The History of Prime Time Television is a user-friendly textbook that chronicles television's unique history from the drawing board to the living room, and beyond. Organized chronologically, the book begins by briefly addressing the age of invention and the birth of radio. However, the primary focus of the text surrounds prime time programming, homing in on the series that defined their respective decade by reflecting changes in the culture, style and values of the time, and how some went on to become iconic representations of 20th and 21st century America.

Each decade's historical importance, as well as all of the nuance and chronological markers connected to the story of television itself, is covered in a way that engages students and helps them retain what they are learning. Discussion questions geared to tap into the students' critical thinking follow every chapter. Topics include:



Invention and Promotion - Television's Early Struggles
How Serious Programming began with Comedy
The Role of Television During Wartime
Prime Time Television's Golden Age
Civil Rights and Television
Long-Form Television
Television's Symbiotic Relationship to Sports
The Birth and Growth of Cable Programming
Reality Programming


Students will also glean information about the impact of each decade's culture on television and learn about the transition from black and white to color programming, deregulation, censorship, and the future of television in the new millennium.

The History of Prime Time Television includes fascinating information about the historical milestones that made television not just a form of entertainment, but a social mediator, a political force, and American's window into the human experience and condition. The book is ideal for courses in the areas of media history, entertainment history, and media communications.