Watch 100 Moments That Changed TV

In 2011, TV Guide presented a special program called 100 Moments That Changed TV, which charted the major events and milestones in the history of television. This comprehensive retrospective covered 60 years of small screen entertainment, from its earliest beginnings to present day. The program took the form of a countdown, with each of the 100 moments presented in chronological order.

The program begins by tracing the early days of television, when it was seen as a novelty and only available to a select few. But TV soon became a fixture in American households, and with that came a host of groundbreaking moments. These included significant events such as the first live news broadcast, the introduction of color TV, and the rise of cable television. But there were also smaller, cultural moments that had a huge impact, like the first interracial kiss on Star Trek or the much-discussed finale of The Sopranos.

Throughout the program, TV Guide presents a range of clips and interviews with actors, writers, and producers. These voices provide insight into how television has changed over the years, and how it has reflected social developments in the wider world. For example, the program looks at the role of television during the Civil Rights Movement, with clips of news broadcasts covering the events of the time.

One of the key themes of the program is the way in which television has challenged taboos and pushed boundaries. This is reflected in moments such as the coming out of Ellen DeGeneres on her TV show, a moment that was seen as highly controversial at the time. Similarly, the program explores how shows like All in the Family and The Simpsons used satire and humor to address controversial social issues.

As the program moves into the 21st century, it looks at how technology has changed television. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has made it possible to binge-watch entire seasons of shows at once, leading to new forms of fan engagement. The program also looks at how social media has transformed the way we talk about television, with hashtags and online discussion making shows more interactive than ever before.

One of the strengths of the program is the way it incorporates lesser-known moments in television history alongside the more famous ones. For example, it dedicates time to The Monkees, a band that formed as the result of a TV show but went on to become a cultural phenomenon in their own right. It also spends time exploring niche areas, such as Spanish-language television or the legacy of investigative journalism on 60 Minutes.

Throughout the program, TV Guide emphasizes the importance of television as a cultural force. It shows how television has not just reflected broader societal developments, but has also helped to shape them. The program argues that the shows we watch are not just entertainment, but also a reflection of our values and interests.

One of the program's greatest strengths is the way it puts television history into context. It shows how major events like the assassination of JFK or the terrorist attacks of 9/11 were covered on television, and how TV helped to shape public opinion. It also highlights moments where television played a crucial role in shaping popular culture, from the impact of MTV on music to the rise of reality TV.

Overall, 100 Moments That Changed TV is a fascinating look at the history of television. Its comprehensive approach means that viewers will come away with a renewed appreciation of just how much television has changed over the years. The show is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but a powerful reflection on the way television has shaped our lives.