Alan Bennett, of Lingholme, Redcar, was at Teesside Magistrates' Court for the short hearing during which he confirmed his name and address.
He is accused of murdering Lynne Freeman, 46, and 30-year-old Jodie Betteridge, on Wednesday evening.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Teesside Crown Court on 29 March.
Police were called to Mapleton Crescent, where Mrs Freeman lived on Wednesday evening, then seven minutes later to Ms Betteridge's address in Byland Close.
Ms Freeman's children Sarah Helm, 28, James Helm, 27, Kimberley Helm, 25 and Lauren Freeman, 18, previously said in a statement: "We shouldn't have to be writing a tribute to our mother who was taken from us so early. She should still be here to watch her four kids and grandkids grow."
In tribute to Ms Betteridge, Theresa Largan, 51, said: "Jodie lived for her kids. I don't think I ever saw her on her own, she always had the tribe with her."

The former party leader's victory came as the SNP won all six seats in the north east of Scotland.
Callum McCaig won Aberdeen South from Labour, and Kirsty Blackman did likewise in Aberdeen North.
Stuart Donaldson won West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Angus Robertson held Moray, and Eilidh Whiteford was re-elected in Banff and Buchan.
However, Alistair Carmichael retained Orkney and Shetland for the Liberal Democrats.
Mr Salmond, speaking after defeating the Liberal Democrats in Gordon, said: "The Scottish lion has roared this morning across the country.
"There is a swing under way in Scotland the like of which has not been seen in recorded politics.
"I look forward to representing every constituent, regardless of their political views."
Mr Salmond claimed a 47.7% share of the vote, over Christine Jardine on 32.7%, as the SNP saw a 25.5% increase.
Mr McCaig's win, with a 29.8% increase, saw Anne Begg lose her seat. He said he was "honoured and thrilled".
Ms Blackman's win was on the back of a 34.2% increase to defeat Richard Baker.
Mr Donaldson's West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine victory came after a 25.9% share increase. Lib Dem Sir Robert Smith, who lost the seat, was pushed into third behind Conservative Alexander Burnett after a 17% fall.
Mr Robertson increased his majority for a 49.5% share, as did Ms Whiteford, with a 19% vote increase and a 60.25% share.
Mr Carmichael's victory came after a 20.6% fall in his share of the vote.
He thanked the people of Orkney and Shetland for giving him the "tremendous privilege" of serving them again.

The 40-year-old was found to have made 86 accumulator-style bets between 2006 and 2016, on which he lost £2,995.
Burden was also fined £5,000, with his ban to be activated if any more breaches occur before 1 January 2018.
Governing body the WPBSA was satisfied he did not "influence match outcomes or engage in any corrupt activity".
Chairman of the WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association) Jason Ferguson said: "It is a key part of any sports integrity strategy that players cannot bet on their sport.
"Alfie Burden put his career at risk by so doing and it is only through his full admissions and his cooperation with the disciplinary committee that he has avoided a career-ending suspension."
Burden turned professional in 1994 - earning £392,258 during his career - and had his best ranking tournament performances last season when he reached the quarter-finals of the China Open and European Masters.
A man has appeared in court accused of murdering two women within minutes of each other in separate attacks.
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Alex Salmond said the Scottish lion had "roared", after he won the Gordon seat for the SNP in the general election.
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Snooker player Alfie Burden has been given a six-month ban - suspended for a year - for placing bets totalling £25,000 on matches including his own.