Television · 1962
1962: Satellites, Color TV, and Iconic Anchors
In 1962, television bridged continents through satellite technology while legendary personalities redefined late-night TV and network news. From space-age animation to record-breaking sitcoms, broadcasting took giant leaps into a new era.
- BBC | UK | Police Drama
Z-Cars Premieres
BBC Television launched 'Z-Cars', a gritty police drama that revolutionized British television by depicting realistic, flawed law enforcement officers in northern England.
- CBS | US | News Broadcast
Walter Cronkite Debuts as CBS News Anchor
Walter Cronkite assumed the anchor chair for the CBS Evening News, beginning a legendary era that made him 'the most trusted man in America'.
- Telstar 1 | US & Europe | News
First Live Transatlantic Satellite Broadcast
AT&T's Telstar 1 satellite relayed the first live transatlantic television signals between the United States and Europe, ushering in modern global broadcasting.
- NBC | US | Western Drama
The Virginian Premieres
NBC launched 'The Virginian', the first 90-minute weekly Western drama filmed in full color, starring James Drury as the mysterious foreman.
- ABC | US | Animated Sitcom
The Jetsons Premieres in Color
Hanna-Barbera's futuristic animated comedy 'The Jetsons' debuted as ABC's very first series broadcast in color.
- CBS | US | Sitcom
The Beverly Hillbillies Debuts
CBS introduced 'The Beverly Hillbillies', a fish-out-of-water comedy that instantly topped the ratings and became a cultural phenomenon.
- NBC | US | Late-Night Talk Show
Johnny Carson Takes Over The Tonight Show
Johnny Carson hosted his first episode of 'The Tonight Show', initiating an iconic three-decade reign over American late-night entertainment.
- BBC | UK | Comedy Series
Steptoe and Son Premieres
BBC aired the first episode of 'Steptoe and Son', pioneering the British sitcom genre with its poignant comedy about a father and son rag-and-bone business.
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