1981 Television Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1981 Television Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 12 Jan Dynasty TV series premiere: The American prime time soap opera 'Dynasty' premiered on ABC on January 12, 1981. The series, created by Richard and Esther Shapiro and produced by Aaron Spelling, revolves around the Carringtons, a wealthy family residing in Denver, Colorado. It stars John Forsythe as oil magnate Blake Carrington, Linda Evans as his new wife Krystle, and later Joan Collins as his former wife Alexis. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Jan Hill Street Blues premieres on television: The television series 'Hill Street Blues' premiered on January 15, 1981. Created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll, the show is notable for its realistic portrayal of police work and its ensemble cast. It received critical acclaim and won numerous awards during its run, influencing many subsequent police dramas. source: britannica.com
- 24 Mar Nightline debuts on ABC as a late-night news program: Nightline, a late-night news program, premiered on ABC on March 24, 1981. Originally created to cover the Iran hostage crisis, it has evolved into a platform for in-depth reporting and interviews on various topics. The show has become a staple of American television journalism over the decades. source: abcnews.go.com
- 20 Apr Final episode of 'Soap' airs on ABC: On April 20, 1981, ABC aired the final episode of the sitcom 'Soap,' concluding its four-season run. The series, known for its satirical take on daytime soap operas, ended with several unresolved cliffhangers due to its abrupt cancellation. Despite plans for a fifth season, the network cited declining ratings as the reason for ending the show. source: primetimer.com
- 15 May SCTV Network 90 Debut: SCTV Network 90, a sequel to the popular comedy sketch show Second City Television, premiered on NBC, featuring groundbreaking comedic talent.
- 13 Aug Final broadcast of The Waltons aired on CBS: The final episode of the beloved television series The Waltons aired on August 13, 1981. The show, which depicted the life of a family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, became a cultural touchstone and was known for its heartwarming storytelling. Its conclusion marked the end of a significant era in American television. source: tvguide.com
- 08 Sep Only Fools and Horses premieres on British television: The iconic British sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses' premiered on September 8, 1981. Created by John Sullivan, the show follows the lives of two brothers, Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, as they navigate the ups and downs of life in London. It became one of the most beloved and enduring series in British television history, known for its humor and memorable characters. source: bbc.co.uk
- 08 Oct Cagney & Lacey TV series premiere: The pilot episode of 'Cagney & Lacey' aired on October 8, 1981, featuring Loretta Swit as Christine Cagney and Tyne Daly as Mary Beth Lacey. The series officially premiered on March 25, 1982, with Meg Foster replacing Swit in the role of Cagney. source: en.wikipedia.org
What happened in 1981?
Discover what the world looked like in 1981: