Television · 1961
Color Revolutions, Political Speeches, and Sitcom Classics
In 1961, television expanded its cultural footprint through live presidential broadcasts and fierce debates over programming quality. From the debut of groundbreaking network comedies to the leap into vibrant color broadcasting, television firmly cemented itself as the dominant medium of home entertainment.
- Live Broadcast / News / USA
JFK's First Live Press Conference
President John F. Kennedy makes history by holding the first live, unedited presidential press conference broadcast directly to millions of home viewers.
- Sitcom / CBS / USA
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Carl Reiner's clever workplace and domestic comedy debuts, starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore in star-making roles.
- Spy Thriller / ITV / UK
The Avengers
The stylish British secret agent series premieres on ITV, initially starring Ian Hendry as Dr. David Keel alongside Patrick Macnee as John Steed.
- Anthology / NBC / USA
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
Walt Disney moves his popular anthology series to NBC to broadcast in full color, introduced by the animated character Ludwig Von Drake.
- Industry Event / NAB / USA
Minow's 'Vast Wasteland' Speech
FCC Chairman Newton Minow famously addresses the National Association of Broadcasters, harshly criticizing commercial TV programming as a vast wasteland.
- Medical Drama / NBC / USA
Dr. Kildare
Richard Chamberlain stars as an earnest young medical intern in a breakout hit series that sparks a surge in television doctor dramas.
- Legal Drama / CBS / USA
The Defenders
E.G. Marshall and Robert Reed star as father-and-son defense attorneys in a critically acclaimed drama tackling controversial social issues.
- Anthology Sitcom / BBC / UK
Comedy Playhouse
BBC Television debuts an influential comedy anthology written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson that spawns classic British sitcoms like Steptoe and Son.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?