Pioneers of Television, Season 2
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturdays at 8 PM beginning June 14
Sundays at midnight beginning June 15
Thursdays at 5 PM beginning June 19
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Fridays at 8 PM beginning June 27
More than 200 breakthrough stars bring their stories to life in this nostalgic celebration of classic television. Each episode melds compelling original cast interviews with looks at the programs and celebrities that made broadcast history.
“Westerns”
Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Rifleman, Wild Wild West, Maverick, Big Valley and Daniel Boone are among the iconic series profiled in this episode. Since just about every working actor appeared on a TV Western, this episode includes both the iconic western stars and the up-and-coming celebrities who used Westerns as a launching pad. Interviews: James Garner, Linda Evans, Robert Conrad, Fess Parker, Ed Ames, Peter Graves, Angie Dickinson, William Shatner, Ernest Borgnine, Adam West.
“Funny Ladies”
This episode includes the first standup comediennes to appear on television—legends like Phyllis Diller, and Joan Rivers. We also look at Lucille Ball’s breakthrough on I Love Lucy, and the sitcom stars that followed including Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White, and Marla Gibbs. Contemporary actresses including Margaret Cho and Tina Fay also share how these trailblazers inspired their own work. Interviews: Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White, Marla Gibbs, Margaret Cho and Phyllis Diller.
“Superheroes”
This genre crosses many eras: Superman in the 50s; Batman and The Green Hornet (with Bruce Lee) in the 60s; Wonder Woman and The Incredible Hulk in the 70s, and Greatest American Hero in the 80s. Interviews: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lynda Carter, William Katt, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, Lou Ferrigno.
“Doctors and Nurses”
From George Clooney on ER to Richard Chamberlain on Dr. Kildare, television’s long love affair with doctors and nurses shows no signs of letting up. Cast members including Noah Wyle and Anthony Edwards open up about the secrets of ER; while Howie Mandel, Ed Begley Jr., Norman Lloyd, and Christina Pickles revisit St. Elsewhere. Featuring the final interview with Chad Everett of Medical Center.
“Science Fiction”
This episode uncovers three key sci-fi series: Star Trek, Lost in Space and TheTwilight Zone. Includes interviews with both Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner; the full cast of Lost in Space; and a never-before-seen interview with icon Rod Serling. Interviews: Rod Serling, Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright.
“Sitcoms”
This episode focuses on five key sitcoms: I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Make Room for Daddy, The Andy Griffith Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Joyce Randolph offers surprising insights into Jackie Gleason; Marlo Thomas speaks candidly about her father Danny; and Andy Griffith offers his opinions about the people and techniques that made his show work. Lastly, in a rare opportunity, both Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke recount their years on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
