PBS has finally turned 50. In order to celebrate its five decades on the broadcasting service, it is time to revisit some amazing series that this network has provided us with. From Sesame Street to Downton Abbey, PBS has never been able to disappoint us!
October 4, 1970
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) initiates its networking services by launching The French Chef. The longest-running news and general affairs show, Washington Week, also began to be broadcasted, oblivious of the history they both will be creating.
January 11, 1973
This date marked the beginning of reality television, as An American Family begins broadcasting. The simple story of a family in California kept the viewers hooked for generations.
January 6, 1974
Way before Downton Abbey, another series named Upstairs, Downstairs had dealt with similar plotlines of aristocratic famous and their servants.
November 6, 1977
A story which is full of elements of thrill and excitement (along with violence), I, Claudius began to be broadcasted. Derek Jacobi did manage to charm the audience with his brilliant performance
September 28, 1980
The world of science enters the PBS universe with Cosmos, which was presented by the renowned astronomer Carl Sagan.
January 18, 1982
The Brideshead Revisited began broadcasting, starred by Anthony Andrews, Diana Quick and Jeremy Irons. This became such a massive hit that The New York Times termed it as “the biggest British invasion since the Beatles”.
December 16, 1984
Who doesn’t love a series which depicts the colonial rule The Jewel in the Crown starring Art Malik became an instant hit as it portrayed the last few days of the colonial rule in India.
September 23, 1990
The highest number of viewers were gathered for the “staggering, sepia-toned history lesson” in The Civil War.
January 23, 1992
Prime Suspect begins broadcasting as the audience encounters one of the greatest female characters to be ever portrayed on screen, detective Jane Tennison.
January 18, 1998
Starring Francesca Annis and Robson Green, the all-time favourite romantic drama, Reckless arrives on screen.
September 21, 1998
The criminal diaries of rural Nebraska were portrayed in The Farmer’s Wife. This show emerged as one of the greatest hits in the genre of investigative journalism.
January 22, 2006
Based on the renowned novel by Charles Dickens by the same name, Bleak House is termed as a masterpiece as Gillian Anderson exceeds expectations with her outstanding performance, portraying Lady Dedlock.
September 23, 2007
Ken Burns brings The War which generates more than 38 millions fans.
January 9, 2011
Downton Abbey is broadcasted which narrates the story of the aristocratic Crawleys and their servants. The series bagged several awards, including fifteen Emmys.
May 20, 2012
A brilliant and modern take on the Conan Doyle canon of Sherlock Holmes, the series Sherlock is hailed as a masterpiece. Benedict Cumberbatch gained fame for his unique portrayal of the world-famous detective, in a meticulous and excellent manner.
November 17, 2019
One of the greatest children’s classics in history, Sesame Street still continues to enthrall its viewers as it completed its five decades on the network history.
February 23, 2020
Sandition is appraised by critics and fans alike, as it perpetually charms its viewers and fans. The audience is eagerly waiting for a second season.
