TV in the U.S. wasn’t national until September 1951. Prior to that, TV was restricted regional relays and early networks in the east and midwest.
Early Networks and the East-Midwest Connection
Category: The TV Industry
These articles cover topics relating to the TV industry that may be unfamiliar to the casual viewer, ranging from the programming trends to fall preview specials to unsold pilots shown on TV.
Unsold Pilots on Television, 1967-1989
A look at unsold pilots aired between 1967 and 1989 on shows like Comedy Playhouse, Just for Laughs, Comedy Time, and CBS Summer Playhouse.
Broadcast Twice a Week (or More)
During the mid-1960s the networks experimented with airing serialized TV shows like Peyton Place twice a week (or more) but the fad quickly died out.
Unsold Pilots on Television, 1956-1966
A look at unsold pilots aired between 1956 and 1966 on shows like G.E. Summer Originals, Vacation Playhouse, Summer Playhouse, and New Comedy Showcase.
Programs Cancelled Before They Premiered, 1963-1988
Between 1963 and 1988, only a handful of shows were pulled abruptly without airing a single episode: The Robert Taylor Show, Snip, Mister Dugan, and The Dictator.
Nielsen Black Weeks
Until 1973, several times a year there were no TV ratings. These Nielsen Black Weeks were an opportunity for the networks to air prestige programs.