Television · 1980
Prime Time Drama, Cable News, and Global Sensation
In 1980, television transformed with the birth of 24-hour cable news and record-breaking cliffhanger reveals. From epic historical miniseries to groundbreaking science programming, broadcasting expanded its cultural grip across the globe.
- CBS | United States | Drama
Dallas: 'Who Done It?' Episode
Over 80 million American viewers tune in to reveal who shot J.R. Ewing, setting a record for the most-watched TV episode in history at the time.
- CNN | United States | News Broadcast
Launch of CNN
Ted Turner launches the Cable News Network, revolutionizing journalism as the world's first 24-hour television news channel.
- NBC | United States | Miniseries
Shōgun Premiere
James Clavell's epic tale of feudal Japan becomes a massive ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon across five consecutive nights.
- PBS | United States | Science Series
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Astrophysicist Carl Sagan guides viewers through space and time in a stunning, high-budget science series that sets PBS viewership records.
- BBC Two | United Kingdom | Comedy
Yes Minister Premiere
The sharp political satire makes its debut, hilariously exposing the inner workings and manipulative bureaucracy of British government.
- ABC | United States | News
Nightline Debut
Evolving from nightly Iranian hostage crisis updates, Ted Koppel launches a permanent late-night news broadcast standard.
- WDR | West Germany | Miniseries
Berlin Alexanderplatz
Director Rainer Werner Fassbinder premieres his monumental 14-part adaptation of Alfred Döblin's novel, marking a peak in European television art.
- ABC | United States | Sports Broadcast
1980 Winter Olympics 'Miracle on Ice'
Commentator Al Michaels delivers his iconic call as the underdog US men's hockey team defeats the Soviet Union in Lake Placid.
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