Television · 1938
Dawn of Sci-Fi and Live Outside Broadcasts
In 1938, London's BBC Television Service pushed electronic television to unprecedented heights with groundbreaking live drama and remote sports coverage. Meanwhile, experimental stations in America laid the technical groundwork for commercial network broadcasting.
- Feb 1938 | BBC | UK | Sci-Fi Drama
R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)
The BBC airs a 35-minute adaptation of Karel Čapek's play, marking the very first science fiction production in television history.
- Apr 1938 | BBC | UK | Live Sports
FA Cup Final Live Broadcast
The BBC broadcasts the FA Cup Final between Preston North End and Huddersfield Town live from Wembley Stadium for the first time.
- May 1938 | BBC | UK | Drama
The Emperor Jones
Robert Adams stars in the BBC's adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play, becoming the first Black actor to play a lead drama role on television.
- Jun 1938 | BBC | UK | Live Sports
The Epsom Derby Broadcast
Utilizing new mobile control units, the BBC captures live multi-camera coverage of the famous horse race at Epsom Downs.
- Jun 1938 | W2XBS (NBC) | US | Drama
Susan and God
NBC station W2XBS airs scenes from the hit Broadway play starring Gertrude Lawrence, marking a milestone in American experimental drama telecasts.
- Jun 1938 | BBC | UK | Shakespeare Drama
Julius Caesar in Modern Dress
The BBC produces a stark live adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, costumed in contemporary fascist uniforms to mirror European political tensions.
- Aug 1938 | BBC | UK | Mystery Series
Telecrime
The BBC premieres an interactive mystery serial designed specifically for television, challenging viewers to solve crime clues before the detective reveals the answer.
- Jun 1938 | BBC | UK | Live Sports
Live Wimbledon Tennis Championships
The BBC returns to Centre Court with improved super-emitron cameras, offering viewers crisp live coverage of the championship matches.
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