History of Television

By RobertMoore

  • Howdy Doody

    Howdy Doody
    "Howdy Doody," a children's series, premieres live on NBC as a one-hour Saturday program.

  • The Ed Sullivan Show

    The Ed Sullivan Show
    "The Ed Sullivan Show" (originally "Toast of the Town") makes its debut.

  • Today

    Today
    NBC's "Today" show, first and longest-running early-morning network show, bows with host Dave Garroway and chimpanzee sidekick J. Fred Muggs.

  • Color Broadcasting

    Color Broadcasting
    Color broadcasting officially arrives in the U.S., when FCC approves modified version of an RCA system.

  • The Tonight Show

    The Tonight Show
    NBC launches "The Tonight Show," featuring comedian Steve Allen.

  • Gunsmoke

    Gunsmoke
    The classic Western series "Gunsmoke" begins its 20-year run on CBS.

  • $64,000 Question

    $64,000 Question
    "The $64,000 Question," premieres in June on CBS, igniting a U.S. game show craze.

  • Mister Magoo

    Mister Magoo
    The cartoon ad character Mister Magoo becomes the nearsighted spokesman for General Electric bulbs.

  • I have a dream

    I have a dream
    Dr. Martin Luther King delivers his "I have a dream" speech as millions watch on TV.

  • Color

    Color
    Color TV booms as NBC leads the way and begins to use the phrase "The Full Color Network".