TV schedules and listings help determine what shows were broadcast in what year(s). Listings and schedules might also give you details such as whether a show was broadcast in color or black-and-white, whether it was a first run or a repeat episode, and language details such as closed-captioning.
Keep in mind that the number of television networks and corresponding options has increased dramatically in the last 50 years. Don't be surprised when early schedule grids and listings show only a small number of available viewing options.
TV Guide magazine is "the" source for referencing what aired on television in a given year. The national magazine was typically published on a weekly basis with occasional double issues. Past issues are not easily found online, though there are a couple of options.
TV Guide magazine has a complete gallery of covers on its website. Cover images represent stars, shows, and trends that were popular, controversial, or otherwise being talked about at that time.
|
1960s |
1970s |
1980s |
1990s |
2000s |
2010s |
The Internet Archive has some sample issues of TV Guide magazine from across the decades. Browse issues below or select "find more" to see others.
|
1953 |
1958 |
1967 |
1974 |
1977 |
1982 |
1988 |
find more |
IMDB. If you're not familiar with a show's content, IMDB gives you a summary of the show, including cast, lists of episodes with original air dates, and episode summaries.
Yes. There are a variety of streaming sites that offer free access to "classic" television shows and commercials. Perhaps not surprisingly, free viewing options also usually contain ads.
Options include (in alphabetical order):
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
