Well, back in 1966, folks didn’t have none of them fancy streaming services like they do today. Nope, if you wanted to watch something on TV, you had to stick to the good ol’ schedule that the big networks cooked up. There were only three main networks back then in the United States – CBS, NBC, and ABC. And let me tell ya, people planned their evenings around these TV schedules. So, here’s a little run-through of what them folks might’ve been watching back in them days during primetime.
Monday Nights
- ABC had this new hit called Batman – folks loved it, especially the younger crowd. It was all action and bright colors, and my grandkids couldn’t get enough of it.
- CBS, they had a bit more serious stuff with shows like The Lucy Show – everybody loved Lucy, ya know, and Gunsmoke – now that was a real Western.
- And NBC was showin’ The Monkees – a music band show that really had the teens goin’ wild back then.
Tuesday Nights
- On Tuesday, NBC aired I Dream of Jeannie. Oh, people liked that magical comedy with Jeannie the genie.
- ABC tried somethin’ different with The Fugitive. It was more of a serious show, kept folks on the edge of their seats.
- And CBS, they were showin’ Daktari – an adventure show out in the African jungle, full of animals and excitement.
Wednesday Nights
By the time Wednesday rolled around, folks were ready for somethin’ new. ABC hit the jackpot with Batman again – folks were lovin’ it so much they aired it twice a week! And over on NBC, they had The Virginian, another Western, real popular in those days. CBS decided to give folks a little comedy with Green Acres – all about farm life, which I tell ya, some folks found downright funny and relatable.
Thursday Nights
- ABC had some crime with Peyton Place, real serious drama that pulled people right in.
- NBC had Daniel Boone, which was all about adventures in the wilderness, which a lot of folks loved.
- Then CBS, they were showin’ Gilligan’s Island – folks loved that silly show about folks stuck on an island, trying to get off.
Friday Nights
Fridays were big, ‘cause the workweek was over, and folks liked to relax with some TV. CBS had Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. – all about a funny Marine, kept folks laughin’. ABC had The Green Hornet, more action-packed, with heroes and villains and all that. And NBC had Star Trek, which was new then – it was all about space and futuristic stuff, really got some folks excited back in the day.
Saturday Nights
- On Saturday, CBS had Hogan’s Heroes, a comedy about a World War II prison camp – folks liked it for the laughs, even though it had a wartime theme.
- ABC showed The Lawrence Welk Show, good ol’ family music, folks would sing along at home.
- Then NBC had Get Smart, which was another comedy but more about spies – real funny for the whole family.
Sunday Nights
Come Sunday, well, CBS had their Ed Sullivan Show, and that was a big deal, let me tell ya. It was variety – you’d see everything from singers to comedians to acrobats. NBC gave folks Bonanza, another famous Western show, and ABC had The FBI for crime and drama.
So, there ya go! That 1966 TV schedule was real somethin’ – every night, there was somethin’ folks looked forward to, whether it was comedy, action, or even a bit of music. They didn’t have all the choices we got today, but back then, folks didn’t mind one bit. They’d gather ’round the TV, maybe with a snack or two, and tune into whatever the networks had lined up.
Tags：[1966 tv schedule, 1966 television shows, primetime tv schedule, CBS, NBC, ABC, 1966 tv programs]
