Debuting Bonanza (first weekly TV series broadcast completely in color) Hawaiian Eye The Twilight Zone (first round of shows. Rod Serling’s program would run til 1964, then return in 1985 and in 2002.) The Bell Telephone Hour Ending Your Hit Parade (Debuted in 1935 on radio, moved to television in 1950) Dragnet(first round of shows, running from 1952 - 1959. It … [Read more...]

1970 was notable for Minnie Pearl’s first appearance on “Hee Haw”. It marked the end of a number of once-favorite shows.. Those shows included “The Honeymooners”, “Petticoat Junction”, “Daniel Boone”, “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”, “Get Smart” and “I Dream of Jeannie”. It also was the … [Read more...]

Debuts: Hee HawMarcus Welby, M.D>Room 222The Brady Bunch Endings The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, 1967-1969The Avengers, 1961-1969Peyton Place, 1964-1969 … [Read more...]

1980 was the year that CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite would retire, Cable News Network (CNN) would begin broadcasting and David Letterman would debut a morning talk show on NBC. The daytime audiences weren't ready for Dave. The show was canceled. He did much better with a late night gig. Debuting this year: Bosom Buddies Magnum, P.I. Solid Gold Too Close for … [Read more...]

O.J. Simpson goes on trial for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole, and an acquaintance of hers, Ronald Goldman. The trial is televised, pre-empting much of the regular daytime programming for the major networks. CNN makes a name for itself with the coverage, and lawyers find new careers in broadcasting. Simpson is found not guilty on all counts in October. Debuting Star … [Read more...]