, MSN TV will take you back in history and show you the famous families on TV over the decades.

Related: TV families of the 1960s

This week, we're looking back at the 1950's. It was a time of growth and expansion for the United States. World War II had ended and Americans were starting new families in new homes with new jobs.

There was also a big change in mass communication with the advancement of the television set -- and with it, of course, the beginning of families portrayed on TV.

Here's a look at shows like "Father Knows Best," "Dennis the Menace" and "Leave it to Beaver"-- the first TV families America watched.

Bing: 'Leave it to Beaver'