Television The CBS Eye logo was introduced during the network’s station breaks in 1951. Walter Cronkite began hosting CBS documentary series “The 20th Century” in 1957…TV’s two most “lovable bigots,” Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker and Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson, appeared together for the first time in an episode of CBS’ “All in the Family” in 1973. Initially, neighbor Louise Jefferson (Isabel Sanford) […]
Television and Periodicals In 1953, Arthur Godfrey fired singer Julius La Rosa during the live radio broadcast of “Arthur Godfrey Time.” Considered one of the great mistakes in the history of broadcasting, the once beloved Godfrey’s career spiraled downward from that moment on…The last issue of “Look” magazine was published in 1971…ABC sitcom “Perfect Strangers” hit the 100 episode mark in 1990. It concluded on August 6, 1993 at the 150 episode mark…Competition […]
Television and Radio The first broadcast of “Perry Mason” was presented on CBS Radio in 1943. The original version of the legal drama with Raymond Burr debuted on CBS on Sept. 21, 1957…Orson Welles made his television debut in the live “Omnibus” production of “King Lear” on CBS in 1953. Hosted by Alistair Cooke, “Omnibus” showcased dramatic plays, literary readings, documentary-style films, operas, ballet and symphony performances…The Jackson […]
Television Game show “The Hollywood Squares” debuted on NBC in 1966 in daytime with Ernest Borgnine in the center square. Peter Marshall was the host and the first week also featured Cliff Arquette (a.k.a. “Charlie Weaver”), Wally Cox, Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie and Abby Dalton. In 1999, HBO presented what it thought would be a one-time, one-hour special, “Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The show was presented as a mocumentary that followed David’s preparation for an upcoming HBO […]
Television Edith (Jean Stapleton) missed her surprise 50th birthday party on “All in the Family” on CBS in 1977 when she was attacked by a rapist (David Dukes). The storyline was originally planned for Bonnie Franklin on “One Day at a Time.“ TV movie “Human Feelings” premiered on NBC in 1978. It starred Billy Crystal as an angel who falls in love […]
Television “I Love Lucy” turns 74. The beloved sitcom debuted on CBS in 1951. Airing for six seasons, “I Love Lucy” was an immediate sensation, finishing four seasons as the top-rated program in primetime. For a look at the feature I wrote four years ago celebrating “I Love Lucy” at 70, click here. Period crime drama “The […]
Television “I Love Lucy” turns 73. The beloved sitcom debuted on CBS in 1951. Airing for six seasons, “I Love Lucy” was an immediate sensation, finishing four seasons as the top-rated program in primetime. For a look at the feature I wrote three years ago celebrating “I Love Lucy” at 70, click here. Period crime drama “The […]
