The Phil Silvers Show

The Phil Silvers Show, sometimes known in syndication as Sgt. Bilko or just Bilko, was a successful and pioneering sitcom in the late 1950's. The Phil Silvers Show featured a large cast and was one of the first sitcoms to not revolve around a family/friends. The only other "workplace" comedy that comes to mind prior to Bilko was Our Miss Brooks which partially took place at a high school but rarely ever showed the teachers actually teaching. Starring Phil Silvers as Sgt. Ernie Bilko who ran the motor pool and gambling operations at Fort Baxter, Kansas (relocated to Camp Fremont, California for the final season). Originally called You'll Never Get Rich, the name was switched to Phil Silvers Show after the 6th episode. It was the 6th highest rated sitcom its first season (behind I Love Lucy, December Bride, The Honeymooners, The Life Of Riley and the Burns & Allen Show).
For its second season it ranked as the #3 sitcom behind I Love Lucy and December Bride. I don't know how it ranked for its last two seasons. In 1957-1958 the top 4 sitcoms were The Danny Thomas Show, December Bride, The Gale Storm Show and Father Knows Best. In 1958-1959 the top 4 sitcoms were The Danny Thomas Show, The Real McCoys, Father Knows Best and the Ann Southern Show.
The Phil Silvers Show was filmed in New York City and was created by Nat Hiken who later did Car 54 Where Are You? Joe E. Ross, one of the stars of Car 54, was also a cast member of Phil Silvers as was Beatrice Pons who played his wife in both shows. The other main star of Car 54, Fred Gwynne, made his TV debut on Phil Silvers. Paul Douglas played Col. Hall who was usually Bilko's foil or victim of his many schemes. Dick Van Dyke made his TV debut in a couple episodes as did Alan Alda in one. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phil_Silvers_Show