American TV Show
Television is a very competitive market and all the channels chase the ratings. There are three major TV networks, namely NBC, ABC, and CBS, and they have all produced their share of classic American TV shows. US programs are exported round the world. A lot of time and money goes into developing a pilot episode, some of which go on to a series and some fall by the wayside. Audience market research is an important part of the process.
Situation comedies have been prominent on TV guides ever since the 1950s. Usually, the whole family can sit together to watch them. One of the most popular, and still enjoying repeats, is the I Love Lucy Show, starring husband and wife team, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. The show ran from 1951-1957 and Lucille Ball inspired other women to be comics.
A more contemporary example of a popular comedic American TV show is Seinfeld. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, it was inspired by Seinfeld’s own stand up routines. The humor was gained from everyday situations and the relationships between four friends. The long run from 1989 – 1998 made stars of Seinfeld and his co-stars, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (as Elaine), Michael Richards (as the eccentric Kramer), and Jason Alexander (as George).
Westerns on television had its golden age in the 1950s and 1960s. Gunsmoke, starring James Arness as Marshall Dillon, had a twenty-year run from 1955. Other early shows from the genre include Have Gun Will Travel and Wagon Train. More westerns were to follow, including Little House on the Prairie, Bonanza, The High Chaparral and Alias Smith and Jones.
Cop shows have never gone out of style, since the days of The Detectives and Dragnet. The blend of buddy stories and action make them amongst the most popular TV shows in America. The long list includes Starsky and Hutch, Hill Street Blues, and LA Law. The lone maverick detective is also popular as in Colombo.
Hospital drama is another constant presence in the schedules. Early shows like Ben Casey and Dr. Kildare thrilled audiences with their human drama storylines and handsome leading actors. Marcus Welby, which broadcast from 1969 until 1976, was well known for its tackling of controversial subjects. Robert Young played Welby and his younger assistant was played by James Brolin.
Of course, no self-respecting network would be without its soap operas. Finding a good one is like TV gold. Each episode tries to end on a cliffhanger, making the fans tune in for more. The daytime soaps are known for their melodrama, including General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and the surreal Sunset Beach. The jewels in the crown however are the prime time Dallas and Dynasty. Both had family disputes, business wrangles and endless romantic complications, making them American television shows that sold across the world.
Tags: Business, Family, Men, Relationships, Television, TV, Women
