Week 9 All in the Family

All in the Family was a family based television comedy that was originally broadcast on the CBS television network from January 12, 1971 to April 8, 1979. In September 1979, the show was revamped, and given a new title, Archie Bunker's Place. This version of the sitcom lasted another four years, ending its run in 1983. Produced by Norman Lear and based on the British television series Till Death Us Do Part, the show broke ground by focusing on issues previously considered unsuitable for U.S. network television comedy, such as racism, homosexuality, women's liberation, rape, miscarriage, breast cancer, menopause and impotence. The show ranked #1 from 1971 to 1976. As of 2008, The Cosby Show has been the only other show to top the ratings for at least five consecutive seasons. TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time ranked All in the Family as #4. Bravo also named the show's protagonist, Archie Bunker, TV's greatest character of all time.

Week 9 Maude

Maude was a tv series whose
first telecast was on September 12, 1972. It aired on the CBS network, and the last telecast was on April 29, 1978. Maude was an opinionated loud woman. Prior to this series I have never seen a television show centered around a strong and intelligent woman. There was no man to "put her in her place" or to belittle her opinions. I think this program paved the way for new female roles that weren't just housewifes and sex symbols.

Week 8 - Negative Television

In 1959 Charles Van Doren, a game show contestant, testified that he had accepted bribes from networks to go along with their quiz show scandals. For instance, he was told he would tie a quiz show champion instead of beat him because it would bring in better ratings. He also testified that prior to the quiz shows, that he would go over the answers with the producer. He was asked to hesitate when giving answers because it would build up suspense for the viewers. These quiz scandals became public at a time when America's trust worthiness was being questioned by other nations such as China. This unfortunate event made America appear corrupt.

Week 7: I Have A Dream

On August 28, 1963, an estimated 250,000 people marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington where they heard Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his, "I Have A Dream" speach. It was almost the largest peaceful protest in American history. This event changed America forever, and it was also broadcasted live all across the nation thanks to television networks. Television really brought Martin Luther King Jr's message to every home in America. Without this capability I believe it would have taken many more years before such heightened awareness would have allowed for such a desperately needed change for race equality.

Week 6: Ernie Kovac

Ernie Kovac was the first person to push television to a new level. He experiemented with objects and sounds rather than people and dialogue. Ernie played with camera angle, and attempted special effects never seen before. He died in a car accident and is also inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Week 5: TV & McCarthyism

This week I chose to talk about Joseph McCarthy and his effects on television. He was responsible for creating quite a stir amongst the television industry by accusing high profile celebrities with being members of the Communist Party. Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy comes particularly to mind. She was later relieved of this accusation. Finally he was shut down by the bravery of one man whom decided to stand up against his false accusations.