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.

1949

1954

1959

1964

1969

1974

1979

1984

1989

1994

1999

2004

01.01.19491949: Betty White starts TV career

Betty White begins her career in television co-hosting a local Los Angeles variety show ''Hollywood on Television'' with Al Jarvis.

01.01.1949

1949: Betty White starts TV career

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Betty White begins her career in television co-hosting a local Los Angeles variety show ''Hollywood on Television'' with Al Jarvis.

Betty White begins her career in television co-hosting a local Los Angeles variety show ''Hollywood on Television'' with Al Jarvis.

01.02.1951

1951: "I Love Lucy" premieres

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1951: ''I Love Lucy'' premieres. The series, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, instantly becomes a major hit.

The series, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, instantly becomes a major hit.

01.02.1951

1951: ''Dragnet'' debuts

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1951: ''Dragnet'' debuts. The crime drama’s iconic style is carefully orchestrated by Jack Webb who played Sergeant Joe Friday.

The crime drama’s iconic style is carefully orchestrated by Jack Webb who played Sergeant Joe Friday.

01.01.1955

1955: ''Gunsmoke'' premieres

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1955: ''Gunsmoke'' premieres. The television Western would run for 20 years.

The television Western would run for 20 years.

01.02.1955

1955: ''Sam and Friends'' debuts

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1955: Forerunner to "The Muppet Show," Jim Henson's ''Sam and Friends'' airs on local TV in Washington D.C.

Forerunner to "The Muppet Show," Jim Henson's ''Sam and Friends'' airs on local TV in Washington D.C.

01.01.1956

1956: ''The Honeymooners'' ends

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1956: ''The Honeymooners'' ends. Just 39 episodes of this classic Jackie Gleason sitcom were produced, but its appeal and influence endured.

''The Honeymooners'' ends. Just 39 episodes of this classic Jackie Gleason sitcom were produced, but its appeal and influence endured.

01.01.1957

1957: Carol Burnett's John Foster Dulles

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1957: Carol Burnett becomes a star overnight after performing her comedic song, ''I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles'' on ''The Tonight Show.''

Carol Burnett becomes a star overnight after performing her comedic song, ''I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles'' on ''The Tonight Show.''

01.01.1958

1958: Game show scandal

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1958: Top-rated game shows are revealed to be rigged, resulting in a congressional investigation.

Top-rated game shows are revealed to be rigged, resulting in a congressional investigation.

01.01.1959

1959: George Reeves dies

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TV’s ''Superman'' George Reeves dies at his home of a gunshot wound to the head. The circumstances of his death remain controversial.

TV’s ''Superman'' George Reeves dies at his home of a gunshot wound to the head. The circumstances of his death remain controversial.

01.01.1959

1959: ''Twilight Zone'' premieres

1959: ''Twilight Zone'' premieres. Despite considerable the critical acclaim of the Rod Serling series, its ratings are never stellar.

Despite considerable the critical acclaim of the Rod Serling series, its ratings are never stellar.

01.01.1960

1960: Jack Paar walks off

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1960: '''The Tonight Show'' host Jack Paar famously walks off the show while it’s on the air, in protest of NBC's censoring of a joke.

''The Tonight Show'' host Jack Paar famously walks off the show while it’s on the air, in protest of NBC's censoring of a joke.

01.01.1961

1961: Mary Tyler Moore starts TV career

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1961: Mary Tyler Moore is cast in ''The Dick Van Dyke show'' as Laura Petrie. She lied about her age, fearing she was too young to get the part.

Mary Tyler Moore is cast in ''The Dick Van Dyke show'' as Laura Petrie. She lied about her age, fearing she was too young to get the part.

01.01.1965

1965: Bill Cosby cast in "I Spy"

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1965: Bill Cosby is first African-American lead in a TV drama when he is cast in ''I Spy.''

Bill Cosby is first African-American lead in a TV drama.

01.01.1966

1966: Joan Rivers on Ed Sullivan

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1966: Joan Rivers makes her first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." She would appear 14 more times in the next 4 years.

Joan Rivers makes her first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." She would appear 14 more times in the next 4 years.

01.02.1966

1966: ''Batman'' premieres

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1966: The ''Batman'' TV series premieres on ABC. The series is a mega hit and instantly changes the TV landscape.

The ''Batman'' TV series premieres on ABC. The series is a mega hit and instantly changes the TV landscape.

01.01.1967

1967: ''The Carol Burnett Show'' begins

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1967: ''The Carol Burnett Show'' premieres on CBS. The variety show co-starred Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway and aired through 1978.

''The Carol Burnett Show'' premieres on CBS. The variety show co-starred Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway and aired through 1978.

01.01.1968

1968: Diahann Carroll cast in "Julia"

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1968: Diahann Carroll pays a nurse in ''Julia''—a major breakthrough for African Americans. This marks the first time and African-American woman stars in a role other than a domestic worker.

Diahann Carroll pays a nurse in ''Julia''—a major breakthrough for African Americans. This marks the first time and African-American woman stars in a role other than a domestic worker.

01.02.1968

1968: Great Vegetable Rebellion airs

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1968: The Great Vegetable Rebellion episode of the science fiction series ''Lost in Space'' tops many critics worst-ever list.

The Great Vegetable Rebellion episode of the science fiction series ''Lost in Space'' tops many critics worst-ever list.

01.01.1969

1969: ''Star Trek'' Canceled

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1969: ''Star Trek'' is cancelled by NBC. It will be 10 years before the series gets its first movie reboot.

''Star Trek'' is cancelled by NBC. It will be 10 years before the series gets its first movie reboot.

01.01.1969

1969: Tiny Tim's Late Night Marriage

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1969: ''Tiny Tim'' gets married on Johnny Carson’s ''Tonight Show.'' The event breaks all records for late night television.

''Tiny Tim'' gets married on Johnny Carson's ''Tonight Show.'' The event breaks all records for late night television.

01.01.1970

1970: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" begins

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1970: Mary Tyler Moore’s sitcom premieres on CBS. Co-stars included Cloris Leachman, Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Ted Knight and Betty White.

Mary Tyler Moore’s sitcom premieres on CBS. Co-stars included Cloris Leachman, Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Ted Knight and Betty White.

01.01.1971

1971: "The Ed Sullivan Show" ends

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1971: After 23 years, Ed Sullivan ends his variety show's run on television.

After 23 years, Ed Sullivan ends his variety show's run on television.

01.01.1973

1973: "Bonanza" ends

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1973: ''Bonanza'' ends its 14-year run on NBC. Much of the staff and crew would move to ''Little House on the Prairie,'' including Michael Landon.

''Bonanza'' ends its 14-year run on NBC. Much of the staff and crew would move to ''Little House on the Prairie,'' including Michael Landon.

01.01.1973

1973: Betty White on "Mary Tyler Moore"

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1973: Betty White is added to the cast of ''Mary Tyler Moore'' as Sue Ann Nivens, the Happy Homemaker.

Betty White is added to the cast of ''Mary Tyler Moore'' as Sue Ann Nivens, the Happy Homemaker.

01.01.1976

1976: ''Rich Man, Poor Man'' airs

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1976: ''Rich Man, Poor Man'' airs—with Nick Nolte, Peter Strauss, and Susan Blakely. High ratings fuel the miniseries phenomenon.

''Rich Man, Poor Man'' airs—with Nick Nolte, Peter Strauss, and Susan Blakely. High ratings fuel the miniseries phenomenon.

01.01.1977

1977: ''Roots'' miniseries airs

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1977: ''Roots'' miniseries breaks all-time ratings records. It airs on eight consecutive nights, an unprecedented strategy that paid off for ABC.

''Roots'' miniseries breaks all-time ratings records. It airs on eight consecutive nights, an unprecedented strategy that paid off for ABC.

01.01.1979

1979: Wonder Woman ends

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1979: ''Wonder Woman,'' starring Lynda Carter, ends its three-year run. Debra Winger declines offer for a new series as ''Wonder Girl.''

1979: ''Wonder Woman,'' starring Lynda Carter, ends its three-year run. Debra Winger declines offer for a new series as “Wonder Girl.”

01.02.1979

1979: ''Knots Landing'' premieres

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1979: ''Knots Landing'' premieres on CBS. It would run for 14 years, longer than any other primetime soap.

''Knots Landing'' premieres on CBS. It would run for 14 years, longer than any other primetime soap.

01.01.1980

1980: ''Who Shot J.R.'' episode airs

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1980: The ''Who Shot J.R.'' episode of Dallas beats all previous TV ratings. The mystery fuels international speculation, and is not resolved for six months.

The ''Who Shot J.R.'' episode of Dallas beats all previous TV ratings. The mystery fuels international speculation, and is not resolved for six months.

01.01.1981

1981: Joan Collins joins ''Dynasty''

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1981: Joan Collins joins ''Dynasty'' and ratings jump. The role of Alexis Carrington was first offered to Sophia Loren, and then to Elizabeth Taylor.

Joan Collins joins ''Dynasty'' and ratings jump. The role of Alexis Carrington was first offered to Sophia Loren, and then to Elizabeth Taylor.

01.01.1983

1983: ''The Thorn Birds'' airs

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1983: ''The Thorn Birds'' with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward airs. The series seals Chamberlain’s place as ''The King of the Miniseries.''

''The Thorn Birds'' with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward airs. The series seals Chamberlain’s place as ''The King of the Miniseries.''

01.01.1984

1984: Diahann Carroll joins ''Dynasty''

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1984: Diahann Carroll joins ''Dynasty'' as Dominique Deveraux. She is the only African-American to play a major role in an 80s primetime soap.

Diahann Carroll joins ''Dynasty'' as Dominique Deveraux. She is the only African-American to play a major role in an 80s primetime soap.

01.01.1986

1986: “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” airs

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1986: ''The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers'' premieres on Fox. It’s the first major late night talk show with a woman as the host.

“The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” premieres on Fox. It’s the first major late night talk show with a woman as the host.

01.02.1986

1986: Patrick Duffy's ''Dallas'' return

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1986: Patrick Duffy’s return to ''Dallas'' means the previous season in which his character Bobby Ewing was killed was just a ''dream.'' Duffy’s return boost’s the series’ ratings.

Patrick Duffy’s return to ''Dallas'' means the previous season in which his character Bobby Ewing was killed was just a ''dream.'' Duffy’s return boost’s the series’ ratings.

10.25.1982

1982: “Newhart” airs

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“Newhart” premieres, comedian Bob Newhart’s 2nd successful CBS sitcom. Newhart stars as Dick Loudon, the proprietor of a rural Vermont inn who is once again surrounded by a cast of eccentric characters.

01.01.1972

1972: “The Bob Newhart Show” airs

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“The Bob Newhart Show” premieres on CBS, starring comic Bob Newhart as a Chicago psychologist flanked by an array of wacky characters. Newhart’s signature stammer and dry humor would propel the sitcom through a successful six seasons.

09.13.1996

1996: “Everybody Loves Raymond” airs

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“Everybody Loves Raymond” premieres on CBS. The hit sitcom follows comedian Ray Romano as Ray Barone, the patriarch of a close-knit suburban New York family.

01.01.1995

1995: Ray Romano appears on “Late Night”

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“Everybody Loves Raymond” premieres on CBS. The hit sitcom follows comedian Ray Romano as Ray Barone, the patriarch of a close-knit suburban New York family.

01.01.1989

1989: “Roseanne” reaches #1

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“Roseanne” climbs to #1 in the Nielsen ratings, becoming the most watched television show in the United States through 1990.

05.20.1988

1988: “Roseanne” airs

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“Roseanne” premieres on ABC. The groundbreaking sitcom, starring outspoken comedian Roseanne Barr, portrays a working class family in suburban Illinois.

01.01.1985

1985: Roseanne Barr appears on the “Tonight Show”

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Roseanne Barr makes her first appearance on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” The host guarantees the married mother of three that she’ll be the biggest woman ever in standup comedy.

01.01.1991

1991: “Home Improvement” airs

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Disney Studios’ Jeffrey Katzenberg approaches comic Tim Allen about moving to TV. “Home Improvement,” a family comedy based on Allen’s standup persona, premieres to high ratings.

01.01.2002

2002: “Seinfeld” is named #1

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“TV Guide” names Jerry Seinfeld’s smash hit sitcom, “Seinfeld,” the greatest television program of all time.

07.05.1989

1989: “Seinfeld” airs

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“Seinfeld,” the sitcom brainchild of comedians Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, premieres on NBC.

01.03.1969

1969: “Medical Center” airs

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The day after “Marcus Welby, M.D.” premieres, CBS joins the ranks with its own pioneering doctor drama, “Medical Center,” starring Chad Everett and James Daly.

01.02.1969

1969: “Marcus Welby, M.D.” airs

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“Marcus Welby, M.D.” premieres on ABC. The popular medical drama stars “Father Knows Best” actor Robert Young opposite Mexican-American actress Elana Verdugo.

01.01.1969

1969: “Dr. Kildare” airs

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NBC premieres “Dr. Kildare,” starring Richard Chamberlain and Raymond Massey. The medical drama soars to the top of the charts due in large part to Chamberlain’s heartthrob appeal.

10.26.1982

1982: “St. Elsewhere” airs

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NBC’s “St. Elsewhere,” designed as television’s 1st realistic medical drama, premieres. The series features a large ensemble cast, starring more than a dozen different characters when prior shows had just two or three.

01.01.1997

1997: George Clooney boycotts “TV Guide”

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Angered by “TV Guide’s” refusal to put his African-American “ER” co-star Eriq La Salle on the cover, George Clooney organizes a boycott. The controversy causes a stir and the magazine responds, giving La Salle a prominent cover story later that year.

09.19.1994

1994: “ER” airs

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“ER” begins its 15-season run on NBC. The award-winning series remains the longest running primetime medical drama in television history.

10.18.2004

2004: “Battlestar Galactica” airs

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“Battlestar Galactica” premieres on the Sci-Fi Channel. The miniseries breaks barriers by casting Mexican-American actor Edward James Olmos as Commander William Adama.

01.01.1994

1994: “All-American Girl” airs

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Outspoken Korean-American comedian Margaret Cho’s “All-American Girl” premieres on ABC. Though short-lived, it remains the only sitcom in US history to feature a family of Asian descent at its center.

01.01.1966

1966: “Star Trek” airs

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The cult favorite “Star Trek: The Original Series” premieres on NBC, featuring Asian-American actor George Takei and African-American actress Nichelle Nichols in leading roles.

09.20.1984

1984: “The Cosby Show” airs

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“The Cosby Show”, starring comic Bill Cosby, premieres on NBC. Set in brownstone Brooklyn, the sitcom portrays Cosby as a successful OBGYN and patriarch of an upper-middle class African-American family.

01.01.2006

2006: “30 Rock” airs

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Comedy writer Tina Fey leaves “SNL” to create a new show, “30 Rock,” which premieres later that year on NBC.

01.01.1999

1999: “SNL” promotes Tina Fey

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Tina Fey becomes the first female head writer in “Saturday Night Live” history.

10.03.1961

1961: “The Dick Van Dyke Show” airs

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“The Dick Van Dyke Show” premieres on CBS. The sitcom, starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, runs for five successful seasons.

03.03.1976

1976: John Amos’ last “Good Times” episode

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John Amos leaves “Good Times,” in part due to disagreements over Jimmie Walker’s clown-like comedic performance.

02.08.1974

1974: “Good Times” airs

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“Good Times” premieres. The sitcom, starring Esther Rolle, John Amos and Jimmie Walker, portrays a working class African-American living together in a Chicago housing project.

09.08.1975

1975: “Phyllis” airs

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“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” spin-off series “Phyllis” premieres with comedic actress Cloris Leachman in the title role.

01.01.1971

1971: Cloris Leachman wins an Oscar

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“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” star Cloris Leachman takes home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “The Last Picture Show,” proving the comedian’s versatile acting talent.

11.05.1981

1981: Jonathan Winters joins “Mork & Mindy”

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Comedian Jonathan Winters joins the cast of “Mork & Mindy” as Mork and Mindy’s son, Mearth. The improvisation master is also one of Robin Williams’ idols and their onscreen chemistry is undeniable.

09.14.1978

1978: “Mork & Mindy” airs

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“Mork & Mindy” premieres, starring Robin Williams as Mork from the planet Ork. Critics are skeptical about the offbeat premise, but the show becomes a huge hit.