The Fall Preview issue became an anticipated tradition of Fall for me; giving notice of returning favorites and also the first news of brand-new shows (no internet buzz then, of course). This annual, special issue of the iconic tv magazine generally was expanded in size to accommodate the extra coverage and photo features. It also featured schedules of the week's programming, in the form of a chart highlighting the new shows (which sometimes generated anguish, upon seeing a familiar favorite show no longer in it's old time spot, cancelled to make room for some new show).
| Schedule from Fall 1973-74 |
Usually a page was devoted to a brief write-up of each new program, along with a photo to whet your viewing appetite.
| From Fall 1964-65 |
| From Fall 1964-65 |
And a few from Friday night 1964...
| From Fall 1973-74 |
Here's the great Friday night schedule from that fall of 1973...
Of course, a big highlight was the new Saturday morning cartoon schedule. Here we have the Fall 1973 Saturday morning shows...
Here's a link to the NBC 1974 Saturday Morning Preview show:
These vintage Preview issues are a veritable treasure trove of trivia, fun and nostalgia. Aside from the programming features, they are loaded with old ads (amazing how many cigarette ads there were back then). Plus, it's a kick to read the capsule descriptions of the week's shows, see the specials and movies broadcast during the week, and just to be reminded of the evenings spent watching some beloved classics.
Nowadays, the Fall Preview TV Guide lacks the indispensable quality it once had. The tv seasons have shifted, and summer replacements are often the rule. Cable schedules vary , starting and ending all year long. Yet the big networks still rely on the fall to debut much of their new shows, and the TV Guide still produces a Fall Preview issue (sometimes two weeks' worth). I still pick it up each year. Tradition, you know...
| Fall Preview 2014 |