ABC TV Network
The world of television is a highly competitive one and stations have to constantly think of original ideas to get decent ratings. The ABC TV network has a long history and it has been something of a David and Goliath story. Eventually, the network rose to be a fierce contender. Not afraid of taking risks with programming, it deserves to be at the top of the tree. Its mix of innovative drama, original comedy, news and light entertainment makes it a channel for everyone.
The American Broadcasting Company began as a radio network in 1943 and launched its television arm in 1948. It is now owned by The Walt Disney Company. The 1950′s schedules included a show for all the family called Disneyland and the adults enjoyed grittier fare with The Detectives, starring Robert Taylor, and the iconic Untouchables, starring Robert Stack.
Good commissioning decisions saw the company grow during the 1960s. The ABC television network treated sports fans to a feast of different sports from 1961 until 1998 with Wide World of Sports. ABC also wanted to attract a teenage audience and did this with two pop music shows, American Bandstand and Shindig. American Bandstand ran until 1989 and was hosted by Dick Clark.
The 1960s was a golden age for fans of science fiction with shows, such as The Outer Limits, The Invaders, The Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. All these shows achieved cult status and subsequent generations enjoy them as repeat episodes are shown. The network also had a hit with The Fugitive, familiar to many as a cinema re-make, starring Harrison Ford. Sitcoms have also been important to ABC and Bewitched was the favorite of the time. The channel was also responsible for Batman, a lighthearted version of the Gotham City stories, starring Adam West.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the network presented several daytime soap operas, including the popular General Hospital and All My Children. Sitcoms continued with Happy Days, Three’s Company, Taxi, and Mork and Mindy. Big hair and shoulder pads were all the rage in Charlie’s Angels. The dramatic mini-series became very popular in this period and the ABC television network led the way with Roots and Rich Man, Poor Man.
The late 80s and 90s continued to entertain audiences with both drama and escapism. One of the most successful shows was Dynasty, about an in fighting family that rivaled Dallas. Other hit shows included The Wonder Years, Hotel, Moonlighting and Thirtysomething. The late 90s and into the 21st century brought the game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, comedy hits Spin City and Dharma and Greg, and Boston Legal and Alias.
Recent programs to make a big impact include Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey Anatomy, and Ugly Betty. Reality shows are also playing a part in the network’s continuing success, with Dancing with the Stars and Brat Camp. Throughout the years, from 1975, the news program Good Morning America is still what many Americans wake up to with their coffee.
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