Television · 1996
Cable News Expansion and Sitcom Golden Hours
In 1996, television saw the dawn of 24-hour cable news rivals alongside groundbreaking animated shows and iconic sitcom premieres. From satirical late-night debuts to beloved series finales, viewers experienced a rapidly evolving landscape across broadcast and basic cable.
- July 21, 1996 | Comedy Central, USA
The Daily Show
Craig Kilborn hosts the premiere of a half-hour satirical news program that would go on to reshape political comedy and late-night television.
- October 7, 1996 | News Network, USA
Fox News Channel Launch
Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes launch a 24-hour cable news network aimed at challenging CNN with a high-energy, personality-driven format.
- September 13, 1996 | CBS, USA
Everybody Loves Raymond
Ray Romano stars as a sports writer navigating family hilarity alongside intruding parents next door, kicking off a long-running hit sitcom.
- May 20, 1996 | NBC, USA
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Finale
After six successful seasons, Will Smith and the Banks family bid an emotional farewell as the popular sitcom airs its series finale.
- January 9, 1996 | NBC, USA
3rd Rock from the Sun
John Lithgow leads an eccentric cast playing extraterrestrials disguised as a typical American family to observe human behavior.
- February 7, 1996 | Fuji TV, Japan
Dragon Ball GT
Following the global success of Dragon Ball Z, the iconic anime franchise continues with Goku transformed back into a child on a galactic quest.
- April 28, 1996 | Cartoon Network, USA
Dexter's Laboratory
Genndy Tartakovsky's animated series about a boy genius and his disruptive sister Dee Dee premieres, kicking off Cartoon Network's original series era.
- September 17, 1996 | Syndicated, USA
Oprah's Book Club Debut
Oprah Winfrey launches an influential television segment by selecting her first novel recommendation, instantly turning featured books into bestsellers.
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