Television · 1976
Jiggle TV, Muppets, and Landmark British Drama
In 1976, television embraced sensational pop-culture phenomena alongside prestige drama, marking a transformative year for global broadcasting. Networks captivated audiences with breakout hits, innovative formats, and monumental live event coverage during the U.S. Bicentennial.
- ABC / United States / Drama
Charlie's Angels Debut
ABC launched the smash hit crime drama starring Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith, ushering in the pop-culture era of 'jiggle TV'.
- ITV & Syndication / UK & US / Variety
The Muppet Show Premiere
Jim Henson's iconic puppet variety show debuted, blending vaudeville humor and celebrity guest stars to create a global television phenomenon.
- BBC Two / United Kingdom / Drama
I, Claudius
BBC Two broadcast the acclaimed historical drama series starring Derek Jacobi, setting a new benchmark for serialized British television quality.
- ABC / United States / Sitcom
Laverne & Shirley
Spinning off from Happy Days, this physical comedy featuring Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams quickly became one of the highest-rated shows on American television.
- ABC / United States / Sci-Fi
The Bionic Woman
Lindsay Wagner starred as Jaime Sommers in this successful spin-off of The Six Million Dollar Man, capturing high ratings and winning an Emmy Award.
- Syndication / United States / Satire
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Norman Lear's groundbreaking syndicated late-night soap opera satire debuted, challenging traditional television conventions with its bizarre dark humor.
- ABC / United States / Game Show
Family Feud Debuts
Hosted by Richard Dawson, this popular game show premiered on ABC's daytime lineup and became an enduring staple of American pop culture.
- BBC One / United Kingdom / Comedy
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
BBC One premiered the satirical sitcom starring Leonard Rossiter as a mid-level executive suffering a surreal midlife crisis.
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