Television · 1986
Fox Network Arrives as Television Expands Worldwide
In 1986, television reshaped its landscape as the Fox network debuted to challenge established broadcast networks. Meanwhile, daytime talk shows, international animation classics, and unforgettable live news broadcasts captivated millions of viewers across the globe.
- October 9, 1986 | Fox | USA
Fox Broadcasting Company Launch
Rupert Murdoch launches the Fox network with 'The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers', challenging the long-standing NBC, CBS, and ABC television monopoly.
- September 8, 1986 | Syndicated | USA
The Oprah Winfrey Show Goes National
Oprah Winfrey takes her Chicago talk show nationwide, quickly redefining daytime television with candid conversations and unprecedented audience engagement.
- January 28, 1986 | CNN | USA
Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster Broadcast
CNN broadcasts the tragic explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger live on television, marking a harrowing milestone in breaking live news coverage.
- February 26, 1986 | Fuji TV | Japan
Dragon Ball Premieres
Toei Animation adapts Akira Toriyama's popular manga into an anime series that becomes a massive global pop-culture phenomenon.
- December 25, 1986 | BBC One | UK
EastEnders Christmas Special
Over 30 million British viewers tune in as Dirty Den hands divorce papers to Angie in one of the most-watched soap opera episodes in UK television history.
- September 13, 1986 | CBS | USA
Pee-wee's Playhouse Premieres
Paul Reubens brings his eccentric stage persona to Saturday morning television, creating an avant-garde, award-winning children's comedy series.
- September 22, 1986 | NBC | USA
ALF Premieres
A sarcastic, cat-eating alien life form crashes into a suburban family's garage in a breakout sci-fi sitcom.
- September 15, 1986 | NBC | USA
L.A. Law Premieres
Steven Bochco debuts an ensemble legal drama that sets the standard for late-1980s prime-time television with sharp writing and dynamic characters.
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