Articles: The Networks
These articles look at promotional efforts, fall previews, special programming and other aspects of network broadcast television over the decades.
ABC and Batman’s Fourth Commercial Spot
Originally Published January 7th, 2010
When ABC premiered Batman, it moved away from industry policy and added a fourth commercial spot. Affiliates balked.
Building NBC’s 1966-1967 Schedule
Originally Published June 11th, 2003
See what went into crafting NBC’s 1966-1967 schedule, including early versions of the schedule, the network’s fall preview special and other promotional efforts.
CBS Fall Season 1972: Have We Got A Fall For You
Originally Published August 20th, 2003
How did CBS advertise its new programs in September of 1972? Find out in this article.
CBS: On The Air – A Celebration of 50 Years
Originally Published May 20th, 2007
This week-long soiree commemorated five decades of CBS programming.
CBS and Psycho
Originally Published April 29th, 2009
CBS planned to broadcast Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho in September of 1966. It postponed the broadcast after a tragic murder and never showed the movie. Learn why.
Fall 1974
Originally Published August 20th & October 14th, 2003
A look at the new shows the three networks debuted in September of 1974.
The Fall 1974 That Wasn’t
Originally Published June 25th, 2009
In 1974, the FCC decided to return an hour of prime time to the networks only to have a court order reverse the decision. The networks scrambled to revise their schedules. See both the original and revised schedules for fall 1974.
The Magic Of ABC
Originally Published February 1st, 2004
David Copperfield starred in this fall preview special for ABC alongside dozens of the network’s top stars.
Midseason 1979
Originally Published July 31st, 2008
The networks premiered more than twenty new shows between January and March of 1979. How many do you remember?
NBC Saturdays 1984-1985
Originally Published April 26th, 2006
Although NBC was undergoing a resurgence during the 1984-1985 season, its Saturday line-up never caught on.
Save Our Show Campaigns Prior to Star Trek
Originally Published July 9th, 2009
Learn all about nine letter writing campaigns to save television shows like Father Knows Best, It’s a Man’s World, NBC Matinee Theater and more.
The WB’s Image Campaigns (1995-2006)
Originally Published February 1st, 2004
The WB launched in January of 1995 with a line-up of four sitcoms. Within a few years, the network was focusing on teen dramas. See how things changed.
Last Updated January 7th, 2010