What Was On Your TV Set In 1965?
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
(CBSDFW.COM) - 1965 was a turning point of sorts for the three major networks, also known as Black Rock(CBS), 30 Rock (NBC), and Hard Rock(ABC). The nicknames were based off of CBS's headquarters in New York constructed with black granite, NBC's address (30 Rockefeller Center), and ABC's penchant for airing shows geared to the first generation of kids listening to rock n roll music.
CBS was still the #1 network in America but NBC and ABC were nipping at them constantly through programming and promotion innovation. NBC promoted themselves as the first all color network (almost) and ABC introduced the formal "second season" in January 1966. And while CBS still won the 1965-1966 season, it still premiered special movies, mid-season series, and big budget events. Yet it was their current programming hits that still kept them going even with challenges from NBC and ABC.
Now I won't list the entire fall 1965 schedule here for space considerations, but I will mention a few shows that debuted that fall (all times are Central time):
1. Run For Your Life (NBC), Mondays 9pm. Starred Ben Gazarra as a man who sees his doctor only to find he only has two years to live. As a result, he quits his law practice to travel world before it's too late. Ran from 1965-1968.
2. F Troop (ABC), Tuesdays, 8pm. This situation comedy (which can be seen on KTXA 21.2 on MeTV at times) starred Forrest Tucker and Ken Berry as soldiers at a U.S. Calvary outpost during post- Civil War days. Lots of great guest stars. Ran from 1965-1967.
3. My Mother The Car (NBC), Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Starred Jerry Van Dyke and Ann Southern. Southern was the voice of a car that was the reincarnation of his mother. The car only talked to Van Dyke's character. Ran one year only.
4. Gidget (ABC), Wednesdays, 7:30pm. 19-year old Sally Field starred in this sitcom about a Southern California teenager going through high school, love, and romance. Don Porter played her father. Based on the movies released a few years earlier by Columbia Pictures. Ran one year only.
5. The Big Valley (ABC), Wednesdays, 8pm. One of the best western drama ever made. Starring Barbara Stanwyck as the matriarch of the powerful and rich Barkley family. KVIL/KLUV morning radio man Ron Chapman appeared in one episode of the show when he was working at WFAA Channel 8, playing a railroad conductor. Ran 4 years.
6. Lost In Space (CBS), Wednesdays, 6:30pm. This show starred June Lockhart and Guy Williams as a couple with three kids who take off on a five year voyage of outer space only to have the control system sabotaged by Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris) which prevented them from finding their way back to Earth. This show airs currently on MeTV. Ran from 1965-1968.
7. Green Acres (CBS), Wednesdays, 8pm. Enough said here!! A show ahead of its time. Starred Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor. A spinoff of Petticoat Junction. Ran from 1965-1971.
8. Honey West (ABC), Fridays, 8pm. Starred Ann Francis as a private detective driving a fancy car and owned a pet ocelot, plus lots of spy equipment. Ran one year only.
9. CBS Friday Night: Wild Wild West (6:30pm), Hogan's Heroes (7:30pm), and the Smothers Brothers Show (8:30pm). Big night of TV for CBS. Both shows are on MeTV.
10. NBC Saturday Night: I Dream Of Jeannie(7pm) and Get Smart (7:30pm). Two of the best comedies ever made and still seen today some 50 years later.
"Second season" shows debuting included Batman (ABC) starring Adam West and Burt Ward and The Avengers (ABC), starring Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg . CBS premiered only one show during mid-season; Daktari, starring Marshall Thompson and Cheryl Miller.
