CBS: TV Miniseries & Series

Produced by the ABC as its television network was just getting off the ground, this program was one of the first dramatic series television to attract top-name actors and actresses. Performing plays by such authors as Poe and Thurber, cast members included current well-known performers like Julie Harris and Cloris Leachman, as well as up-and-coming talents like Marlon Brando. The series was renamed "The Play's the Thing" midway through its final season.

Highlighting the talents of one of the premier singers of the day, this musical and variety show provided viewers with a new musical treat each episode. Set inside a record shop supposedly run by Alan and his partner, Janie Ford, the pair would perform duets of Alan's latest recordings. Occasionally, other musical guests or comedians would make an appearance on the program.

Held during the Dewey-Truman election campaign of 1948 and hosted by well-known pollster George Gallup, this program kept American TV viewers updated on the state of the campaign by providing weekly opinion poll figures taken both nationally and inside the TV studion. In addition to simply showing the numbers, this program also introduced viewers to polling methods and explained the various factors that can affect the results. The program ended in October, which means the infamous "Dewey Defeats Truman!" announcement was not made on this show.

A popular radio personality in the 1940's brought his variety talent contest show to television that continued into the 1950's.

An early variety television series set aboard a Mississippi riverboat, presided over by Capt. Billy Bryant (host Ralph Dumke). The series, named after a real-life Mississippi River showman, began as a special titled 'Captain Billy's Showboat' in August 1948, but the series was forced to change its name under threat of an injunction from Edna Ferber and Oscar Hammerstein II who claimed exclusive copyright to the phrase "show boat". "Show Boat" was the best-selling novel written by Edna Ferber in 1926 which was adapted into a Broadway musical in 1927 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II.

The show had two venues. In December 1948 to March 1949, Morey Amsterdam was the emcee at a small fictional nightclub in New York City's Times Square. Charlie the Doorman (later Newton the Waiter) and Lola the cigarette girl were also employed at the club. Between April 1949 and October 1950, the show shifted to a different network and the scene shifted to the Silver Swan Cafe with Newton and Lola still employed.

A pinnacle of the Golden Age of Television, "Studio One" presented a wide range of memorable dramas and received eighteen Emmy nominations and five wins during its prestigious nine-year run on CBS.

The classic prime time variety show most famous for its vaudeville acts and rock music performances.

Hosted by well-known disc-jockey Fred Robbins (and later Bill Williams), this show gave viewers a glimpse into the world of jazz. Showcasing the talents of some of the premier musicians and singers of the genre, Robbins also introduced viewers to some of the inside lingo used by the performers and their fans.

Running just ten minutes on Friday evenings, this program, hosted by expert hypnotist Dr. (of psychology) Franz Polgar, looked into the mysterious world of the human mind, and gave viewers a brief glimpse of what kind of potential might be waiting inside. Each epsiode dealt with a different phenomenon, such as the abiilty to remember events from long ago, the ability to ignore pain, and the ability of the hypnotist to suggest things to the subject that would be believed absolutely.

Arthur Godfrey and his Friends entertained the audience with many skits and Musical numbers. The show was live, and Godfrey often did away with the script and improvised. He refused to participate in commercials for products he did not believe in.

The comedy on The Ed Wynn Show consisted mostly of old vaudeville schtick, with lots of corny jokes and silly sight gags. Each week, the show would end with Ed retiring to his bed, delivering quips as the credits rolled.

Newspaper comedy/drama based loosely on the 1928 stage play and its subsequent film adaptations.

Variety show featuring a "big name" star for that telecast. Featured on each telecast was songs, comedy sketches, dancers and lavish production numbers.

This well-received series was a comedy-drama about an immigrant family living in 1910s San Francisco.

Engineer Mr. I. Magination leads child guests to Imagination Land to meet real circus lion tamers, test pilots.