New Series 1979

Benson (1979-1986) - A spin off of the successful series SOAP, the butler Benson played by Robert Guillaume moves up to the Governors Mansion. The series follows the wise cracking Benson around the house as he deals with the scattered brained Governor and his dysfunctional family. Also starring James Noble, Missy Gold, Inga Swenson and Jerry Seinfild's first regular gig. Benson TV series.

The Dukes of Hazzard intro

The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985) - Backwoods Georgia moonshiners and cousins Bo and Luke Duke, their 1969 Dodge Charger named the General Lee and their hot girlfriend foil inept police and crooked politicians. Starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach, Denver Pyle, Rick Hurst and Sonny Shroyer it becomes a smash hit airing just before the reigning top TV show, Dallas. Dukes of Hazzard website.

The Facts of Life (1979-1988) - A spin-off of Diff'rent Strokes A private school housemother who instills values into her live in brood. Starring Charlotte Rae, John Lawlor, Jenny O'Hara, Lisa Whelchel, Felice Schachter, Julie Piekarski, Kim Fields, Molly Ringwald, Jullie Anne Haddock, and Mindy Cohn. Facts of Life Website.

Real People Intro

Real People (1979-1984) - A reality series that aired for an hour twice a week. In the format of a talkshow with a live audience, it consisted of fast moving segments of interesting and humorous interviews and videos presented by its hosts; John Barbour, Sarah Purcell, Byron Allen, Skip Stephenson, Bill Rafferty, Mark Russell, Peter Billingsley, and Fred Willard. It was NBC's most successful show and can be blamed as the major break for Richard Simmons. Real People at Wiki.

Nightline (1979-present) - A nightly news show first aired on November 8, 1979 in response to the Iran Hostage Crisis. With Ted Koppel replacing Frank Reynolds it soon became clear that ABC had finally found something to compete with NBC's Johnny Carson. It became a regular nightly show still in production today. Nightline Timeline.

This Old House (1979-present) - Hosted by Bob Vila this mainstay of PBS was originally a one time 13 part series. Fixing up old houses was more popular than expected and it became a PBS hit for the next 30 years. This Old House History

Hart to Hart (1979-1984)
Password Plus (1979-1982)

Hello, Larry(1979-1980)

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981)

Archie Bunker's Place (1979-1983)

Trapper John, M.D. (1979-1986)

Knots Landing (1979-1993)

Television News 1979

Kurt Russell as Elvis

Elvis! - A TV movie directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell - who was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Elvis Presley. Kurt Russell did not do the singing which was dubbed by country singer Ronnie McDowell. It drew 43 million viewers. Kurt Russell as Elvis!

C-Span the United States Congress cable channel is launched

ESPN begins broadcasting sports 24/7 and was the first cable channel to be launched.

The Movie Channel begins broadcasting.

The Emmy's for 1979 - 1980

Outstanding Drama Series - Lou Grant

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Ed Asner, Lou Grant

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Barbara Bel Geddes, Dallas

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Stuart Margolin, The Rockford Files

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Nancy Marchand, Lou Grant

Outstanding Comedy Series - Taxi

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Richard Mulligan, Soap

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Cathryn Damon, Soap

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series - Harry Morgan, M*A*S*H

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series - Loretta Swit, M*A*S*H

Outstanding Variety or Music Program - IBM Presents Baryshnikov on Broadway

Most Watched 1979 - 1980

1 60 Minutes
2 Three's Company
3 That's Incredible
4 Alice
5 M*A*S*H
6 Dallas
7 Flo
8 The Jeffersons
9 The Dukes of Hazzard
10 One Day at a Time
11 WKRP in Cincinnati
12 Goodtime Girls
13 Archie Bunker's Place
14 Taxi
15 Eight Is Enough
16 Little house on the Prairie
17 House Calls
18 Real People
19 CHiPs
20 Happy Days

Series End 1979

All in the Family (1971-1979)
What's Happening!! (1976-1979)
Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979)
Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979)
Good Times (1974-1979)
Wonder Woman (1976-1979)
Fawlty Towers (1975, 1979)

TV Guide Schedule 1979

Hart to Hart

1979 Tv Guide