Pioneers of Television

2008 • PBS
4.6
25 reviews
TV-PG
Rating
Eligible
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Season 4 episodes (4)

1 Standup to Sitcom
4/15/14
Season-only
From PBS: This star-packed episode features fresh interviews with Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne Barr, Tim Allen, Ray Romano and Bob Newhart. The program reveals how America's top standup comics made the transition to the sitcom format and includes dozens of clips from "Seinfeld," "Home Improvement," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Roseanne" and more.
2 Doctors and Nurses
4/22/14
Season-only
From PBS: From George Clooney on "ER" to Richard Chamberlain on "Dr. Kildare," television's long love affair with doctors and nurses shows no signs of letting up. Noah Wyle, Anthony Edwards, Gloria Reuben and Eriq LaSalle open up about the secrets of "ER"; Howie Mandel, Ed Begley Jr. and Christina Pickles revisit "St. Elsewhere." The episode also features the final interview with Chad Everett of "Medical Center".
3 Breaking Barriers
4/29/14
Season-only
From PBS: This episode traces the story of people of color on American television — including the mid-1960s breakthroughs of African Americans Diahann Carroll ("Julia") and Bill Cosby ("I Spy"). Latino landmarks range from "I Love Lucy" with Desi Arnaz to "Miami Vice" with Edward James Olmos. Also featured are Asian-Americans like George Takei ("Star Trek"), who details his youth spent in a Japanese internment camp.
4 Acting Funny
5/6/14
Season-only
From PBS: This episode peeks behind the curtain to reveal the backstage techniques of America's favorite comedic actors. The program features the manic improvisational style of Robin Williams, along with his comic predecessor Jonathan Winters. They're a fascinating contrast to Tina Fey, who explains her measured, highly prepared approach. The episode also highlights the all-time #1 Emmy winner for comedy acting: Cloris Leachman.

About this show

More than 100 stars bring their stories to life in the Emmy-nominated documentary series Pioneers of Television.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
25 reviews
Leticia Celio
March 24, 2017
I think Roseanne is the best