PIONEERS OF TELEVISION Season 2


Episode #201 – “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.

Episode #202 – “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. In addition, this episode features interviews with contemporary actresses who were inspired by the trailblazers of an earlier era—including Margaret Cho and Tina Fey. Interviews: Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White, Marla Gibbs, Margaret Cho and Phyllis Diller.

Episode #203 – “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.

Episode #204 – “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. Noah Wyle, and Anthony Edwards opened up about the secrets of ER; Howie Mandel, Ed Begley Jr., Norman Lloyd, and Christina Pickles revisit St. Elsewhere. The episode also featured the final interview with Chad Everett of Medical Center, Also there are interviews with ER cast members Gloria Reuben, Eriq LaSalle, and Noah Wylie.

Episode #205 – “Science Fiction”
This episode uncovers three key scfi series: Star Trek, Lost in Space, and Twilight 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.

Episode #206 – “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. Honeymooner, Joyce Randolph, offers surprising insights into Jackie Gleason. Similarly, Marlo Thomas spoke candidly about her father Danny. Andy Griffith offered forceful opinions about the people and techniques that made his show work. And, in a rare opportunity, both Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke recounted their years on The Dick Van Dyke Show.