Video: Pioneers of Television
The four-part series examines the people who left their imprint on sitcoms, late-night, variety and game shows in the early days of the medium. The program features interviews with legendary stars, including Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Art Linkletter, Andy Griffith, Betty White, Phyllis Diller, Jim Nabors, Marlo Thomas, Jonathan Winters, Ed McMahon and Merv Griffin. Using never-before-seen images and showcasing timeless clips, the documentary examines the entertainers that provided the classic scenes that still amuse us today.
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | America captivated by "Roots" | PBS (#304)
"Roots" aired in 1977 and America stopped, captivated by the tale -- attracting more viewers than any television drama in history. Not only was it popular but also transformed the nations'... 02:15
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Pioneers of Television | Roots as Untold History | PBS (#304)
Leslie Uggams and LeVar Burton on how "Roots" brought untold history to light. 02:01
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Pioneers of Television | John Amos on Ancestors and Roots | PBS (#304)
Actor John Amos describes hearing his ancestors' spirits while on the set of "Roots." 01:53
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Pioneers of Television | Superheroes | PBS (#303)
Full Program: They fought villains, rescued the innocent and became role models to viewers of every age. 53:10
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | Adam West behind the mask | PBS (#303)
Adam West faced challenges from producers on how to play the Batman character. West wanted to have fun portraying the "bright knight" and not the "dark knight". Eventually West won and became one... 01:30
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Pioneers of Television | Lou Ferrigno and Burt Ward on Childhood Dreams | PBS (#300)
These actors fulfilled their dreams of becoming a superhero. 02:05
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | George Reeves' mysterious death | PBS
Jack Larson finally talks about his friend, George Reeves' mysterious death and the chilling visit to Reeves' home with Toni Mannix. Has this famous Hollywood mystery finally been solved or have... 02:54
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Pioneers of Television | Wonder Woman as Everyone's Superhero | PBS (#303)
Lynda Carter describes the origins of Wonder Woman and her universal appeal. 02:22
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Pioneers of Television | Dangerous Stunts on Batman | PBS (#303)
Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward (Robin) on risky stunts during the early days of Batman. 02:30
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | Larry Hagman's inspiration for JR Ewing | PBS
Watch Larry Hagman discuss his time as JR Ewing and the inspiration behind his famous character in his final in-depth interview on PIONEERS OF TELEVISION "Primetime Soaps" on Tuesday, January... 00:46
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Pioneers of Television | Funny Ladies | PBS (#301)
Full Program: This episode celebrates the first comediennes to appear on television. 50:00
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | Joan Rivers climb to TV stardom | PBS (#301)
Joan Rivers still gets teary when she thinks about Johnny Carson telling her on The Tonight Show that she "was going to be a star." Learn more about Joan Rivers' climb to stardom in PIONEERS OF... 02:07
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION | Carol Burnett's first big break | PBS (#301)
Carol Burnett's first big break occurred when she performed a song displaying her affection for US Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, known as "The Most Boring Man in America." Within a... 01:52
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION "Funny Ladies" | Promo | PBS
The first episode of PIONEERS OF TELEVISION features the first standup comediennes to appear on television and the sitcom stars who followed. Interviews include Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White, Joan... 01:18
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Andy Griffith on why he didn't want a live audience for his show | Pioneers of Television | PBS
Andy Griffith explains why he didn't want a live audience for the filming of his signature series "The Andy Griffith Show." From the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television; returning with new... 00:53
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Pioneers of Television | Linda Evans on Love and "The Big Valley" | PBS (#202)
Evans reveals her mixed feelings about landing a starring role on "The Big Valley" 01:08
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Pioneers of Television | Breaking Racial Barriers on "Daniel Boone" | PBS (#202)
"Daniel Boone" was one of the few TV shows in the mid-60s with minorities in key roles. 00:53
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Pioneers of Television | Leonard Nimoy - the pace of TV work | PBS (#201)
Leonard Nimoy on how actors must cope with the fast pace of TV production. 01:16
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Pioneers of Television | William Shatner - act "the truth" | PBS (#201)
William Shatner explains that acting is about conveying "the truth." 00:50
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Pioneers of Television | Martin Landau - on acting and "Entourage" | PBS
Martin Landau on the craft of acting, including his recent turn on "Entourage". 02:35
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