Pioneers of Television
- Watch Complete Episodes:
- at video.kqed.org
The four-part series examines the people who left their imprint on sitcoms, late-night, variety and game shows in the early days of the medium. The program features interviews with legendary stars, including Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Art Linkletter, Andy Griffith, Betty White, Phyllis Diller, Jim Nabors, Marlo Thomas, Jonathan Winters, Ed McMahon and Merv Griffin. Using never-before-seen images and showcasing timeless clips, the documentary series examines the entertainers that provided the classic scenes that still amuse us today.
Pioneers of Television Previous Broadcasts
Sitcoms (Episode #101H)
KQED 9: Sat, Jul 30, 2011 -- 6:00 PM
This episode focuses on five key sitcoms: "I Love Lucy," "The Honeymooners," "Make Room for Daddy," "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show." The last remaining Honeymooner, Joyce Randolph, offers surprising insights into the mind of Jackie Gleason. Similarly, Marlo Thomas speaks candidly about her father, Danny. Andy Griffith offers forceful opinions about the people and techniques that made his show work. In a rare occurrence, both Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke recount their years on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Hundreds of episodes were culled for the most entertaining clips - including one particularly side-splitting bit by Don Knotts.
Repeat Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Sun, Jul 31, 2011 -- 10:00 PM
- KQED 9: Sun, Jul 31, 2011 -- 4:00 AM
- KQED 9: Sat, Jul 30, 2011 -- 10:00 PM









