Loading ...Exhibit: Network Television Promotion
Here’s a collection of network promotional spots, primarily from the 1960s through the 1980s, broken into four distinct categories.
These spots are promoting a specific television show but not a specific episode. The first spot, for The Brady Bunch takes scenes from the show and with the addition of a voiceover creates a whole new “experience” for viewers. The fourth spot, for The Odd Couple, shows what’s going on behind the scenes. The other two are simply scenes from various episodes.
The Brady Bunch (CBS, 1970)
The Green Hornet (ABC, 1966)
The Wild, Wild West (CBS, 1967)
The Odd Couple (CBS, 1970)
These are promotional spots for specific episodes of specific shows, also called episodic previews or the more colloquial “next time” spot. Intended to catch the attention of viewers — and hold it until the episode actually airs — these spots showcase dramatic, emotional or comedic moments.
Adventures in Paradise – “The Violent Journey” (ABC, March 28th, 1960)
Lost in Space – “The Space Creature” (CBS, November 15th, 1967)
Thriller – “The Grim Reaper” (NBC, June 13th, 1961)
Gibbsville – “All the Young Girls” (NBC, December 16th, 1976)
ER – “Blizzard” (NBC, December 8th, 1994)
Ford Theatre – “The Ardent Woodsman” (NBC, January 14th, 1954)
The Defenders – “The Hidden Fury” (CBS, March 28th, 1964)
Unlike generic or episodic spots, these are “event” promotional spots, advertising the premiere of a new series or the season premiere/finale of a returning show.
Funny Face (CBS, 1972)
The Fitzpatricks (CBS, 1978)
These spots promote more an entire evening’s programming for a specific network. The first, for ABC’s mid-season 1967 Thursday line-up, features several actresses promoting their shows. The others mostly rely on voiceover narration.
ABC Thursday Night Line-Up (1967)
(Black & White Print)
CBS Wednesday Night Line-Up (1978)
ABC Saturday Night Line-Up (1963)
NBC Tuesday Night Line-up (1994)
Partial NBC Saturday Night Line-up (1984)
Last Updated February 15th, 2009