Hastings moved to television in 1949, performing in early science-fiction series, including "Atom Squad". In 1954, he was the featured pitch-man (acting as an amateur magician) for Bakers Instant Cocoa Mix television commercials. His first recurring role was as a lieutenant on Phil Silvers' "Sergeant Bilko" series in the late 1950s. At that time he also guest-starred on Walter Brennan's ABC sitcom "The Real McCoys", in an episode titled “How to Paint a House”. He also appeared in "Captain Video" playing the brother of "The Video Ranger", who was in turn played by Hastings' brother, Don Hastings.