Since it was the site of the first regularly-scheduled programs, New York City has been closely associated with television production. Although many different types of programs have originated from America’s largest city, its forte has historically been in the area of live and taped in-studio shows.
CBS Evening News
The longest-running regular network news broadcast has throughout its history emanated from New York City. Launched in 1948 as “CBS Television News,” this broadcast became “The CBS Evening News” in 1963. Anchored by such established journalists as Douglas Edwards, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, the broadcast set the standard for television informational programming. The other networks have followed in the tradition started by CBS, basing their network news programs from the city as well.
Law and Order
In terms of entertainment shows, the NBC drama “Law and Order” was throughout its history filmed in New York City. Running from 1990 to 2010, “Law and Order” would only be matched by the CBS program “Gunsmoke” in terms of longevity for a prime time series. A number of programs have been spun off from the original “Law and Order” series, one of which is still on the air, and they too have been filmed in the same location.
The Tonight Show
“The Tonight Show,” which is the longest-running entertainment television program, started in New York City in 1954. Hosted by TV legends Steve Allen and Jack Paar, the program would remain there for nearly two decades. In 1972, with Johnny Carson at the helm, it was moved to Los Angeles, actually making its home at an NBC studio in Burbank. The program, under new host Jimmy Fallon, finally returned to its roots in 2014.
The Ed Sullivan Show
Probably the most famous and one of the longest-running variety series was also known for its close association with New York City. “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which ran on CBS from 1948 to 1971, helped to launch numerous entertainment careers, including those of Elvis Presley and the Beatles, and helped to sustain many others. The Ed Sullivan Theater is currently used by David Letterman, who recently announced his retirement from his CBS show after a run of more than two decades.
