TV.com

Shows

Filter by Decade All 2010s 2000s 1990s 1980s 1970s 1960s 1950s

Filter by Network All Networks A&E ABC ABC Family AMC Adult Swim Animal Planet BBC BBC Three BBC Two Bravo CBC CBS CTV Cartoon Network Channel 4 Comedy Central Discovery Channel Disney Channel Disney XD E! E4 ESPN FOX FX Food Network G4 HBO HGTV IFC ITV LOGO Lifetime MTV MTV 2 NBC Nickelodeon Nicktoons Networks PBS Showcase Showtime Spike TV Starz Syfy TBS TELETOON TLC TNT TV Tokyo TeenNick The CW The Guild The History Channel The Hub The Science Channel The WB Travel Channel UPN USA VH1 YTV

161
Doctor Who (1963)

BBC (ended 1989)

"My name is William Hartnell, and as Doctor Who, I make my debut on Saturday 23rd November at 5.15." Doctor Who is the longest-running science fiction TV series in history, airing initially from 1963 to 1989. The series told the story of the Doctor, a mysterious traveller in space and time, whose TARDIS can take him and his companions anywhere in time and space. Inevitably he finds evil at work wherever he goes… The series was postponed indefintely in 1989, but fans of the series would not allow it to die, and a whole cottage industry was created around original novels and audio-only productions. There was an abortive attempt to renew the franchise as a series of telemovies in the U.S., but ratings for the pilot were judged insufficient. In 2003, the BBC announced that, at long last, it would commission a revival of Doctor Who. The series, initially starring Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, was launched in 2005. You can read about the new series here. Traditionally listed by production, the data on this site has now been amended to TV.com standards and lists each of the 697 broadcast episodes from the original series. I hope that you find the site useful, and that it might act as a springboard to the wider world of Doctor Who appreciation. TheOldBillmoreless
162
The Brady Bunch

ABC (ended 1974)

The Brady Bunch was first seen in September 1969, Friday nights on ABC. The series was created by Sherwood Schwartz the same person who had created Gilligan's Island, 5 years earlier. In this series, Michael Paul Brady marries Carol Ann Tyler Martin and they combine their families. Mike had three sons from a previous marriage and Carol had three daughters also from a previous marriage. Mike's previous wife had died and the fate of Carol's previous husband was never explained. However, creator Sherwood Schwartz, originally intended Carol to have been divorced, but ABC balked at that idea. So thus we have two parents (Mike and Carol),six kids (Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby & Cindy), one housekeeper (Alice), and the family dog (Tiger), all living under one roof. Thus setting the scene for one of the most popular family sitcoms of all-time. The first season revolved mainly around the family adjusting to living together. The following seasons then revolved mainly around the six kids growing up and going through puberty and childhood adolescents. Other notable characters included, Sam Franklin, who was Alice's steady boyfriend, appeared several times throughout the 5-year run. In the final season, the character of Oliver, Carol's nephew was introduced mainly to add some of the cuteness back into the show since Cindy and Bobby had outgrown that stage. The series ended it's run in 1974, but the Brady family was far from gone. Two years prior, a animated cartoon, The Brady Kids had been created and aired Saturday mornings. In 1977, a variety show, The Brady Bunch Hour was created but lasted after only a handful of episodes. In 1981, NBC decided to break apart the reunion movie, The Brady Girls Get Married into a weekly series called, The Brady Brides. That too failed. Then the Brady Bunch was revived yet again in 1988, with the CBS TV-movie, A Very Brady Christmas. The movie was the highest rated TV movie of the year and forever cemented The Brady Bunch's immortality in pop culture. To date, the last spin-off aired in 1990 as a weekly hour-long drama called, The Bradys. In 1989, most of the cast returned to their roles on an episode of the short lived, series, Day by Day. The episode was called A Very Brady Episode. Interesting enough, Christopher Daniel Barnes starred in the series and would later portray Greg in the 1995 feature film, The Brady Bunch Movie and a year later in A Very Brady Sequel. Spin-offs: The Brady Kids, The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Brides and The Bradys ABC Broadcast History September 1969-September 1970----Fridays----8:00 p.m. September 1970-September 1971----Fridays----7:30 p.m. September 1971-August 1974----Fridays----8:00 p.m. Nielsen Ratings: (Top 30 or Better) Never hit the top 30 First Telecast: September 26, 1969 Last Telecast: August 31, 1974 Episodes: 117 Color Episodes Theme Song: "The Brady Bunch" Written by: Frank DeVol and Sherwood Schwartz Sung by: The Peppermint Trolley Company (Season 1) and The Brady Kids (Seasons 2-5) Here's a story of a lovely lady, Who was bringing up three very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, like their mother, The youngest one in curls. It's a story, of a man named Brady, Who was busy with three boys of his own. They were four men, living all together, Yet they were all alone. 'Till the one day when the lady met this fellow, And they knew they we're much more than a hunch. That this group must somehow form a family. That's the way (we)* all became the Brady Bunch. The Brady Bunch, The Brady Bunch. That's the way (we)* became the Brady Bunch. *they instead of we during Season 1 only.moreless
163
Rizzoli & Isles

TNT (Returning June 25th, 2013)

TNT's Rizzoli & Isles follows Boston detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander). They are complete opposites who share good chemistry and a strong working relationship that helps them solve some of Boston's most notorious crimes. This crime drama is based on the mystery novels by Tess Gerritsen. Other stars of the series include Lorraine Bracco as Angela, Jane's demanding and intrusive mother, Lee Thompson Young as Detective Barry Frost, Bruce McGill as seasoned Detective Vince Korsak and Jordan Bridges as Jane's brother, Frankie Jr., a patrol cop who hopes one day to become a detective.moreless
164
General Hospital

ABC

General Hospital, the multi Emmy Award-Winning drama series hailed by critics as the 'The Greatest Soap Opera of All Time', will celebrate 50 years of broadcasting in 2013. The tradition of passion, intrigue, and adventure takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles, set in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves, and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. And, as always, love and danger continue to abound whether on the docks, in the ER, at brownstones, or trespassing on Quartermaine property with contemporary story lines and unforgettable characters. In the past several years, General Hospital has been praised by national organizations for elevating the public awareness of several important social issues. It has received three SHINE awards for its continued contribution to the awareness of sexual responsibility. The Ryan White Foundation presented its 1996 Ryan's Angels Award to "General Hospital" for the moving and thorough examination of HIV/AIDS through the characters of Robin, Stone, and the Nurses' Ball. The show was further honored by the American Red Cross for its HIV/AIDS-related storylines. Several other prestigious awards have been bestowed upon "General Hospital" for confronting sexual child abuse, organ donation, and other social issues as well. The program inspired Port Charles, the spin-off series that premiered in June 1997, and ended October 2003. In 2007 the 3rd spin-off General Hospital: Night Shift premiered which revolves around the interns and the doctors working the night shift at the hospital and ended October 2008. GH has had lots of movie and tv stars (and those in the making) over the years such as Demi Moore, Jack Wagner, Vanessa Marcil, Elizabeth Taylor, Ricky Martin, Rick Springfield, John Stamos, among others, as well as other soap opera stars. General Hospital is the longest-running dramatic serial on the ABC Network, and is the longest-running daytime drama produced on the West Coast. In May of 2000, General Hospital made Daytime Emmy history as the only Daytime drama to ever receive the prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama series a record seven times, marking the show's fifth win in six years (1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2000). It had also garnered the Emmy Award as Outstanding Daytime Drama Series in 1980-81 and 1983-84. In the 40th Anniversary Special Edition of TV Guide, General Hospital was hailed as the "All-Time Best Daytime Soap." General Hospital was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. General Hospital currently airs Monday-Friday (2:00-3:00 p.m., ET; & 1:00-2:00 p.m., PT) on the ABC Television Network. GH also reruns current episodes at 10pm, 3am, and 10am-as well as a weekend marathon on SOAPnet, the 24 hour Soap Opera Network.moreless
165
Anger Management

FX

Charlie Sheen as a former pro baseball player Charlie Goodson who left the majors because ofhis anger issues, and later becomes and Anger Management therapist and forms a therapy group who meet at his house, he then decides to go back to therapy after a brief run in with his ex-wife's boyfriend.moreless
166
The Glades

A&E (Returning May 27th, 2013)

This show follows Matt Passmore as Jim Longworth, a Chicago homicide detective who gets 'kicked' off the force after being shot and wrongfully accused by his ex-captain of having an affair with his wife. After receiving his payout, Jim decides to moves to the sleepy, middle-of-nowhere town of Palm Glade, outside of the Florida Everglades, where sunshine and golf are plentiful and crime is seemingly at a minimum. He joins the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) but finds that the town is far from idyllic when murders keep piling up.moreless
167
Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune is in its 26th season (2008-2009 Season) with Pat Sajak & Vanna White. Wheel debuted in 1982.Wheel of Fortune has been renewed through the 2011-2012 season.

One of the most successful game shows in history, Wheel of Fortune actually is a version of the children's game Hangman (with a large carnival wheel and prizes added). The game show, which did modestly well in the 1970s, became a worldwide phenomenon in the 1980s through syndication and made household names out of its hosts, Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Simply put, the Wheel has never stopped spinning since its premiere as an NBC daytime show that winter day in January 1975. (Ironically, the series replaced Jeopardy!, which later in 1984 when it returned, became its current companion in syndication.)

The rules of the game Three contestants -- at various times during the run, including a returning champion -- compete. The host announces a category to a mystery puzzle (person, place, thing, phrase, quotation, event, landmark, occupation, etc.). The puzzle was originally contained on a three-tier, 36-space board (in 1981, changed to a four-tier, 52-space board; and in 1997, an all-electronic four-tier, 52-space board).

The contestant selected to go first (by blind draw before the show) spin a large horizontally-situated carnival wheel containing dollar amounts and other spaces (including Bankrupt, Lose a Turn and Free Spin). If the contestant landed on a dollar amount, he/she could guess a letter thought to be in the puzzle; if it appeared, they received the cash multiplied by the number of times it appears in the puzzle (ergo, if the player guessed "T" after landing on $250, and "T" appeared twice, they received $500). An incorrect guess or landing on a penalty space (Bankrupt or Lose a Turn) caused control of the wheel to pass to the next contestant.

At any point, the contestant in control of the wheel could spin again, ask to buy a vowel (at which point $250 was deducted from their score, and only if they had at least $250) or attempt to solve the puzzle; very early in the show's run, a player had to land on a Buy a Vowel space in order to buy a vowel, but this idea was scrapped before Wheel completed its first month on the air. The Bankrupt space caused the player to lose his accumulated winnings for that round (though all previous winnings were considered safe -- hence, "Once you buy a prize, it's yours to keep").

If the player correctly guessed the puzzle's solution, he/she got to keep their accumulated winnings. Any contestant solving the puzzle and not having at least $100 (later $200 and still later, $500) was spotted that amount "on the house." Early rounds typically had lower dollar values on the wheel ($500 as a top space on round 1 early in the run/Bob Goen version, later that was changed to $750), but increased in subsequent rounds ($1,000 and $2,000 for the later rounds, to increase the excitement; $1,250 when Bob Goen hosted).

Originally, the winnings were used to "go shopping" (i.e., purchase prizes) in one of the three revolving rooms on the set -- each containing: * Furniture -- enough to fill any room in the house, from the living room and dining room to bedroom or game room. * Appliances -- large and small, enough to make that dream kitchen or efficient laundry room. * Things for outside -- everything from swimming pools and patio furniture to barbecues, lawn games and garden equipment. * Clothing -- for every occasion. * Trips -- to any place imaginable, domestic or foreign. And don't forget the luggage and camera outfits. * Electronics -- TVs, stereos and much more! The show was among the first to offer early versions of VCRs (c. 1976), home video game units (c. 1978, Atari) and satellite dishes (late-1970s). * Gift Certificates -- everywhere to restaurants (Bonanza, Dairy Queen), clothing outlets (Casual Corner) and any other store (Western Auto). * Food -- from steaks from the Iowa Beef Council and chocolates to items from the Dessert of the Month Club. * Overall comfort and fun -- from a central air conditioning system and pinball machines to hot tubs and pizza parties. * Miscellaneous items -- everything from magazine subscriptions and collections of LPs from a record label to those famous ceramnic dalmations. and MUCH more.

There were other announced prizes, usually worth much more than in the revolving rooms. While some prizes offered during the early years were no doubt unusual (such as rare antiques and African masks), the favorite prize, of course, were the cars. In the daytime show, there were two or three available, usually, a sports model (such as a Chevrolet Camaro) and an economy model (a Chevrolet Monza), but there were also more upmarket family cars (the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme) and exotic foreign cars (a Lancia Beta coupe).

Other top-ticket items proving popular were: * Other forms of transportation -- everything from boats, motorcycles and camping trailers. There was even, at one time, a 4-seat airplane and a motorhome available! * Furs -- before the animal rights groups got their way. * Jewelry -- everything from rings, necklaces, pearls, earrings, watches and much more!

Starting in 1987 (primetime) and 1989 (daytime), the winner of a round received his accumulated bank in cash (thanks to beefs from contestants who had to pay steep taxes and preferred cash). During the shopping era, a contestant could elect to place any unused cash "on account" (which they could claim only upon winning a subsequent round AND avoiding the bankrupt space in the meantime); otherwise, unused winnings were placed on a gift certificate (usually to Gucci, Dicker and Dicker of Beverly Hills or another luxury shop seen on Rodeo Drive).

If time ran short (signified by a series of "dings"), a "speed up" round was played, wherein the host gave the wheel one final spin, with vowels worth nothing and all consonants worth whatever the host landed on. The top-winning contestant after so many rounds completed within each show was the day's champion. In case of a tie, one of several things happened, depending on the year:

* At first, all three players returned on the next show (even the third-place player). Everyone kept what they won on all shows. * Later, the two (or possibly all three) tied players played a one-round speedround to determine the champion. This format was used once the permanent bonus round was started.

End Game - The Bonus Round At first, there was no bonus round, the top winner simply returned. Starting in 1981, the champion advanced to a bonus round, where they could select a prize (always worth $1,000 or more and signified with a gold star (or announced in some other way)) and, after choosing five consonants and one vowel, had 15 seconds to solve the puzzle.

Prior to the bonus round becoming a permanent part of the game, there were several special weeks where bonus rounds were played. Games included (but not limited to):

* 1975 hour-long format Bonus Round - Played during Wheel's short-lived 60-minute format, the day's overall winner selected one of four puzzles (labeled easy, medium, difficult and hard); the level of difficulty determined the prize (e.g., an easy puzzle may have been worth a TV-stereo console, while the difficult puzzle may have won the player a new Cadillac). The player then chose four consonants and a vowel and tried to solve the puzzle within 15 seconds. This is very similar to the current bonus round, except the level of difficulty did not necessarily correspond with the prize's value.

* Any Prize in the House - The top winner simply chose a prize and they got it.

* Star Bonus - By landing on a special token on the wheel, a contestant had the opportunity to advance to a special bonus round if they were one of the runners-up. That player could become champion by solving a puzzle and winning a prize that was worth more than the amount of the first-place player's lead. As with the 60-minute format's bonus round, the prize's value corresponded with the difficulty of the puzzle.

This short-lived format wasn't always played, however, since the Star Bonus token sometimes wasn't landed on the entire show; the token could serve as insurance for a dominating player who wins the game (and possibly purchases the most-expensive prize, thereby making it unavailable for the opponents); or the expensive prize's value was not worth enough to cover the difference between the champion's winnings and his/her opponents.

The rules of other games varied, but usually, the show had a bigger prize budget than during regular weeks.

Changes through the years Many changes were made through the years, some very successful (luxury prizes in the syndicated version; $25,000 cash top bonus round prize), while others weren't (e.g., a "Doubler" token, which allowed contestants to double the potential value of the next spin; Rolf Benirschke as host of the daytime show; the infamous Megaword category, where a contestant had to correctly use the revealed word in a coherent sentence for an extra $500). Some of the more successful changes are detailed below.

* For the syndicated version, decidedly luxury prizes were often advertised ("This $41,000 customized Cadillac Seville! "A $60,000 log cabin!" "A $25,000 trip around the world!"); plus a silver $5,000 space on the wheel's third round (replacing the $2,000 daytime show top space, though early syndicated shows had both the $2,000 and $5,000 spaces). Also, a bonus prize space was added in the second round of the syndicated show (and in 1987, a different bonus to the fourth round).

* Meanwhile, in the daytime show, a "Jackpot" bonus space was added to the second round in 1987; it based at $1,000 and grew by $1,000 per show until claimed.

* With the syndicated show's change to an all-cash format in 1987, the bonus round changed to having four (or sometimes, as many as six) grand prizes and $25,000 cash available as prizes. Originally meant to be a month-long promotion (the "Big Bonanza of Cash" before reverting to the tried-and-true post-puzzle shopping), this well-received format allowed more rounds – save for celebrity week gabfests, always at least four – to be played. Originally, the top wheel values were set thusly:

- Round 1: $1,000. - Round 2: $2,500 (plus a bonus prize). - Round 3: $3,500. - Round 4-on: $5,000 (plus a bonus prize for Round 4 only, if time permits; sometimes, the bonus was used in Round 3 instead).

This has since been changed, with the current setup as follows:

- Round 1: $2,500, plus an $1,000 online shopping spree card that is placed on the wheel for the rest of the show a la the Free Spin, and may be picked up if a letter is correctly guessed. - Round 2: $3,500, plus a bonus prize, which remains on the wheel until a contestant picks it up. Until 2002, additional bonus prizes were placed on the wheel in subsequent rounds. – Round 3: $3,500, plus the Mystery Round spaces. - Round 4-on: $5,000, including the speed round.

* During the 1988-1989 season, the contestant was given the six most popular letters -- R, S, T, L, N and E, and asked to select three more consonants and one vowel; the bonus round time limit was then shortened to 10 seconds.

* Starting in 1989 (since $25,000 cash was far and away the most popular prize choice), the five grand prizes were placed in a blind draw, and could only be won once per week.

* In 1996, the "returning champions" idea was scrapped, with a "Friday Finals" format instituted. Three new contestants appeared Monday through Thursday, with the week's top winners returning on Friday (regardless if they were their show's top winner) to play for a jackpot prize package. The latter format lasted only a couple of seasons before it, too, was scuttled.

* In the 1990s, a Surprise space was added to the wheel, which was simply a prize that was announced only if won (usually a trip); this space has since been scrapped.

* In the mid-1990s, a Jackpot round (third round initially, later the second round) allowed a contestant to claim an accumulating jackpot -- which based at $5,000 and accumulated with each dollar space landed on -- if they landed on a Jackpot space, correctly guessed a letter and solved the puzzle all in the same turn.

* A few years after the jackpot round, a $10,000 space added to the wheel. The space was not multipliable; rather, it simply added $10,000 to the contestant's winnings if they solved the puzzle and avoided bankrupt. The space took up the center third of a standard wheel space, with two bankrupt spaces taking up the remainder (to add to the suspense). If the $10,000 part of the space was landed on and the contestant guessed correctly, it was placed face down in front of the contestant to read $10,000 (unlike the standard prize space, which was left face up).

* "Toss Up" puzzles -- to determine who started the game -- were added prior to the first and fourth rounds, starting in the 2000-2001 season, each worth $1,000; a year later, two "Toss Up" puzzles were played, once before the contestant introductions and the second (now worth $2,000) to determine first round wheel control, with the pre-fourth round "Toss Up" now worth $3,000. If a contestant made an incorrect guess, he/she was out of the remainder of the puzzle; if all the letters were filled in or everyone guessed wrong, nobody won anything and wheel control began either with the left-most contestant or wherever it left off before.

* During the 2000-2001 season, the "speed up" round was changed, wherein $1,000 was added to whatever dollar amount Sajak landed on. There was some cool music added, too.

* Changes to the Bonus Round in October 2001. The contestant spun a mini- wheel containing 25 envelopes; Sajak removed the envelope; and win or lose, revealed the prize contained within (a car, $25,000 cash or a new top prize of $100,000; the top prize was contained in just one of the envelopes). In 2002-2003, more money amounts (one each of amounts between $30,000 and $50,000, each in $5,000 increments) were thrown into the mix. There have been at least five $100,000 winners and several others who have not been quite as fortunate.

* Starting in 2002-2003, contestants who won nothing during the front game were given $500 just for playing (in addition to those lovely parting gifts).

* A new Mystery space, added in the 2002-2003 season. Played in Round 3, two such spaces were placed on the wheel, with a $500 dollar value. Contestants landing on this space guessed a letter could either spin again or risk their accumulated bank, not knowing what's on the other side of the Mystery card. It could be Bankrupt or a new car (on occasion, it could be another prize, such as a $10,000 shopping spree). If it was a car, the contestant had to solve the puzzle and avoid the Bankrupt spaces to claim the car. The other Mystery space was then put out of play, becoming a regular $500 space. In September 2004, the values of the Mystery spaces dooubled to $1,000.

• A prize puzzle, added in the 2003-2004 season. One puzzle on each show (usually the second or third round) had some connection to a prize the contestant would win for solving the puzzle. For example, a contestant solving the puzzle "Check Your Local Listings" could win a plasma wall-screen television. The set underwent some revisions, too.

Chuck and Susan and Pat and Vanna When the show started in 1975, Chuck Woolery was the host. For a brief time in the fall of 1979, Alex Trebek served as substitute host when Woolery took a leave of absence. In 1981, Woolery left for good when he was denied a pay raise (he wanted $500,000 per year, more than Merv Griffin was willing to offer. Chuck left, and Pat Sajak replaced him. Most of the Chuck Woolery episodes are hard to find, due to NBC's practice of destroying tapes from old shows. On the daytime version, ex-football star Benirschke on January 10, 1989, but he didn't work out too well. When the show moved from NBC to CBS, 6 months later, Bob Goen became the host, and was the host for two years (the show moved back to NBC in 1991 for 9 months). Pat Sajak still hosts the nighttime syndicated version.

Susan Stafford was the original "letter turner." She was replaced by Summer Bartholemew on October 22, 1982, then Vicky McCarty three weeks later. (None of the Summer Bartholemew episodes exist due to NBC's practice of destroying tapes of old shows.) On December 13, 1982, McCarty left, and Vanna White became the new permanent hostess (BTW -- Vanna's first letter turned was a "T," in the puzzle "General Hospital"). As most game show fans know, this is not Vanna's first appearance on a game show. In June 1980, 2 1/2 years before her first appearance on Wheel of Fortune, America's favorite hostess was a contestant on The Price is Right in 1980, but she never left contestant's row (BTW – as a recurring joke, TPiR former icon/host Bob Barker always wondered aloud whatever became of her).

Originally, Vanna rarely spoke on-camera (though she occasionally engaged in small talk with Pat at the end of the show); back then, Sajak would be introduced and then he would introduce Vanna, who always showed off a different dress or outfit (and for the record, no, she did NOT get to keep her clothes, which always come from the most glamorous of shops). However, as Vanna gained acclaim with the viewing audience, she talked more and more. Today, both Pat and Vanna walk out together and they always conversate after each program. Vanna often does the car prize descriptions prior to each bonus round.

Charlie O'Donnell as the original announcer when Wheel of Fortune began. He left in 1982, and Jack Clark (who had earlier announced on occasion) took over full-time. Clark died of cancer in 1988 (Sajak offered a tribute to the long-time announcer in the 1988-1989 syndicated season premiere), and after a five-month stint by M.G. Kelly, O'Donnell returned, his trademark phrasing "WH-EEEEEEE-L OF FORTUNE" and "25 THOOOOOOOOOUSAND DOLLARS" intact.

Retrospectives and going on the road Several tributes to the series have been shown through the years, most commonly as part of daytime talk shows and occasional bloopers specials. During its syndicated run, Wheel of Fortune has aired two retrospectives of its own - the first in November 1998, to mark its 3,000th show; and again in November 2003, when its 4,000th show aired, as part of a series of shows taped in New York.

Speaking of which, Wheel of Fortune has gone "on the road" all over the country to tape shows. Among the first aired in November 1988, when the show taped from New York's Radio City Music Hall (legendary NBC announcer Don Pardo did voiceovers). Other cities have included (but are not limited to) Chicago, Nashville, Phoenix and Honolulu; and many of those episodes were part of special theme weeks (such as Best Friends Week) or have paired contestants with celebrities from a particular genre (e.g., NFL football players, country music stars).

From Hangman to Wheel and everything in between The idea for the game show that eventually became Wheel of Fortune grew from a game known as Shopper's Bazaar. Two such pilots were produced – one in 1973 with Woolery as host, the other (from 1974) helmed by Edd Byrnes (best known as "Kookie" from the 1958-1964 detective drama, 77 Sunset Strip). The rules for the earlier pilot, hosted by Woolery, was quite different from the game we all came to know and love (e.g., a self-spinning wheel and the host pressing a button at the contestant's direction; prize money carried over to subsequent rounds and always "at risk;" etc.).

The later pilot, hosted by Byrnes and a more talkative Stafford, was similar to what viewers first saw in 1975. When Merv Griffin Enterprises made their final plans to enter production in late 1974, a host had yet to be chosen. The story goes that Griffin's decision was made when he saw the producer's first choice, Byrnes, in the hallways prior to the taping of the first shows, repeating "A-E-I-O-U, A-E-I-O-U;" in an attempt to recall the vowels.

It's the 60-minute Wh-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-l of Fortune In December 1975, a month after The Price is Right became a one-hour show, NBC experimented with an hour-long version of Wheel of Fortune.

The game played thusly: Two sets of three contestants compete in three-round games each, as usual, with the returning champion playing in the second set of games. The top money winners of each three-round match met in a one-puzzle showdown for the right to advance to the bonus round (described above).

The hour-long Wheel of Fortune lasted but a month, and returned to the 30-minute game we all came to love by the end of January 1976. BTW, several other NBC game show hits, including The Hollywood Squares, also briefly expanded to 60 minutes as part of the networks' promotion.

Syndication Wheel of Fortune's phenomenal run in syndication almost never happened. As early as the fall of 1975, there was interest in producing a weekly nighttime show, but few syndicators were wanting to try and even fewer stations willing to buy, particularly because there were other powerhouse game shows airing (either Match Game PM or Family Feud, depending on the year) that were seen as insurmountable in the ratings.

In 1983, King World Productions – a small-time distributor that had edited Our Gang shorts for television airing – took a chance on the show ... and it paid off royally! Airing on just 59 stations when the premiere aired Sept. 19, 1983, Wheel of Fortune (often pitted against latter-day Dawson's Family Feud) quickly soared in the ratings and within two years, was airing on nearly 200 stations and began its (thus far) permanent reign as the nation's top syndicated program. Jeopardy! rates second, with Friends reruns currently the shows' closest competitor.

Wheel across the world (and (yuck) a kid's version, too) As Wheel of Fortune grew in popularity during the mid-1980s, countries all over the world began staging their own versions; each had their own "Pat and Vanna," and minor rules changes. Clips of these international versions are seen from time to time on the U.S. version.

Also, a children's version of the program under the name Wheel 2000 also aired on CBS during the 1997-1998 season (with many modifications, see page for details).

Merchandising Merchandise ... thy name is Wheel of Fortune. Even in the mid-1970s, there were two editions of the home game issued by Milton Bradley (complete with wheel, puzzle board and prize cards).

But that was just the beginning, as by the mid-1980s, there were T-shirts, key chains, calendars and even an album of prize cue music featured on the show. Vanna merchandise also appeared, including her biography "Vanna Speaks."

Home video games - from electronic hand-held units to cartridges and CD-ROMs for units that connect to TV - have also been highly popular (and have seen, in addition to subsequent editions with more puzzles and categories, special editions for children and sports fans).

And through it all, one thing has not changed -- a vowel still costs you $250 (except during the Bob Goen network era/1989-91 CBS and 1991 NBC, when those A's, E's, I's, O's and U's cost just $100).moreless
168
The O.C.

FOX (ended 2007)

The O.C. - also known as Orange County, California - is an idyllic paradise, a wealthy, harbor-front community where everything and everyone appears to be perfect. But beneath the surface is a world of shifting loyalties and identities, of kids living secret lives hidden from their parents and of parents living secret lives hidden from their children. 'The O.C.' tells the story of the Cohen, Cooper and Nichol families and Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks who is thrust into this world and who will forever change the lives of the residents of The O.C.

Produced by: Warner Brothers TV, College Hill Pictures, Wonderland and Hypnotic Productions

Theme Song: California (Here We Come) by Phantom Planet.moreless
169
Flashpoint

CTV (ended 2012)

Flashpoint is an emotional journey following the lives of members of the SRU (Strategic Response Unit) as they solve hostage situations, bust gangs, and defuse bombs. They work by utilizing their training to get inside the heads of these people in order to make them reach their breaking point (aka their flashpoint). Sgt. Gregory Parker (Enrico Colantoni) leads the elite team on their missions. The show is based upon the experiences of the real life Toronto Police Emergency Task Force. On August 26 2008, the show was renewed for a second season. The show originally aired on Friday evenings, but after episode 2 it swapped slots with Swingtown for the remainder of the season. Flashpoint is produced by Avamar Entertainment, CBS Paramount Network Television, CTV and Pink Sky Entertainment.moreless
170
The Mindy Project

FOX

The Mindy Project stars Mindy Kaling as Dr. Mindy Lahiri, a young Bridget-Jones type doctor trying to get her life in order both personally and professionally. Chris Messina and Ed Weeks also star in the Universal project. Kaling wrote the pilot and is serving as producer, along with Howard Klein. Chris Messina, Anna Camp, Ed Weeks, Zoe Jarmon and Dana DeLorenzo are also a part of the cast.moreless
171
Jeopardy!

Sony Pictures Television

"This... is... Jeopardy!"America's top-rated syndicated quiz show entered into its 29th season on September 17, 2012. Many subscribing stations have renewed the show through Season 32 (2015-2016). The show was originally created in the 1960s by Merv Griffin, a famed television host, musician, and actor. Irritated by the impossibility of trying to create a quiz show because of scandals that had taken place involving that genre, Griffin was inspired by a suggestion from his wife Julann to create a show wherein contestants were presented with clues in the form of answers, and had to phrase their responses in the form of a question. He originally was going to title the program What's the Question?, but ended up discarding that original title when a skeptical NBC network producer rejected his original concept, claiming, "It doesn't have enough jeopardies." The original Jeopardy!series premiered on March 30, 1964, as a daytime program on NBC. With Art Fleming as host and Don Pardo as announcer, that series continued to air until January 3, 1975, and also spawned a weekly syndicated version that aired within the 1974-1975 season. Later came a revival, The All-New Jeopardy!, which ran from October 2, 1978 through March 2, 1979; for this version, Fleming was joined by announcer John Harlan. The most successful incarnation of Jeopardy! is the current syndicated version, which has aired continuously since September 10, 1984, featuring the Canadian-born Alex Trebek as its host, joined by announcer Johnny Gilbert. This particular version of the program has lived up to its slogan as "America's Favorite Quiz Show," with over 6,000 episodes aired, and currently averages 25 million viewers per week. The show has featured over 10,000 different contestants over the course of its 29-year run, and a host of prominent personalities - including royalty, Presidents, film stars, television personalities, famous athletes, and Nobel laureates - have either presented special clues or appeared as contestants on the show. Since its premiere, the syndicated version ofJeopardy! has outlived 300 other game shows, won a record 30 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, and gained a worldwide following with a multitude of international adaptations. In addition, both TV Guideand the Game Show Network (GSN) have ranked it #2 on their respective lists of the 50 greatest game shows of all time. The longevity of Jeopardy!'s popularity has led it to being referenced and parodied in many television shows, films, and works of literature over the years, including such popular programs asSaturday Night Live, The Simpsons, Cheers, and The Golden Girls. Educators throughout the United States have created their own versions of the quiz show's game to encourage student participation in class, and even IBM has used the show to exhibit its artificial intelligence system "Watson" and have it compete against two of the show's finest champions in a "man versus machine" competition.moreless
172
Teen Wolf

MTV - Music Television

MTV's reboot of the classic 1980s cult movie Teen Wolf. Scott is a typical high school student until one night he is bitten by a strange animal while walking in the woods. His best friend tries to help him understand the changes he's going through as he becomes a werewolf.moreless
173
One Piece

Cartoon Network (ended 2008)

Years ago, the fearsome pirate king Gold Roger was executed, leaving a huge pile of treasure and the famous "One Piece" behind. Whoever claims the "One Piece" will be named the new pirate king. Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who consumed the "Devil's Fruit", has it in his head that he'll follow in the footsteps of his idol, the pirate Shanks, and find the One Piece. It helps, of course, that his body has the properties of rubber and he's surrounded by a bevy of skilled fighters and thieves to help him along the way. Monkey D. Luffy brings a bunch of his crew follwed by, Ronoa Zolo, Nami and Usopp. They can do anything to get the One Piece and become King of the Pirates! Age rating: Older Children (May contain mild bad language, bloodless violence) Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen CHARACTER BIOS Good Guys Monkey D. Luffy - Monkey D. Luffy is a boy with a dream of becoming the Pirate King, by obtaining the legendary treasure, One Piece. Luffy is kind-hearted and care free, but when someone hurts his friends in anyway, he gets real mad and serious. Luffy gathers a crew to sail to the Grand Line, where One Piece is believed to be. And with this his adventure begins. Luffy's Past When he was young, a group of pirates came to his town and used the town as its base. The captain of the pirates, "Red Haired" Shanks, became Luffy's role model. Luffy wanted to become a pirate just like him. One day, Luffy ate the Gum Gum Fruit, a treasure Shank's pirates discovered. The Gum Gum Fruit made his body rubbery, so he can strech and twist is body out in anyway. He loses his abilty to swim though. The same day, mountain bandits came and kidnapped Luffy because he made fun of them. The mountain bandit trhough Luffy in the sea, and was about to get eaten by a huge sea monster. But Shanks saves him in time, losing his left arm to the sea monster. After that, Shanks crew decided to leave Fuisha Village. Upon leaving, Shanks gives Luffy his prized straw hat. He asks him to one day give it back to him when he becomes a great pirate. With this promise, Luffy is determined to become the Pirate King! Pirate Crew: Straw Hat Pirates Position: Captain First Introduced: Chapter 1, Episode 1 Current Bounty: 100 Million Berries Devil Fruit: Gum-Gum Fruit [Credit goes to arlongpark] Nami - Nami is a specialist at robbing pirates. She has decieved many pirates and stole there treasures from them. She decieved even Luffy and Buggy. Nami "join forces" with Luffy and Zoro shortly after the defeat of Buggy. She didn't want to become a pirate because she hated them (see her past). The reason why she "joined forces" is because they were after the same goal: treasure. But making friends with Luffy changed her view on pirates and offically became part of her crew after the Arlong arc. Nami becomes the crew's navigotor and helps them through the oceam. She dream when she was young was to back a map of the whole world. Nami's Past Nami lived in the village of Kokashya, with her foster mother Belmeil and sister Nojiko. One day, the Arlong pirate group invaded the village and took over. Arlong made them pay him money every month, or they would get killed. It was 50,000 berries for a child and 100,000 for an adult. Nami's family was poor, and they only had 100,000. Her mother used that money for her two daugthers and she was killed. From then on, Arlong took Nami captive because he saw her map making skills. So she was forced to become a pirate. To save the village, Arlong and Nami made a deal. If Nami could collect 8 Million Berries, Arlong would leave the town for good. So she's been collecting treasures from pirates for 8 years to achieve this goal. Pirate Crew: Straw Hat Pirates Position: Navigator First Introduced: Chapter 8, Episode 1 Current Bounty: N/A [Credit goes to arlongpark] Roronoa Zolo - Roronoa Zolo is the swordsman of Luffy's crew. He is the first person to join Luffy's crew. Zolo uses Three-Sword-Style, in other words, he uses three swords in combat. He wields the third sword in his mouth, which could be very deadly. Zolo is known as the pirate hunter, becuase he hunted down the heads of pirates for money. Zolo is a strong swordsman, and never gives up a fight. He wants to become the world's greatest Swordsman, because a promise he made to his friend. Zolo's Past When Zolo was young, he was in a school for children learning the art of swords. Zolo was the toughest one there and could beat any of the other students, even the adults. But there was only one person he couldn't beat, the teacher's daughter Coina. That is the only person Zolo never beat. In fact, she beated him 2000 times in a row. One night, Zolo challenged Coina to the 2001st duel, only with real swords. Zolo says this would be their final battle. Zolo loses this match, but they made a promise to each other. They promised that either one of them would grow up to be the greatest swordsman in the world. The next day, Coina died after falling down stairs. Zolo asked if he could keep her sword, and he did. So from this day on, Zolo wants to become the worlds greatest swordsman. Pirate Crew: Straw Hat Pirates Position: Swordsman First Introduced: Chapter 3, Episode 1 Current Bounty: 60 Million Berries [Credit goes to arlongpark] Usopp - Usopp is the crew's sharpshooter. He can take an sort weapon (gun, cannon, slingshot etc.) and hit its target with ease. Usopp is also a big a liar and a coward. When ever a fight comes a round he would cower, but when the fight is over he would brag that he did all the work. Usopp's father is Yasopp and is a member of Shank's crew. Usopp wanted to sail with Luffy because he wants meet his father one day. Usopp's main weapon is a slingshot with all different kinds of pellets, like smoke, fire, and pepper. Usopp's Past When Usopp was young, his father left to become a pirate on Shank's crew. Soon after he left, his mother became really sick and was gonna die. So everyday, Usopp would wait by the shore and wait for his father to return. He believed that there was a secret herb that could heal anyting, and he thought his father would come back with it. But he never did. Usopp's mother passed away and he was very sadden. So everyday he would wait by shore to see if his father would return. And every morning he would yell "The pirates are coming!", believing his father returned. (might be called something else in the dub) Pirate Crew: Straw Hat Pirates Position: Sharpshooter First Introduced: Chapter 23, Episode 9 Current Bounty: N/A [Credit goes to arlongpark] Sanji-The cook of the Straw Hat crew. Sanji has an amazing talent to make fine dishes, though he very touchy about how you treat his food. Also he'll do anything for any cute women which sadly is his main weakness. When it comes to fighting though, Sanji lets loose with his impressive kickboxing skills thanks to training his legs to be become lethal weapons. After all, he does need his hands to make his fine cusines. Sanji's Past When he was just a little boy, Sanji was working on the ship, Orbit. But when pirates invaded it, he fell in the water and "Red Shoes" Zeff saved him and lost his foot in the process. Then he and Sanji were stranded on an island for 85 days with no food. But during this time, the two realized they shared the same dream of catching and cooking the rare fish, the Great Blue. After they were rescued, they made a floating resturaunt. Pirate Crew: Straw Hat Pirates Position: Cook First introduced: Chapter 43, Episode 19 Current Bounty: N/A Bad Guys Captain "Axe-Hand" Morgan - Morgan is the first real enemy in One Piece, if you can even call him that. Instead of having a right hand, he has an axe, He is a Navy Officer, although all of the avy absolutely despise him. He also has a spoiled son named Helmeppo. The Captain Morgan Arc is episodes 1-3. Helmeppo - Helmeppo is the spoiled son of "Axe-Hand" Morgan. He lied to Zolo that if he could survive for a month without food or water, he'd let him go. Hellmeppo appears in the Captian Morgan Arc. Buggy the Clown- Luffy first meets Buggy in the third stop of his voyage. A small town where he meets his third crew member, Nami, who tricks Luffy at first and brings him to Buggy in exchange for her life. Luffy eventually escapes and fights Buggy. After defeating some of his crew members Luffy takes on Buggy himself. Buggy ate the Chop Chop fruit which allows him to separate his body parts. He ends up getting defeated when he loses most of his body parts and only has his head, his hands, and his feet left making him very small. After Luffy leaves, Buggy meets Alvida and they team up to take on Luffy and his crew again. They are defeated and are captured by the navy. They manage to escape and run off. A bit on Buggy's past: Buggy once was on a pirate ship with Luffy's hero, Shanks when they were kids. Shanks accidently made Buggy eat the Bara Bara fruit and lost his map. That is why Buggy hates him. The Buggy Arc is episodes 4-8 [Credit goes to arlongpark] Pirate Crew: Buggy Pirate Crew Position: Captain First Introduced: Chapter 9, Episode 5 Current Bounty: 15 Million Berries Devil Fruit: Chop-Chop Fruit Alvida - Alvida is a big, ugly, pirate who makes her crew tell her she is the best looking. If anyone doesn't do what she says she uses her iron mace to teach them a lesson. Luffy gets washed ashore the island she and her crew are staying at. He saves Koby, a boy that they have taken to be their cabin boy and beats Alvida too. Alvida later meets Buggy the Clown who gives her the Smooth fruit which makes her skinny and anything will slip off her so her skin will be perfect. She teams up with Buggy and tries to attack Luffy and his crew while they are taking a break in a small city. Luffy and his crew defeat them again but they manage to escape from the marines. Alvida appears in the Captain Morgan Arc, Buggy Side Story, and the Loque Town Arc. Pirate Crew: Alvida Pirates Position: Captain of Alvida Pirates [Credit goes to arlongpark] Captain Kuro - Captain Kuro is the captain of the Kuroneko Pirates. He was the butler of Kaya for awhile to gain the trust of her relatives and the villagers. However, his real plan was to have Django hypnotize her into giving up her riches to him through a will, then killing her. The Kuro Arc is episodes 9-16 Don Krieg - The most powerful group of pirates in the East Blue are said to be The Kreig Pirate Crew. After being destroyed in their trip to Grand Line, they come back to East Blue seeking help. After Kreig's right hand man, Gin, tells him about a ship restaurant he decides to take it over. When he arrives he finds the Straw Hat Pirate crew standing in his way. He does battle and after awhile he uses poison gas to kill everyone! Even to the members of his own crew. Everyone manages to survive by protecting themselves. After Kreig tries to do this Luffy gets very mad and defeats him. Gin leaves the restaurant alone and carries off Kreig to start their pirate crew over. The Don Krieg Arc is episodes 17-29 Arlong -Arlong is a large Sawfish type mermaid from the Grand Line. With an "unbreakable" nose and teeth, he was formerly the most powerful member of the Mermaid Pirates led by Jinbei, one of the seven Gods of Pirates; Jinbei left a portion of his crew behind in East Blue under the command of Arlong. Arlong has controlled Kokoyashi Village for the last eight years, on the island Nami comes from, and is planning on using the money me taxes them to build "Arlong Empire", which governs all of East Blue. Arlong feels that mermen are both "God and Creator", and governs the island harshly. After using Nami as his navigator for eight years, she returns with The Straw Hat Pirate crew's ship and fortune. Luffy comes after her even after what she did to him, and beats the living crap out of Arlong for what he did to Nami (while breaking his teeth and nose). Fox Box/4Kids TV Broadcast History* September 18, 2004 - March 5, 2005: Saturday @ 9:30 AM December 25, 2004 - January 1, 2005: Saturday @ 9:00 AM March 12, 2005 - June 25, 2005: Saturday @ 11:00 AM July 2, 2005 - Current: Saturday @ 10:30 AM *As of January 22, 2005, the Fox Box was known as 4Kids TV Cartoon Network Broadcast History Toonami April 23, 2005 - Current: Saturday @ 10:00 PM April 23, 2005 - Current: Saturday @ 10:30 PM English Theme Song Lyrics Narrator: There once was a man named Gold Roger, who was King of the Pirates. He had fame, power, and wealth beyond your wildest dreams. Before they hung him from the gallows, these were the final words he said: "My fortune is yours for the taking, but you have to find it first. I left everything I own in One Piece." Ever since, pirates from all over the World set sail for the Grand Line, searching for One Piece, the treasure that would make their dreams come true. Ahhahhhahhhhhhhhhh "The World, What a glorius place. Seek freedom and it will lie stretched out before your eyes. If the endless dream guides your restless spirit,Seize it! Raise your flag and stand tall!" Yea,yea,yea,yea,yeaaaaaa I think back to the time when my search first began, I left behind those shores of sand, For the endless, everlasting world out there. I know that with this burning passion driving me, Someday, somewhere, I'll finally see, The light that I searched for everywhere. When the summer sun shining, Shake the sails of my heart I know, "flow ways, love blue sea," Brand new world that has been hiding, Has opened up it's doors for me to go, "flow ways,love blue sky," Swaying in the troubled waves, Of despair I can be saved, The horizon on the other side is Yea,yea,yea,yea, Is one I am for, And though I travel far from where my search began, Over seas of green, and shores of sand, Through the endless everlasting world out there. I know that with this burning passion driving me, Someday, somewhere, I'll finally see the light that I have searched for everywhere.moreless
174
Hemlock Grove

Netflix
175
America's Next Top Model

The CW

Created by world-renowned supermodel Tyra Banks, who executive produces the series with Ken Mok, America's Next Top Model chronicles the transformation of everyday young women into potentially fierce supermodels. Fourteen participants will live together and vie for the incredible grand prize: an opportunity to be managed by Wilhelmina Models, a fashion spread in Seventeen magazine, and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics.moreless
176
Real Sex

HBO

Real Sex is a television series that aired for 33 episodes on HBO. The show explores a variety of sexual subjects. Real Sex is aimed at sexual beginners and experts alike. Most of the show's episodes feature three or four topics, with interviews from people on the street, (asking them what their sexual preferences are) in between each topic. Some of the topics on the show include: Oil Wrestling, Cunillingus workshop, the manufacturing of sex toys, techniques for viewers to perform in the bedroom and the usage of food in sex. The show also features segments for those who enjoy fetishes including: foot fetishes, role-playing and women who enjoy playing as horses. Real Sex also features more serious segments. One episode featured writers at a club, reading erotic poetry that they wrote themselves. Another episode featured the wedding of two adult movie stars. Real Sex is the type of show that will keep you wanting to come back for more.moreless
177
Weeds

Showtime (ended 2012)

This series is a single-camera dark comedy about a single mother who makes ends meet by selling marijuana in the fictional suburb of Agrestic, California. The series exposes the dirty little secrets that lie behind the pristine lawns and shiny closed doors of homes in the of this gated community. Mary Louise Parker stars as the suburban mom who resorts to selling weed to support her family after her husband unexpectedly dies. Jenji Kohan executive produces and writes the series. Beginning with the premiere of the fourth season, the show shifted it's premise in almost it's entirety by relocating the cast to the fictional border town of Ren Mar after Agrestic burned to the ground. From here Nancy gave up her green thumb and began trafficking drugs over the border. Airing Information: First Season: Preview of pilot aired on Sunday, August 7, 2005 on Showtime at 10 PM EST with repeats on the following Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10PM EST. From then on episodes aired first on Mondays at 10PM EST with repeats on Mondays right after the episode premiere and on Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00PM EST and approximately 10:30PM EST and Sunday at 10:30PM EST. Second Season: The season premiere will air on Monday, August 14, 2006 on Showtime. Third Season: The season premiere will air on Monday, August 13, 2007 on Showtime at 10 PM EST. Production Information: Produced by Lions Gate Television in association with Titled Productions. Weeds has received a 10-episode commitment for it's first season. It was renewed after Weeds received a Golden Globe Nomination and the two leading ladies received nominations also. The 13 episodes of the second season were filmed. Theme Song: "Little Boxes" by Malvina Reynolds Awards and Nominations: 63rd Annual Golden Globes in 2006 1. Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy: Weeds (Showtime - Lions Gate Television, Inc.) Nomination 2. Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy: Mary-Louise Parker (Nancy Botwin) Won 3. Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Elizabeth Perkins (Celia Hodes) Nominatedmoreless
178
Heartland

CBC (Returning Fall 2013)

Life is hard on the Flemings' ranch in the Alberta foothills where abused or neglected horses find refuge with a kind, hard-working family. Debts abound and the bank is about to foreclose. Can they keep the ranch running?moreless
179
Spartacus: War of the Damned

Starz (ended 2013)

Spartacus: War of the Damned is the final season in the acclaimed Starz TV series Spartacus. With Glaber dead Spartacus and his army of rebels, now amounting to thousands, has become a force to be reckoned with. Determined to bring down the Roman Republic Spartacus leads his mass of freed slaves into a full out war. Rome's only hope is Marcus Crassus who, aided by young Julius Caesar, will do his might to crush Spartacus and his rebellion.moreless
180
The Bill

ITV (ended 2010)

Welcome to The Bill guide at TV.com. The Bill recounts the goings-on within and around Sun Hill, a Metropolitan Police Station located in the fictional Borough of Canley, in east London. Running for over 25 years, The Bill was Britain's longest running police drama series, finally outstripping Dixon of Dock Green on 10 August 2005. It adapted to meet the challenges of the highly competitive world of independent television, evolving from a standard post-watershed police procedural drama, through a period as a twice- and, later, thrice-weekly early evening ratings grabber with stand-alone plots, then as a twice-weekly one-hour drama with ongoing soap-style exploration of the troubled personal lives of its police officers. The Bill reverted to a once a week, post-watershed drama on 23 July 2009, but ITV decided not to renew the show when the contract came up for renewal the following year. The Bill is not your average cop show, but rather an extraordinary police drama that brings each episode to the audience through the eyes of the characters. An excellent cast, supported by some of the country's leading writers and directors and some innovative camera work gives an incredible sense of realism. Other police dramas have been created in an attempt to mirror its conventions and match its success, but none has lasted. The Bill truly deserves its accolade as Britain's most successful police drama.moreless
< 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 >