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Forgotten TV

The podcast that brings you TV memories of the 70s and 80s! Including short lived shows, pilots and TV movies you might have forgotten about!

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40 Years Ago: The 1986 Network TV Campaigns

In this special episode of Forgotten TV, journey back to the fall of 1986, when NBC urged America to “Come Home,” ABC proclaimed, “We Belong Together,” and CBS asked viewers to “Share the Spirit.” Through rare promos, network image campaigns, and the debut of new shows including ALF, L.A. Law, Head of the Class, Designing Women, My Sister Sam (and several others you probably don't remember),…

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Misfits of Science Declassified (1985-86)

Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. These podcast notes may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you. The signal has been intercepted. In this episode of Forgotten TV, we begin a deep dive into the 1985 NBC sci-fi comedy Misfits of Science, starting with the pilot telefilm “Deep Freeze.”…

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A Very Brady Podcast

In this special episode of Forgotten TV, dive into the origins, post-series afterlife, and cultural impact of The Brady Bunch. Beginning with 1969’s “The Voice of Christmas,” the show’s only holiday episode and a pivotal moment that may have saved the series from early cancellation, examine why its themes of belief, family, and unity still resonate more than fifty years later. From there, trace…

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From Radio & TV Horror History… to The Darkroom (1981)

Step into the shadows with Forgotten TV as we uncover the eerie history behind ABC’s short-lived 1981 anthology series Darkroom, hosted by James Coburn. In this feature-length episode, we trace the chilling lineage of radio and television horror—from the crackling terror of The Witch’s Tale and Lights Out to the haunting glow of TV anthologies like The Twilight Zone, Thriller, and Night Gallery.…

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Earth II (1971)

In this episode, Forgotten TV explores the origins of humanity’s first space stations—both real and imagined. From the secret Soviet Almaz military program and America’s Skylab, we'll look back at how these milestones were foreshadowed by decades of speculative fiction as well as futurist visions such as Gerard O’Neill’s massive orbital colonies of the 1970s. But before we were able to gaze at…

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Focus: Composer Lalo Schifrin

A look at the life and work of prolific Argentinian pianist, composer, and conductor Lalo Schifrin - who has contributed over 100 film/TV themes to our popular culture. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. These podcast notes may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases, at no extra cost to you. Listening…

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Focus: A Tribute to Alf Clausen

My tribute to legendary film/TV composer Alf Clausen, who provided 27 years of underscore music and original songs for The Simpsons, many of which will forever reside in my heart. Clausen died May 28, 2025. Forgotten TV is reader/listener supported. This article or podcast may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other retailers. As an affiliate, Forgotten TV earns royalties from these purchases,…

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Popi (1975-76)

Popi debuted May 2, 1975 on CBS at 8/7pm Central. This sitcom pilot was based on the 1969 film Popi with Alan Arkin and Rita Moreno. "Popi had a dream...and the only way he could make it come true was to put his two boys in a rowboat and set them adrift in the ocean." This podcast contains a short review of the Popi film, as well as a bit of behind-the-scenes information on its production. Then,…

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Here's Boomer (1980) Special

The Forgotten TV website is relaunching with a completely new, modern look! Daily content posted on Facebook , X/Twitter , or Bluesky Here's Boomer aired on NBC-TV first as a mid-season replacement late in the 1979-80 season. Hear about the show concept, the origins of its shaggy star, its ties to the Benji film series, the show concept they abandoned, Boomer's first appearance in The Red Hand…

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The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977)

The introduction of the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew characters in 1927/1930 is considered, as well as the Nancy Drew 1938/39 Warner Brothers films; the Hardy Boys Mickey Mouse Club serials; 1957 Nancy Drew CBS pilot; 1967 Hardy Boys NBC pilot; 1969 Hardy Boys animated ABC series; and especially The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries 1977-79 ABC series. The behind-the-scenes segment covers the origin,…

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Voyagers! (1982)

An episode by episode consideration of NBC's 1982 series Voyagers! starring Jon-Erik Hexum and Meeno Peluce. Series created by James D. Parriott. Followed by a full behind the scenes documentary exploring the origin and production of the series, public and critical reactions, casting, locations, and the legacy of Voyagers. 0-1:15:32 intro/episode rundown 1:16:45 Behind the Scenes: show creation,…

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Focus: The Tragic Death of Jon-Erik Hexum

An overview of the post-Voyagers roles of Jon-Erik Hexum and an extended look at his tragic death on the set of Cover Up. Part of an upcoming full podcast on NBC's Voyagers, coming to this podcast feed. Sources of quotes and background information: The Show Must Go on: How the Deaths of Lead Actors Have Affected Television Series by Douglas Snauffer Bob Shayne's Cover-Up Memories at the Jon-Erik…

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Focus: Composer Jerrold Immel

This is the first of a new podcast format that will focus on a segment broken out of the regular show. It is my hope these will expose Forgotten TV to a wider audience in a much more digestible format. This focus on the life and work of composer Jerrold Immel is part of a consideration of the 1982 NBC TV series Voyagers! coming soon to this podcast feed. Sources of quotes and background…

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McLean Stevenson's Forgotten TV Shows

Podcast episode 57. An examination of the post-MASH work of McLean Stevenson, who chose to leave the series in 1975. Series considered include The McLean Stevenson Show, In the Beginning, Hello, Larry, Condo, and Dirty Dancing. A look at the extreme popularity of MASH as well as the national mania revolving around the series finale "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen" is included. 0:00 Intro/Stevenson's…

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Mazes and Monsters, The Satanic Panic, and Procter & Gamble

Podcast episode 56. An examination of the circumstances of the 1979 disappearance of James Dallas Egbert III and its significant impact on pop culture and society, inspiring a moral panic over the game Dungeons & Dragons and arguably kicking off the 1980s Satanic Panic. Includes a review of the 1982 CBS TV movie Mazes and Monsters as well as the Satanic Panic and Procter & Gamble scare. See if you…

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Korg 70,000 B.C. (1974)

Podcast episode 55. A complete look at Korg 70,000 B.C. airing on ABC's 1974-75 Saturday morning lineup. Produced by Hanna-Barbera. Starring Jim Malinda, Bill Ewing, Naomi Pollock, Christopher Man, Charles Morteo, and Janelle Pransky. Created by Fred Freiberger. Buy Korg 70,000 B.C. on DVD SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal Buy Me a Coffee! More at Forgotten TV…

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Monsters (1988)

Podcast episode 54. A complete look at Monsters, the syndicated series from Laurel Entertainment which ran 1988-1991. The origins of George Romero, Night of the Living Dead, the birth of the modern zombie, Romero's Laurel Entertainment, and the films that led up to the creation of Monsters. Full episode guide and behind the scenes of show production, structure, writing, effects, and the people…

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More Animated Spin-Offs of Live-Action Shows: 1980s

Podcast episode 53. A trip through Saturday mornings of the 1980s with a focus on animated spin-offs or adaptations of live-action TV shows and characters. Background and behind the scenes of production are given for most shows covered. The Tarzan /Lone Ranger/Zorro Adventure Hour 1980-1982 ( Lone Ranger/Zorro Vol 1 / Vol 2 ) The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang 1980 Laverne & Shirley in the Army 1981…

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V: the Series (1984)

Podcast episode 52. A complete look at NBC's V: the Series from 1984-85. A full episode rundown, a look at the unfilmed finale, behind the scenes of production, and revival attempts are all comprehensively discussed. Timecodes Episode rundown 0-1:35 Behind the scenes 1:35-3:00 Next time/credits 3:00-3:08 Buy V: The Series DVD on Amazon (Amazon Video link) Kenneth Johnson's books on Amazon SUPPORT…

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V (1983) and V-The Final Battle (1984)

Podcast episode 51. A complete look at 1983's V and 1984's V: The Final Battle! Originally airing on NBC, created by Kenneth Johnson. V review and behind the scenes of V 0-1:26:40 V: The Final Battle review/behind the scenes 1:26:40-2:14:45 Next time/credits 2:14:45-end Buy V on Bluray on Amazon (DVD link) Buy V: The Final Battle on Amazon Buy V: The Series DVD on Amazon (Amazon Video link)…

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Forgotten TV V Preview

A trailer for the upcoming podcast on 1983's V and 1984's V: The Final Battle! Podcast scheduled to drop May 1, 2023 for the 40th anniversary of Kenneth Johnson's fantastic miniseries. Buy V on Bluray on Amazon (DVD link) Buy V: The Final Battle on Amazon Buy V: The Series DVD on Amazon (Amazon Video link) SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV…

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Forgotten TV Supplemental 12 - Hangar 18 and History of MPAA Ratings

Normally a patron exclusive, enjoy this supplemental podcast further exploring topics touched on in the podcast examining Sunn Classic Pictures and Grizzly Adams. Your support of Forgotten TV via Patreon or Paypal is greatly appreciated. Additional behind the scenes content is available for Patreon supporters. A deeper look at the origins and story behind Sunn Classic Pictures' Hangar 18. Also, a…

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Forgotten TV ep 50-Sunn Classic Pictures and Behind the Scenes of Grizzly Adams

A history of Utah-based Sunn Classic Pictures and Charles Sellier. The initial Grizzly Adams film attempt with Dick Robinson, which was scrapped, starting over with Dan Haggerty. A look behind the scenes of both the Sunn Classic Pictures film and NBC TV series. Due to length, the following timestamps are provided. The History of Sunn Classic Pictures 00:03:06 The real Grizzly Adams 00:50:42 Dick…

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Forgotten TV ep 49-The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams

An overview of the 1974 film The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, 1975's The Adventures of Frontier Fremont, the 1977-78 NBC TV series, and 1982's The Capture of Grizzly Adams, which concludes the storyline. Starring Dan Haggerty, Don Shanks, and Denver Pyle, produced by Charles Sellier Jr. and Sunn Classic Pictures. Buy The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams and The Capture of Grizzly Adams on…

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Forgotten TV ep 48-The Powers of Matthew Star

The complete history of the origins and production of NBC's 1982 series The Powers of Matthew Star is presented. Produced by Paramount Television; starring Peter Barton, Lou Gossett, Jr., and Amy Steel. Timecodes Intro and episode rundown. 0-1:19:35 Behind the scenes pt 1: Origins, casting, first pilot, troubles at NBC, show production, music. 1:19:35-2:15:55 Behind the scenes pt 2: Directors,…

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Forgotten TV ep 47-The Popcorn Kid: Special Edition

The MTM/CBS 1987 sitcom The Popcorn Kid is fully considered. Also, looks at the historic Brunson Theater in Baytown, Texas and Plaza Theater in Kansas City, Missouri are included. Watch full episodes of The Popcorn Kid on the Internet Archive. When the Lights Went Down documentary SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV Amazon links are affiliate, and…

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Forgotten TV ep 46-Flo

A complete look at the CBS 1980-81 TV series Flo starring Polly Holliday. Timecodes Alice film to Alice series and Flo episode rundown 0-1:02:25 Behind the Scenes Technical, taping, origins, casting 1:02:25-1:59:30 Flo's Yellow Rose bar, History of 'Cowtown,' and the 70s CB craze 1:59:30-2:16:40 Writing Flo, production issues, cancellation, after Flo 2:16:40-2:48:00 Flo on DVD from Amazon. Alice…

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Forgotten TV Flo Preview

A preview of the upcoming podcast on the 1980 CBS series Flo starring Polly Holliday. Flo was a spin-off from CBS's Alice which itself was based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Flo on DVD from Amazon. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV Amazon links are affiliate. Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any…

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Forgotten TV ep 45-The Immortal

A complete look at ABC's 1970 TV series The Immortal starring Christopher George. Adapted by Robert Specht from James Gunn's novel 'The Immortals.' Timecodes 0-46:30 Intro/episode rundown 46:30-end Behind the Scenes The Immortal on DVD from Amazon. The Immortals novel by James Gunn. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV Book links: Science Fiction…

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Forgotten TV ep 45-The Immortal

A complete look at ABC's 1970 TV series The Immortal starring Christopher George. Adapted by Robert Specht from James Gunn's novel 'The Immortals.' Timecodes 0-46:30 Intro/episode rundown 46:30-end Behind the Scenes The Immortal on DVD from Amazon. The Immortals novel by James Gunn. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV Book links: Science Fiction…

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Forgotten TV The Immortal Preview

A preview of the upcoming podcast on ABC's 1970 series The Immortal starring Christopher George. Based on 'The Immortals' novel by James Gunn. The Immortal on DVD from Amazon. The Immortals novel by James Gunn. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV Amazon links are affiliate. Forgotten TV is not affiliated with or authorized by any production…

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Forgotten TV ep 44-Beyond Westworld

A complete look at CBS's 1980 series Beyond Westworld starring Jim McMullan, James Wainwright, and Connie Selleca. Series created/developed by Lou Shaw, based on the original story by Michael Crichton. Beyond Westworld on DVD and streaming from Amazon. Westworld and Futureworld available on Bluray and DVD from Amazon. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at…

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Forgotten TV Beyond Westworld Preview

A preview of the upcoming podcast on CBS's 1980 series Beyond Westworld starring Jim McMullan, James Wainwright, and Connie Selleca. Series created/developed by Lou Shaw, based on the original story by Michael Crichton. Beyond Westworld on DVD and streaming from Amazon. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal More at Forgotten TV Amazon links are affiliate. Forgotten TV…

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Forgotten TV ep 43-A Leslie Stevens Retrospective Part 2

The conclusion of the look at the contributions of TV/film creator Leslie Stevens. His 1972 NBC TV series SEARCH, The Invisible Man, Gemini Man, Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, the return of his classic The Outer Limits, and his final years and legacy. From the Inner Mind To...The Outer Limits Scripts of Joesph Stefano new book! The Outer Limits season 1 and The Outer Limits…

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Forgotten TV ep 42-A Leslie Stevens Retrospective Part 1

The early life and contributions of TV/film creator Leslie Stevens is considered. His entry into film with Private Property and Incubus; his TV work Stoney Burke and The Outer Limits; and his book est: The Steersman Handbook, Charts of the Coming Decade of Conflict and Earthside Missile Base project are discussed. The Outer Limits season 1 and The Outer Limits season 2 are available on Bluray from…

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Forgotten TV Leslie Stevens Retrospective Preview

A preview of the upcoming podcast on TV/film creator Leslie Stevens. Including a behind the scenes look at The Outer Limits, his provocative films Private Property and Incubus, the hi-tech 1972 NBC series SEARCH, and his involvement with both Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

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Forgotten TV ep 41-Street Hawk.

The 1985 ABC series Street Hawk is fully considered. The show starred Rex Smith, Joe Regalbuto, and Jeannie Wilson and was created by Bruce Lansbury, Paul M. Belous, and Robert Wolterstorff. This podcast is designed to be listened to in three segments. Timecodes: 0-1:03:05 Intro, episode rundown 1:04:52-2:04:12 Behind the Scenes, The Machine 2:04:12-end Troubled Production, The Music,…

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Forgotten TV Street Hawk Preview

A preview of the upcoming consideration of the 1985 ABC series Street Hawk, coming soon! Starring Rex Smith, Joe Regalbuto, and Jeannie Wilson. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal Buy Street Hawk now on DVD! More at Forgotten TV Amazon links are affiliate. 'First Mission' by Giuliano Pilati is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0…

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Forgotten TV ep 40-Angie

The 1979-80 ABC series Angie is fully considered. Starring Donna Pescow, Robert Hays, Sharon Spelman, Doris Roberts, and Debralee Scott. Series developers Alan Eisenstock & Larry Mintz appear in the interview segment. Timecodes: 0-52:05 Intro-series overview 52:05-2:01:05 Behind The Scenes 2:01:05-2:45:50 Conversation with Alan Eisenstock & Larry Mintz 2:45:50-end After Angie/wrapup Buy Angie on…

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Forgotten TV Angie Preview

A preview of the upcoming consideration of the 1979-80 ABC series Angie, coming soon! SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal Podcast published at forgottentv.podbean.com More at Forgotten TV Amazon links are affiliate. "Stringed Disco" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

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Forgotten TV ep 39-Automan

The 1983-84 ABC series Automan is fully considered. Timecodes: 0-54:12 Intro/Automan episode review 54:12-1:28:07 Behind the Scenes Pt 1 1:28:07-end Behind the Scenes Pt 2/wrapup Billy Hinche can be found on Facebook , YouTube , and Cameo . Hewlogram video Hewlogram-Behind the Scenes Automan theme renditions Javier Bustacara Ruiz STEFANO ERCOLINO Official Richard Korpel Bullbayliss Music Wolf…

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Forgotten TV Automan Preview

A preview of the upcoming consideration of the 1983-84 ABC series Automan, coming soon to this podcast feed! SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal Podcast published at forgottentv.podbean.com More at Forgotten TV Forgotten TV Amazon Wishlist Amazon links are affiliate. Etheric Echoes by Dreamstate Logic used with permission under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike…

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Forgotten TV ep 38-Spooky Retro Clip Show

Just some fun on this episode featuring a trip down memory lane throughout the 70s and 80s with commercials, special episode promos, long-forgotten TV specials, clips, songs, old PSAs, bumpers, horror host intros....its a spoooky clip show on this episode of Forgotten TV! SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal -one time or recurring More at Forgotten TV Forgotten TV…

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Forgotten TV ep 37-James at 15

A complete look at the 1977-78 NBC series James at 15. Including interviews with show creator Dan Wakefield and writer April Smith. Timecodes 0-1:21:45 Intro and episode review 1:21:45-2:08:45 Behind the Scenes 2:08:45-3:29:40 Interviews 3:29:40-3:49:25 Wrapup/final thoughts SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal -one time or recurring More at Forgotten TV Forgotten TV…

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Forgotten TV James At 15 Preview

A preview of the upcoming consideration of the 1977-78 NBC series James At 15, coming soon! SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal Podcast published at forgottentv.podbean.com More at Forgotten TV Forgotten TV Amazon Wishlist Amazon links are affiliate. "Stringed Disco" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

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Forgotten TV Supplemental 8-The Complete History of Aunt Jemima

Normally a Patreon exclusive, this supplemental podcast accompanies episode 36 on Black TV history. A review of the origin of the minstrel show as well as a complete history of Aunt Jemima is considered. Aunt Jemima is a trademark of Quaker Oats and Pepsico. SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal -one time or recurring More at Forgotten TV Forgotten TV Amazon Wishlist…

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Forgotten TV ep 36-An Overview of Black TV History 1939-1980

From the early representations in experimental broadcasts to the contributions of the Dumont Network; to the thin appearances on 1950s TV; to the integration and beginnings of equality in the 1960s; to the sometimes controversial sitcoms of the 1970s; and the foundation of BET in 1980, this podcast presents an overview of Black TV history. Timecodes 0-1:09:40 Background/1939-1959 1:09:40-1:47:05…

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Forgotten TV Supplemental 6

Normally a patron exclusive, this is a supplemental show in between regular full podcast episodes. Additional background information from the Whiz Kids podcast series on the 414s, the Inner Circle, and Bill Landreth-"The Cracker." Socially Distant Cinema on Second Union Also, a catch up of miscellany/news, obituaries, a look at podcasts in production-including a preview of the next show,…

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Forgotten TV ep 35-The Whiz Kids Stars Speak

Conversations with Whiz Kids actors Madelyn Cain, Andrea Elson, Todd Porter, and Adrienne DeGuere. Timecodes 0 Intro/Madelyn Cain 26:38 Andrea Elson 57:50 Todd Porter 1:41:00 Adrienne DeGuere Please like the Whiz Kids page on Facebook and visit the Whiz Kids blog ! YouTube Whiz Kids intended episode order playlist SUPPORT FORGOTTEN TV ON PATREON! Support Forgotten TV with Paypal Podcast published…

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Forgotten TV ep 34-Whiz Kids Part Two:Behind The Scenes

A complete look at behind the scenes of 1983's Whiz Kids, including interview with co-creator Bob Shayne. Due to length, please note the following timecodes: Behind the scenes of Whiz Kids 0-1:06:30 Bob Shayne Interview 1:06:30-2:24:45 After Whiz Kids/Legacy of show 2:24:45-end Special thanks to Bob Shayne, Madelyn Cain, Andrea Elson, Todd Porter, Max Gail, Linda Scruggs DeGuere, Adrienne DeGuere,…

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