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
Westerns (Episode #202)
KQED 9: Sat, Oct 20, 2012 -- 10:00 PM
Known everywhere as the quintessential American cultural identity, Westerns filled small screens across the country night after night and were some of the most successful television shows in history. Fess Parker's portrayal of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett channeled the bravery, independence, honesty and rugged individualism of a young nation - and made Walt Disney enough money to build an empire. Westerns also gave viewers James Garner, who starred in the giant television hit "Maverick," where he developed the reluctant hero character that would cement his successful TV and film career. Parker and Garner tell their stories, and Linda Evans recalls how two strong female characters emerged with her onscreen interaction with Barbara Stanwyck in "The Big Valley." This episode also examines the success of Robert Conrad in "The Wild Wild West," the popularity of "Bonanza" and the creation of the classic series "Gunsmoke" with James Arness - one of the longest-running television series of all time.
Repeat Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Mon, Oct 22, 2012 -- 4:00 AM
- KQED Life: Sun, Oct 21, 2012 -- 10:00 PM
- KQED 9: Sun, Oct 21, 2012 -- 4:00 AM