In the early days of television, the industry was still in its infancy. The first commercial broadcasts began in the late 1940s, but it wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that TV started to gain popularity. This period is often referred to as the 'Golden Age' of television, with iconic shows like I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and The Twilight Zone captivating audiences.
The early days of TV were marked by a lack of color programming, but this didn't stop creators from pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Outer Limits explored darker themes and pushed the limits of what was considered acceptable on television.
As the decades passed, television began to shift its focus towards more sensationalized content. The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of reality TV, with shows like Candid Camera and The Real World capturing audiences' attention.
This period also marked a significant change in the way TV was consumed. Cable television became widely available, allowing for a greater variety of programming and more niche content to emerge.
The 1990s and 2000s saw a seismic shift in the way we consume television. The rise of cable news, reality TV, and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu changed the game forever.
This period also marked a significant increase in diversity on screen, with shows like Friends and Seinfeld becoming cultural touchstones.