We watch television in some way or another incredibly often nowadays, and for many people, it is a part of their daily routine. Have you ever considered how long this invention has been around? Over 60 years ago was when television was launched, and since then there have been plenty of memorable moments as well as continued improvements and innovations on the way we watch TV. Here are some of the most memorable moments that have occurred in TV history.
Al Michaels’ “Do You Believe In Miracles?”
Sports has been a beloved television showcase for millions across the world to spend time watching their favorite teams and sports, as well as spend time with family and friends. In February of 1980, the US Olympic Hockey Team was the underdog against the heavily dominating Soviet team. The United States managed to win 4 to 3, and Al Michaels was commentating as the clock ran down. He cried out “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” right as the US officially won over the Soviet Olympics team at Lake Placid. This was a moment that perfectly captured the feelings of viewers and stuck in the minds of many.
I Love Lucy – “Job Switching”
I Love Lucy was an innovative and incredibly well made sitcom for its time in the early days of television which has stayed well preserved and began the three camera tradition for sitcom filming. Diehard fans adore so many moments from this iconic show, but there’s a general agreement and particular favoring to a specific moment in the episode “Job Switching” from 1952 that showed Lucy and her neighbor struggle (and lose) against the chocolate bringing conveyor belt in a candy factory. This moment is loved and remembered by loads of fans and a great humor scene from this classic sitcom that aired early on in television’s days.
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Johnny Carson’s Goodbye
Johnny Carson headed a remarkable gig for The Tonight Show, giving many people entertainment on late nights after the news. He remained a king of late night television for three entire decades of his life, and The Tonight Show touched the lives of countless individuals. In 1992, after months of working up towards his retirement from his show that included the flocking of many Hollywood stars to his door to talk with him before he left, Johnny aired a special last episode featuring a message he wrote himself for his fans accompanied by his friends and family as well as a rundown of his favorite clips from his long term running. This goodbye from a beloved person that had become a part of Americans’ lives struck the hearts of many.
O.J. Simpson Chase
In 1994, millions of viewers tuned in to their TVs to watch O.J. Simpson’s police “chase”, which showed Simpson and Al Cowlings in a white bronco being followed in a slow motion chase down the interstate by LAPD. Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife and her friend, but left before turning himself in with a note for the police that insinuated he might take his own life. This led to the police following Simpson along with many news choppers back to his home, and in the next year O.J. was found not guilty. Both the chase and later court case drew the attention and viewing of millions from their televisions, and is often looked back on today.
There are countless moments that each person could individually find memorable or striking to their own lives or place in their lives, but these specific moments are mentionable because of how many people they impacted and how long that impact lasted. There are always more and more of these important moments being made as more TV movies and shows are aired, which is why this list could never end. What TV moments have impacted you the most in your life?