Seven monumental historic TV records: first drama show to transatlantic transmission

Television has been a centre point of the cultural zeitgeist for nearly a century; from news and scripted content to game shows, TV has both been guided by and directed happenings in society and moreover has been an outlet for leisure for many in society.  

The widespread grasp TV has on the world did take some time to bloom. Initially families primarily had radios, and many outside of the upper class could not afford the TV systems, but over time, especially after WWII TVs became more accessible and broadcasters became more common and successful. Companies like the National Broadcasting Company, the Columbia Broadcasting System, and the British Broadcasting Corporation are amongst a few that truly helped push forward the realm of television. TV especially spiked in popularity when major events happened like Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, which was broadcasted on the BBC, amassing a total of 27 million views.  

To honour the importance of TV in today’s world, here are seven monumental TV records from across history:  

First TV advertising 

Generic Image of hairstyling materials. Photo credit: Jo-Johnston/ Pixabay

Almost essential as the shows are the ads that break up a programme. Whether one likes them or not, they have been a cog in the television experience. The record for the first TV advertising was for the Messrs Eugene Ltd. of Dover Street, who promoted their waving technique, which was supposed to last permanently. This ad was at the Hairdressing Fair of Fashion, which took place in November 1930.  

First TV cookery show 

From Rachel Ray, Julia Child, to Jamie Oliver, celebrity chefs and respectively their cooking shows have become a part of staple part of television. The record for the first TV cookery show goes to Cook’s Night Out, which first aired at 9:25 p.m. on 21 January 1937. The show was programmed through the BBC and starred French chef and restaurateur Marcel Boulestin (1878–1943). He also published cooking books Simple French Cooking for English Homes and A Second Helping, both of which promoted a level of accessibility and ease for the average home cook. The show tried to serve the same purpose, with its simple recipes and 15-minute increments.  

First TV drama 

Dramas are amongst one the most popular TV show genres, often being praised by critics and decorated in awards. Every major genre must start somewhere, and the first TV drama was aired in 1936. Interestingly, this TV drama was not structured like a traditional television series, it was actually exerts of a West End Show that was being televised, Marigold. 

First TV series produced in colour 

In today’s world, it would almost be hard to imagine all of one’s programming being in black and white, but prior to the programme, The World Is Yours, TV programmes were not in color. The aforementioned show aired on CBS on 26 June 1951, but many viewers would not have the receiver sets compatible with coloured television until 1953.  

First Children's Series

Portrait of Ann Hogarth with puppet Muffin the Mule (1952). Photo credit: Max Dupain & Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales 

From Sesame Street, Bluey, Peppa Pig, and other shows in that realm offered educational and entertaining content for kids to grow with. The admirable goals for these children's programmes are all seen within the show that holds the record for being the first children’s series, For the Children, which aired in 1937, ceased to run during WWII, and then returned and ran until December 1951. The show featured songs, puppet performances (often led by puppeteer Ann Hogarth), and more, somewhat reminiscent of Sesame Street.  

First televised Olympics 

Every four years in the summer and winter, thousands of people watch the Olympic games and millions worldwide view the games through television. Whether it be the sport itself, interviews with the coaches and athletes, or professional commentary, the event offers a time of unity for spectators across the world. The first televised Olympics were the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The TV event at that time was only being shown to the athletes in the Olympic village and a total of 25 viewing rooms across Berlin and Potsdam. It wasn’t until the 1964 Tokyo games that there was worldwide televised access. It should be noted that the 1936 Olympic Games are often looked back upon critically due to the involvement of the, at-the-time in power, Nazi Party.  

The first transatlantic transmission  

TV has the opportunity to connect people from across the continents and the world. Through worldwide events like the Olympics, or streaming opportunities for shows on different countries, for instance Fleabag streaming on BBC and on Netflix in other countries, it is now easier than ever to view content globally. However, that was not always the case and at one point fostering cross-continent transmissions would be quite the feat. The first transatlantic transmission was made on 9 February 1928 by John Logie Baird, who sent 30-line images from Motograph House via landline to the Station 2 CVJ, located in New York.  

Television is an important part of many people’s lives and has been so for many years. These historic records honour some of the achievements this momentous industry has fostered.  

Header: generic image of a couple watching TV. Photo credit: yousafbhutta/ Pixabay.