1960s: Social issues were explored more prominently on television, with programs like "The Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek" pushing boundaries in science fiction and social commentary. Comedies like "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" still thrived, but shows like "The Mod Squad" reflected the youth-oriented, countercultural movements of the time.
1970s: Grittier police procedurals like "Kojak" and "The Streets of San Francisco" gained popularity, as did crime series focused on antiheroes, such as "Columbo" and "The Rockford Files." Comedies like "MASH" and "All in the Family" addressed political and social topics with a satirical edge, while miniseries like "Roots" had a profound impact on television.
1980s: Television experienced a boom in drama and comedy. "Dallas," "Dynasty," and "Miami Vice" defined primetime soap operas and crime dramas. Sitcoms like "Cheers," "Seinfeld," and "The Cosby Show" revolutionized the genre and pushed boundaries in humor.
1990s: Cable television grew significantly in the 1990s, leading to the rise of channels like HBO and Showtime, which offered more explicit content and complex storytelling. Dramas like "The Sopranos" and "The X-Files" found success, while sitcoms like "Frasier" and "Friends" continued to draw large audiences.
2000s: Reality TV became a major force, with shows like "Survivor," "American Idol," and "Big Brother" becoming household names. Serialized dramas like "Lost," "24," and "Game of Thrones" captivated audiences with their intricate storylines. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu began to reshape how people watched television.
2010s: Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu dominated the industry. Shows like "Breaking Bad," "Stranger Things," and "The Crown" emerged as critical and popular hits. Miniseries gained prominence with titles like "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" and "Chernobyl."