* 1930s: The first public demonstrations of television took place, but the technology was expensive and limited in scope.
* 1940s: World War II spurred advancements in electronics, including television technology. The first commercial televisions were sold in the United States in 1939, but were expensive and had limited programming.
* 1950s: This decade marked a major shift. The price of televisions dropped, and programming options expanded. By the end of the 1950s, television had become a staple in most American households.
* 1960s: Television was now an established medium with a vast audience. Networks expanded, and the rise of color television made it even more appealing.
So, depending on your definition of "popular", you could say that television became popular:
* In the late 1940s: The first commercial televisions were sold, but only a small number of people could afford them.
* In the 1950s: Television became more affordable and accessible, leading to widespread adoption.
* In the 1960s: Television had become a mass medium with a large and loyal audience.
Ultimately, the rise of television was a gradual process influenced by technological advancements, programming, and cultural changes.