The 1966 TV Guide captures the essence of a transformative era in television history, featuring iconic shows and the rise of color programming, while reflecting the cultural shifts of the 1960s.
Overview of the 1966-1967 Television Season
The 1966-1967 season marked a transformative period in television, blending classic series with new debuts. Networks introduced groundbreaking shows like Batman and Star Trek, while staples like The Andy Griffith Show and Bewitched maintained popularity. The rise of color programming became more prominent, enhancing viewer experiences. This season also featured notable holiday specials and political coverage, reflecting the cultural and social shifts of the era, making it a pivotal year in TV history.
Significance of the TV Guide in 1966
The 1966 TV Guide served as an essential resource for viewers, providing detailed listings, feature articles, and behind-the-scenes insights into popular shows. Its cover art and nostalgic appeal made it a collector’s item, while its comprehensive coverage of primetime and daytime programming helped audiences navigate the growing number of channels and shows. It remains a cherished artifact of 1960s pop culture and a valuable archive of television history.
Sunday Night Television Schedule
Sunday nights in 1966 featured ABC’s Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and The F.B.I., CBS’s Lassie, It’s About Time, and The Ed Sullivan Show, and NBC’s Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.
ABC: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and The F.B.I.
ABC’s Sunday lineup featured Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea at 7:00 PM, a sci-fi series exploring underwater adventures, and The F.B;I. at 8:00 PM, a crime drama starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr. These shows captivated audiences with their unique blend of action and suspense, making ABC a standout on Sunday evenings in 1966.
CBS: Lassie, It’s About Time, and The Ed Sullivan Show
CBS’s Sunday night lineup included Lassie at 7:00 PM, showcasing the beloved collie’s heartwarming adventures. At 7:30 PM, It’s About Time offered a prehistoric comedy twist. The evening culminated with The Ed Sullivan Show at 8:00 PM, featuring legendary performers and acts, making it a must-watch for millions and a staple of American entertainment in 1966.
NBC: Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color
NBC’s Sunday night featured Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color at 7:00 PM, a groundbreaking series showcasing vibrant color programming. This family-friendly staple blended animation, live-action, and documentaries, captivating audiences with timeless storytelling. Its innovative use of color technology made it a standout in 1966, solidifying its place as a beloved and influential program in NBC’s primetime lineup.
Monday Night Television Schedule
Monday nights in 1966 offered diverse programming, blending drama, comedy, and variety, appealing to a wide audience with shows like The Rat Patrol and The Andy Griffith Show.
ABC: The Rat Patrol and Felony Squad
ABC’s Monday lineup featured The Rat Patrol, a war drama following a special forces team in North Africa, and Felony Squad, a crime drama focusing on a detective unit. These shows offered action-packed storytelling and gripping plots, appealing to viewers seeking thrilling entertainment. Both series were part of ABC’s strategy to attract a broad audience with diverse programming, making Monday nights a standout for the network in 1966.
CBS: The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show
CBS dominated Monday nights with The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show. The former, a comedy about a rustic family’s city adventures, charmed audiences with its folksy humor. The latter, featuring Andy Taylor’s small-town wisdom, offered heartwarming tales of Mayberry. Both shows ranked high in ratings, solidifying CBS’ position as a leader in primetime comedy during the 1966-67 season.
NBC: The Bell Telephone Hour
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Tuesday Night Television Schedule
Tuesday nights in 1966 offered a mix of drama and variety, with popular series like Peyton Place and The Big Valley on ABC, The Red Skelton Show on CBS, and Dr. Kildare on NBC.
ABC: Peyton Place and The Big Valley
ABC’s Tuesday lineup featured the popular primetime soap opera Peyton Place, known for its dramatic storylines and complex characters, followed by The Big Valley, a western drama focusing on the Barkley family’s adventures and struggles in 19th-century California. Both shows captivated audiences with their engaging narratives and strong character development, making them standout series in the 1966-1967 season.
CBS: The Red Skelton Show
CBS’s Tuesday lineup featured The Red Skelton Show, a beloved comedy-variety series hosted by the charismatic Red Skelton. Now in its 15th season, the program remained a staple of primetime television, blending witty humor, sketches, and musical performances. Skelton’s signature characters and light-hearted antics entertained audiences, making it a family-friendly favorite. The show’s enduring popularity underscored its importance in the 1966-1967 TV season.
NBC: Dr. Kildare
NBC’s Tuesday night lineup featured Dr. Kildare, a groundbreaking medical drama starring Richard Chamberlain as the dedicated Dr. James Kildare. The series, known for its realistic storylines and character-driven narratives, explored the challenges of hospital life with empathy and depth. Airing during the 1966-1967 season, Dr. Kildare became a cultural phenomenon, influencing future medical dramas and cementing Chamberlain’s status as a household name.
Wednesday Night Television Schedule
Wednesday nights in 1966 featured ABC’s Bewitched and Gidget, CBS’s The Dick Van Dyke Show, and NBC’s The Virginian, blending comedy, drama, and western genres for diverse audiences.
ABC: Bewitched and Gidget
ABC’s Wednesday lineup featured the enchanting sitcom Bewitched, starring Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha, a witch navigating mortal life, and Gidget, a lighthearted comedy-drama about a teenage girl’s adventures. Both shows captivated audiences with their unique blend of humor, relatable characters, and cultural relevance, making them standout series of the 1966-1967 season.
CBS: The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show was a cornerstone of CBS’s comedy lineup, starring Dick Van Dyke as Rob Petrie, a comedic writer, and Mary Tyler Moore as his wife Laura; Known for its witty dialogue, physical humor, and stellar ensemble cast, the show was both a critical and ratings success. Its blend of behind-the-scenes TV industry humor and heartwarming family moments made it a standout series of the 1966-1967 season.
NBC: The Virginian
The Virginian was a long-running Western series that continued to captivate audiences in 1966. Set in the fictional Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming, the show followed the lives of cowboys and ranchers, blending action, drama, and moral storytelling. With its strong ensemble cast and timeless themes, The Virginian remained a staple of NBC’s lineup during the 1966-1967 season, appealing to fans of classic Westerns and family-friendly entertainment.
Thursday Night Television Schedule
Thursday nights in 1966 featured Batman and The Green Hornet on ABC, while CBS aired The Munsters and The Addams Family. NBC’s lineup included The Dean Martin Show, blending comedy and music.
ABC: Batman and The Green Hornet
ABC’s Thursday night lineup in 1966 featured the Dynamic Duo, as Batman, starring Adam West, captivated audiences with its campy humor and colorful villains. Airing twice weekly, the show became a cultural phenomenon. Following Batman, The Green Hornet brought action-packed adventures with Van Williams as the masked crime-fighter and his trusted sidekick, Kato. Both series showcased ABC’s commitment to blending action and entertainment.
CBS: The Munsters and The Addams Family
CBS’s Thursday night lineup in 1966 featured two iconic supernatural sitcoms. The Munsters charmed audiences with its lighthearted humor, following the misadventures of a lovable but eccentric monster family. Meanwhile, The Addams Family captivated viewers with its dark wit and quirky characters, including Gomez, Morticia, and Uncle Fester. Both shows brought unique blends of humor and horror, making CBS a standout destination for Thursday evening entertainment.
NBC: The Dean Martin Show
NBC’s Thursday night featured The Dean Martin Show, a variety program blending music, comedy, and celebrity guests. Known for its loose, entertaining format, the show showcased Martin’s charm and humor, with performances by top artists and comedic sketches. It became a staple of 1966’s primetime lineup, offering viewers a mix of light-hearted fun and star-studded entertainment, solidifying its place as a fan-favorite series during the season.
Friday Night Television Schedule
Friday nights in 1966 offered a mix of drama and adventure, with ABC’s The Iron Horse and The Long, Hot Summer, CBS’s Hogan’s Heroes and The Wild Wild West, and NBC’s Tarzan and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., catering to diverse viewer interests.
ABC: The Iron Horse and The Long, Hot Summer
ABC’s Friday night lineup featured The Iron Horse, a gritty Western series about railroad tycoon Ben Calhoun, and The Long, Hot Summer, a dramatic adaptation of William Faulkner’s works, exploring complex family dynamics in a small Mississippi town. Both shows captivated audiences with their strong narratives and compelling characters, making Friday evenings a must-watch for fans of drama and adventure.
CBS: Hogan’s Heroes and The Wild Wild West
CBS’s Friday night lineup showcased two distinctive series. Hogan’s Heroes offered a humorous take on WWII, following Allied prisoners outsmarting their German captors. The Wild Wild West blended Western action with espionage, featuring secret agents in a steam-powered world. Both shows captivated audiences with their unique blends of humor, adventure, and creativity, solidifying CBS’s position as a leader in primetime entertainment during the 1966-1967 season.
NBC: Tarzan and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
NBC’s Friday night featured Tarzan, an adventurous series following the jungle hero, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a spy thriller with a global espionage twist. These shows brought excitement and intrigue, appealing to a wide audience and showcasing NBC’s diverse programming during the 1966-1967 season, making them standout entries in the network’s lineup.
Saturday Night Television Schedule
Saturday nights in 1966 offered a mix of entertainment, with ABC’s Lawrence Welk Show, CBS’s Jackie Gleason Show, and NBC’s Sammy Davis Jr. Show, providing music, comedy, and variety for family audiences.
ABC: The Lawrence Welk Show
The Lawrence Welk Show was a beloved Saturday night staple on ABC, featuring Welk’s iconic orchestra and “Champagne Music.” The program showcased instrumental performances, vocalists, and light-hearted entertainment, appealing to a broad, family-oriented audience. Its enduring popularity made it a cornerstone of 1966 television, blending tradition with variety in a warm, nostalgic format that captivated viewers across generations.
CBS: The Jackie Gleason Show
The Jackie Gleason Show, aired on CBS, was a Saturday night favorite in 1966. Gleason’s comedic genius shone in various sketches and characters, including the iconic Ralph Kramden from The Honeymooners. The show’s blend of humor, music, and guest stars entertained millions, solidifying Gleason’s status as a television legend and making the program a standout in the 1966-1967 season.
NBC: The Sammy Davis Jr. Show
The Sammy Davis Jr. Show on NBC was a vibrant Saturday night attraction in 1966. Davis showcased his exceptional talents in music, dance, and comedy, featuring guest stars and dynamic performances. The program highlighted his versatility as an entertainer, making it a must-watch for audiences and a significant part of NBC’s lineup during the 1966-1967 television season.
Daytime Television Schedule
Soap operas like As the World Turns and The Guiding Light dominated, while game shows such as To Tell the Truth and The Match Game entertained. Talk shows like The Mike Douglas Show also thrived, shaping daytime viewership.
Soap Operas: As the World Turns and The Guiding Light
As the World Turns and The Guiding Light were iconic daytime soap operas dominating the 1966 schedule. Both series focused on intricate family dynamics, emotional dramas, and relatable characters. As the World Turns followed the Hughes and Stewart families in Oakdale, while The Guiding Light explored the Bauer and Lewis clans in Springfield. Their serialized storytelling captivated audiences, solidifying their places as pioneers in daytime television, with enduring popularity well into the 1960s.
Game Shows: To Tell the Truth and The Match Game
To Tell the Truth and The Match Game were two of the most popular game shows in 1966. To Tell the Truth featured a panel guessing the correct person with a unique story, while The Match Game showcased celebrity panels matching wits with contestants. Both aired in black and white initially but transitioned to color later in the year, enhancing their appeal and becoming staples of daytime entertainment.
Talk Shows: The Mike Douglas Show
The Mike Douglas Show was a prominent daytime talk show in 1966, blending interviews with celebrities, musical performances, and light-hearted discussions. Known for its relaxed format, the show appealed to a wide audience, making it a staple of daytime television. Mike Douglas’s congenial personality and engaging guests kept viewers tuning in, contributing to its enduring popularity during the 1966 season.
Special Programming in 1966
1966 featured notable specials, including Christmas and holiday programming, political coverage, and sports events like baseball and football, showcasing diverse entertainment and news offerings.
Christmas and Holiday Specials
The 1966 holiday season brought a variety of festive programming, including Christmas specials, parades, and heartwarming episodes of popular series. These offerings showcased the spirit of the season, blending entertainment with tradition. Networks featured family-friendly content, such as holiday-themed episodes of Bewitched and The Andy Griffith Show, along with musical performances and seasonal cheer, making television a central part of holiday celebrations for millions of viewers.
Political Coverage and News Programs
In 1966, television played a pivotal role in delivering political news, with networks providing extensive coverage of key events. CBS and NBC offered in-depth reports on the midterm elections, while special broadcasts addressed the escalating Vietnam War. Notable anchors like Walter Cronkite and Chet Huntley became trusted sources for updates. Additionally, programs highlighted significant domestic issues, including the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring viewers stayed informed during a period of social and political change.
Sports Programming: Baseball and Football
The 1966 TV Guide highlighted extensive sports coverage, with baseball’s World Series and football’s NFL games dominating broadcasts. CBS aired the World Series, while NBC showcased NFL matchups, bringing thrilling moments to viewers. College football also gained prominence, with key games televised nationally. These broadcasts not only entertained but also helped shape sports fandom, making athletes household names and cementing television’s role in sports culture during this era.
Impact of Color Television in 1966
The rise of color television in 1966 revolutionized home entertainment, offering vibrant programming and influencing cultural shifts, while driving technological advancements in TV technology development.
Early Adoption of Color TV Sets
By 1966, color television adoption began to accelerate, with popular shows like Bonanza and The Andy Griffith Show showcasing vibrant programming. This shift marked a cultural leap, bringing families together for shared viewing experiences. Despite initial high costs, the growing availability of affordable color sets gradually expanded accessibility, making color TV a staple in American households by the late 1960s.
Popular Color TV Shows
In 1966, color television programming flourished, with shows like Bonanza, The Andy Griffith Show, and Batman captivating audiences. Vibrant series such as The Munsters and The Virginian showcased the medium’s potential, blending humor, drama, and visual appeal. These programs not only entertained but also highlighted the cultural shift toward color broadcasting, making 1966 a pivotal year for both networks and viewers embracing this technological advancement.
TV Guide Covers in 1966
TV Guide covers in 1966 featured vibrant artwork, often highlighting popular shows like Star Trek and The Monkees, as well as holiday specials and iconic celebrities of the era.
Notable Cover Art and Themes
The 1966 TV Guide covers showcased vibrant artwork, often featuring stars from popular shows like Star Trek and The Monkees. Holiday-themed covers, such as Christmas specials, were prominent, while others highlighted iconic celebrities and emerging trends in television. The transition to color TV was reflected in bold, eye-catching designs, making these covers highly collectible and nostalgic reminders of the era’s cultural and entertainment landscape.
Collectibility of 1966 TV Guide Covers
1966 TV Guide covers are highly sought after by collectors, especially those featuring iconic series like Star Trek and Batman. Their vibrant designs and historical significance make them valuable. Mint-condition issues with popular themes can fetch premium prices, while complete sets are rare. Archivists and enthusiasts treasure these covers as nostalgic artifacts, preserving the visual legacy of a pivotal year in television history.
The 1966 TV Guide remains a timeless archive of television history, capturing the era’s cultural shifts and entertainment evolution, leaving a lasting legacy for media enthusiasts and historians alike.
Legacy of the 1966-1967 TV Season
The 1966-1967 TV season left an indelible mark on television history, introducing iconic shows like Star Trek, The Monkees, and Batman, which became cultural phenomena. These programs not only reflected the era’s creativity but also influenced future programming. The season showcased a mix of genres, from science fiction to comedy, setting trends that shaped decades of entertainment. Its impact on popular culture and television’s evolution remains unparalleled, making it one of the most memorable seasons in TV history.
Final Thoughts on the 1966 TV Guide
The 1966 TV Guide marks the end of an era, showcasing a television landscape on the brink of transformation. With the rise of color programming and iconic shows like Star Trek and Batman, it captures a pivotal moment in entertainment history. The guide not only reflects the cultural shifts of the 1960s but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone age, making it a cherished collectible for historians and TV enthusiasts alike.