Pioneers of Television Timeline

The technology for television existed prior to World War II, but it was in the late 1940s that television sets became household items and talented entertainers could pave the way for the new medium. Pioneers of television included variety show hosts Jackie Gleason and Betty White, who along with film stars like Lucille Ball, also launched sitcoms. Other early genres that captured the imaginations of America included Westerns and crime dramas.

Click on the yellow dots below for pivotal moments in stars’ careers and television history.