The following is the 1953–54 network television schedule for the four major English language commercial broadcast networks in the United States. The schedule covers

primetime Prime time or the peak time is the block of broadcast programming taking place during the middle of the evening for a television show. It is mostly targeted towards adults (and sometimes families). It is used by the major television networks to ...

hours from September 1953 through March 1954. The schedule is followed by a list per network of returning series, new series, and series cancelled after the 1952–53 season. Despite hit filmed programs such as ''

I Love Lucy ''I Love Lucy'' is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes, spanning six seasons. The show starred Lucille Ball, her husband, Desi Arnaz, along with ...

'', both

William S. Paley William Samuel Paley (September 28, 1901 – October 26, 1990) was an American businessman, primarily involved in the media, and best known as the chief executive who built the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) from a small radio network into o ...

of CBS and

David Sarnoff David Sarnoff (February 27, 1891 – December 12, 1971) was an American businessman and pioneer of American radio and television. Throughout most of his career, he led the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in various capacities from shortly afte ...

of NBC were said to be determined to keep most programming on their networks live.Boddy, William (1993). ''Fifties Television: The Industry And Its Critics.'' Urbana: The University of Illinois Press. Filmed programs were said to be inferior to the spontaneous nature of live television. Thus, NBC and CBS continued to schedule many live programs, including two new 1953 fall NBC series '' The Dave Garroway Show'' and '' Bonino''. According to Brooks and Marsh (2007), Garroway's show "was faced with overwhelming competition from ''

Mama Mama(s) or Mamma or Momma may refer to: Roles *Mother, a female parent * Mama-san, in Japan and East Asia, a woman in a position of authority *Mamas, a name for female associates of the Hells Angels Places *Mama, Russia, an urban-type settlement ...

'' and '' Ozzie & Harriet'', which were running opposite on CBS and ABC, and it only lasted a single season". '' Bonino'' did not even last the full season. CBS had more luck with new live programs '' Person to Person'' and '' My Favorite Husband'' (which would later make the switch to film).

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

, perennially in third or fourth place among the four U.S. television networks, had been on the verge of bankruptcy, but the February 1953 merger of United Paramount Theaters with ABC had given ABC a $30 million cash infusion. ABC revamped its schedule for Fall 1953 with big-budget programs. New ABC programs included '' Make Room for Daddy'', and an ABC version of NBC's popular ''

Kraft Television Theatre ''Kraft Television Theatre'' is an American anthology drama television series running from 1947 to 1958. It began May 7, 1947 on NBC, airing at 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings until December of that year. It first promoted MacLaren's Imperial Chees ...

''; the strategy was designed to "take on CBS and NBC with a strong schedule".Castleman, H. and Podrazik, W. (1984) ''The TV Schedule Book: Four Decades of Network Programming from Sign-on to Sign-off''. McGraw-Hill. pg 45-46. In contrast to ABC's revamped schedule, DuMont's Fall 1953 prime time schedule looked weak, with programs that were "doomed from the start by third-rate scripts and cheap production." The 1953–54 season would be the last year DuMont was able to schedule nearly 20 hours of programming in

prime time Prime time or the peak time is the block of broadcast programming taking place during the middle of the evening for a television show. It is mostly targeted towards adults (and sometimes families). It is used by the major television networks to ...

. By the 1954–55 season, DuMont would be forced to cut back its schedule,Brooks, Tim & Marsh, Earle (2007). ''The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows'' (9th ed.). New York: Ballantine. pp 517–518, 1576-1577. . while the other three networks continued to expand. During the 1953 season, both DuMont and ABC "made sporadic efforts to compete for the daytime audience, but faced so many problems just filling prime time that they found it much more efficient to focus primarily on weekend sports". DuMont paid $1.3 million in 1953 for the rights to broadcast

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...

games in prime time; starting December 12, DuMont also broadcast a series of

NBA The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. The league is composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada) and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United St ...

basketball games, the first time pro basketball was seen regularly on network TV. Both DuMont and ABC "were especially aggressive in pursuit of sports broadcasts because they were desperately in need of special attractions to bring in viewers". Each of the 30 highest-rated shows is listed with its rank and rating as determined by Nielsen Media Research.Highest-rated series is based on the annual top-rated programs list compiled by Nielsen Media Research and reported in: Brooks, Tim & Marsh, Earle (2007). ''The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows'' (9th ed.). New York: Ballantine. . : Yellow indicates the programs in the top 10 for the season. : Cyan indicates the programs in the top 20 for the season. : Magenta indicates the programs in the top 30 for the season.

Sunday

*On CBS, '' The Jack Benny Program'' alternated with '' Private Secretary'' every third week. As of February 14, 1954, ''

Letter to Loretta ''The Loretta Young Show'' (originally known as ''Letter to Loretta'') is an American anthology drama television series broadcast on Sunday nights from September 2, 1953, to June 4, 1961, on NBC for a total of 165 episodes. The series was hosted ...

'' on NBC became ''

The Loretta Young Show ''The Loretta Young Show'' (originally known as ''Letter to Loretta'') is an American anthology drama television series broadcast on Sunday nights from September 2, 1953, to June 4, 1961, on NBC for a total of 165 episodes. The series was hosted ...

''. *On April 18, 1954, ''

The Martha Wright Show ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' replaced ''The Jane Pickens Show'', starring vocalist

Jane Pickens Langley Jane Pickens Hoving (10 August 1907 – 21 February 1992)DeLong, Thomas A. (1996). ''Radio Stars: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary of 953 Performers, 1920 through 1960''. McFarland & Company, Inc. . P. 216-217. was an American singer on ...

, at the 9:15 p.m. time slot on Sundays on ABC. ''Pickens'' had previously replaced ''The Orchid Award''.

Monday

*On April 26, 1954, ''

The Tony Martin Show ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' replaced ''The Arthur Murray Party'' on NBC. Both programs were fifteen minutes in length. *From April 6, 1953, to December 7, 1953, DuMont aired ''

Monodrama Theater ''Monodrama Theater'', also known as ''Mono-Drama Theatre'', was a late night television series which aired on the DuMont Television Network weekdays at 11pm ET from May 1952 to December 1953. Production background The series consisted of a singl ...

'' Monday through Friday at 11pm ET.

Tuesday

(*) Formerly ''

Texaco Star Theater ''Texaco Star Theater'' was an American comedy-variety show, broadcast on radio from 1938 to 1949 and telecast from 1948 to 1956. It was one of the first successful examples of American television broadcasting, remembered as the show that gave Mi ...

'' * On ABC, ''The United States Steel Hour'' alternated with ''The Motorola Television Hour''

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

By network

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

Returning Series *''

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet ''The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet'' is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from October 3, 1952, to April 23, 1966, and starred the real-life Nelson family. After a long run on radio, the show was brought to television, where it ...

'' *'' The Big Picture'' *'' Billy Graham's Hour of Decision'' *'' Cavalcade of America'' (moved from NBC) *''

The Dotty Mack Show ''The Dotty Mack Show'' is an American variety show originally broadcast on the now defunct DuMont Television Network in 1953, and on ABC from 1953 to 1956. Broadcast history The program, produced and distributed from Cincinnati, aired Monday at ...

'' (moved from DuMont) *''Fight Talk'' *'' Inspector Mark Saber — Homicide Squad'' *''Junior Press Conference'' *''

Leave It to the Girls ''Leave It to the Girls'' is an American radio and television talk show, created by Martha Rountree, and broadcast, in various forms, from the 1940s through the 1980s. Broadcast details Radio version The series was originally a radio program ...

'' *'' The Lone Ranger'' *''Madison Square Garden Highlights'' *''Music at Meadowbrook'' *'' The Name's the Same'' *''The Orchid Award'' *''

Quick As a Flash ''Quick as a Flash'' was a 30-minute radio quiz program which featured drama segments with guest actors from radio detective shows. Created by director Richard Lewis and emcee Ken Roberts, the program debuted over the Mutual Network on Sunday, Ju ...

'' *'' Paul Whiteman's TV Teen Club'' *''The Saturday Night Fights'' *'' Sky King'' *'' The Stu Erwin Show'' *''

Talent Patrol ''Talent Patrol'' was an American game show during the 1950s. The series starred Steve Allen and later Arlene Francis as the hosts. The series ran on the American Broadcasting Company from 1953-1955. Broadcast history ''Talent Patrol'' originall ...

'' *'' This Is the Life'' *''

The Walter Winchell Show Columnist Walter Winchell had been a mainstay on the early years of ABC television with a simulcast of his 15-minute weekly time radio show until he left ABC in 1955 in a dispute with executives. ''The Walter Winchell Show'' of 1956 was the result ...

'' *''Wrestling From Rainbo Arena'' *'' You Asked For It'' New Series *''

'' *''Answers for Americans'' *''At Issue'' *''

Back That Fact ''Back That Fact'' is an American game show that aired on ABC from October 22 to November 26, 1953. This was the first TV game show for creator/producers Jack Barry and Dan Enright. Borscht Belt comedian and syndicated columnist Joey Adams was t ...

'' *'' The Big Picture'' *'' Center Stage'' * *''The Comeback Story'' *'' Dr. I.Q.'' *''

The Ern Westmore Hollywood Glamour Show ''The Ern Westmore Hollywood Glamour Show'' (also known as ''The Ern Westmore Show'') is an American television program that was syndicated in 1953 and carried on ABC from August 7, 1955, until September 11, 1955. The show was hosted by Hollywo ...

'' *'' The Frank Leahy Show'' *''

The George Jessel Show ''The George Jessel Show'' is a 30-minute television variety program that was broadcast live from New York. It aired on ABC from September 13, 1953 to April 11, 1954. Overview After having worked as one of several rotating hosts of ''Four Star Rev ...

'' *''

Jamie Jamie is a unisex name. It is a diminutive form of James or, more rarely, other names. It is also given as a name in its own right. People Female * Jamie Anne Allman (born 1977), American actress * Jamie Babbit (born 1970), American film and te ...

'' *'' John Daly and the News'' *'' Jukebox Jury'' *''

'' *''

'' *'' Make Room for Daddy'' *''

'' *'' The Motorola Television Hour'' *''

Notre Dame Football The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the intercollegiate football team representing the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, north of the city of South Bend, Indiana. The team plays its home games at the campus' Notre Dame S ...

'' *'' Of Many Things'' *''

On Your Way ''On Your Way'' was an American game show that aired on the DuMont Television Network from September 9, 1953, to January 20, 1954, before moving to ABC from January 23 to April 17. The series originated from New York City, and was sponsored by ...

'' *''

The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse ''The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse'' is an American dramatic anthology series that aired on ABC from 1953 to 1955, sponsored by Pepsi-Cola. The show was hosted by Arlene Dahl (1953), Anita Colby (1954), and, finally, Polly Bergen (1955). Initially the se ...

'' *''The Pride of the Family'' *''

Quick as a Flash ''Quick as a Flash'' was a 30-minute radio quiz program which featured drama segments with guest actors from radio detective shows. Created by director Richard Lewis and emcee Ken Roberts, the program debuted over the Mutual Network on Sunday, Ju ...

'' *''Showcase Theater'' *''

'' *''

The Trouble With Father ''The Stu Erwin Show'' (also known as ''Trouble with Father'') is an American sitcom which aired on ABC from 1950 to 1955. Only four of the series’ five seasons on the network included new episodes; the 1953–54 season consisted entirely of re ...

'' *''Through the Curtain'' *''

The United States Steel Hour ''The United States Steel Hour'' is an anthology series which brought hour long dramas to television from 1953 to 1963. The television series and the radio program that preceded it were both sponsored by the U.S. Steel, United States Steel Corpor ...

'' *'' Where's Raymond?'' Not returning from 1952–53: *'' The Adventures of Ellery Queen'' *''All-Star News'' *''America in View'' *''Anywhere U.S.A.'' *''

'' *''

The Beulah Show ''Beulah'' is an American situation-comedy series that ran on CBS Radio from 1945 to 1954, and on ABC Television from 1950 to 1953. The show is notable for being the first sitcom to star an African American actress, for being ABC TV's first hi ...

'' *''Both Sides'' *'' Fear and Fancy'' *''Feature Playhouse'' *'' Hollywood Screen Test'' *''Live Like a Millionaire'' *''On Guard'' *''

Perspectives Perspective may refer to: Vision and mathematics * Perspectivity, the formation of an image in a picture plane of a scene viewed from a fixed point, and its modeling in geometry ** Perspective (graphical), representing the effects of visual persp ...

'' *''

Plymouth Playhouse ''Plymouth Playhouse'', aka ''ABC Album'', is a half-hour US television anthology series. Fifteen episodes aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) from April 12, 1953 to June 21, 1953. Some of the productions were live while others were ...

'' *''Tales of Tomorrow'' *'' This is the Life Presents "The Fisher Family"'' *''United or Not?''

CBS

Returning Series *''

Arthur Godfrey and His Friends ''Arthur Godfrey and His Friends'' is an American television variety show hosted by Arthur Godfrey. The hour-long series aired on CBS Television from January 1949 to June 1957 (as ''The Arthur Godfrey Show'' after September 1956), then again as a ...

'' *'' Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts'' *''

Beat the Clock ''Beat the Clock'' is an American television game show that involves people trying to complete challenges to win prizes while faced with a time limit. The show was a creation of Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions. The show began on radio as ' ...

'' *'' Big Town'' *''The Blue Angel'' *''

Danger Danger is a lack of safety and may refer to: Places * Danger Cave, an archaeological site in Utah * Danger Island, Great Chagos Bank, Indian Ocean * Danger Island, alternate name of Pukapuka Atoll in the Cook Islands, Pacific Ocean * Danger Isla ...

'' *''

Douglas Edwards and the News The ''CBS Evening News'' is the flagship evening television news program of CBS News, the news division of the CBS television network in the United States. The ''CBS Evening News'' is a daily evening broadcast featuring news reports, feature s ...

'' *'' Four Star Playhouse'' *''

The Fred Waring Show ''The Fred Waring Show'' is an American television musical variety show that ran from April 17, 1949 to May 30, 1954 on CBS. The show was hosted by Fred Waring and featured his choral group "The Pennsylvanians". Synopsis Sponsored by General Ele ...

'' *'' The Garry Moore Show'' *'' The Gene Autry Show'' *'' General Electric Theater'' *''

The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show ''The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show'', sometimes called ''The Burns and Allen Show'', was a half-hour television situation comedy broadcast from 1950 to 1958 on CBS. It starred George Burns and Gracie Allen, one of the most enduring acts in ...

'' *''

I've Got a Secret ''I've Got a Secret'' is an American panel game show produced by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman for CBS television. Created by comedy writers Allan Sherman and Howard Merrill, it was a derivative of Goodson-Todman's own panel show, ''What's My Line ...

'' *''

The Jack Benny Show ''The Jack Benny Program'', starring Jack Benny, is a radio-TV comedy series that ran for more than three decades and is generally regarded as a high-water mark in 20th century American comedy. He played one role throughout his radio and televis ...

'' *''

The Jackie Gleason Show ''The Jackie Gleason Show'' is the name of a series of American network television shows that starred Jackie Gleason, which ran from 1952 to 1970, in various forms. ''Cavalcade of Stars'' Gleason's first variety series, which aired on the DuMon ...

'' *'' The Jane Froman Show'' *'' Jane Froman's U.S.A. Canteen'' *''

Lux Video Theatre ''Lux Video Theatre'' is an American television anthology series that was produced from 1950 until 1957. The series presented both comedy and drama in original teleplays, as well as abridged adaptations of films and plays. Overview The ''Lux Vid ...

'' *''

'' *'' Medallion Theatre'' *'' Meet Millie'' *'' My Friend Irma'' *''

Omnibus Omnibus may refer to: Film and television * ''Omnibus'' (film) * Omnibus (broadcast), a compilation of Radio or TV episodes * ''Omnibus'' (UK TV series), an arts-based documentary programme * ''Omnibus'' (U.S. TV series), an educational progr ...

'' *'' Our Miss Brooks'' *''

Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts ''Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts'', later ''The Wednesday Night Fights'', is a television program that broadcast boxing matches from New York's Madison Square Garden featuring Russ Hodges, Jack Drees, and Bill Nimmo. It finished at #26 for the 1950-19 ...

'' *'' The Perry Como Show'' *''Place the Face'' *''

The Red Buttons Show ''The Red Buttons Show'' premiered on the CBS television network On October 14, 1952, and ran for two years on that network, then moved to NBC for the final 1954–55 season. Red's catch phrase from the show, "Strange things are happening!" entere ...

'' *''

The Red Skelton Show ''The Red Skelton Show'' is an American television comedy/variety show that aired from 1951 to 1971. In the decade prior to hosting the show, Richard "Red" Skelton had a successful career as a radio and motion pictures star. Although his televis ...

'' (moved from NBC) *''

The Revlon Mirror Theater ''The Revlon Mirror Theater'' (also known as ''Mirror Theater'') is an American anthology drama television series. The series was broadcast on NBC from June 23 to September 1, 1953, before moving to CBS for the rest of its run from September 19 t ...

'' (moved from NBC) *'' Schlitz Playhouse of Stars'' *''

See It Now ''See It Now'' is an American newsmagazine and documentary series broadcast by CBS from 1951 to 1958. It was created by Edward R. Murrow and Fred W. Friendly, with Murrow as the host of the show. From 1952 to 1957, ''See It Now'' won four Emmy A ...

'' *''Sports Spot'' *'' Strike It Rich'' *''

Studio One Studio One or Studio 1 may refer to: * Studio One (software), digital audio workstation software, developed by PreSonus * ''Studio One'' (American TV series), a 1948–1958 American television anthology series * ''Studio One'' (Emirati TV progra ...

'' *''

Suspense Suspense is a state of mental uncertainty, anxiety, being undecided, or being doubtful. In a dramatic work, suspense is the anticipation of the outcome of a plot or of the solution to an uncertainty, puzzle, or mystery, particularly as it aff ...

'' *''This Is Show Business'' *''

Toast of the Town ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' is an American television variety show that ran on CBS from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the '' CBS Sunday Night ...

'' *'' Topper'' *'' Two for the Money'' *''

The Web The World Wide Web (WWW), commonly known as the Web, is an information system enabling documents and other web resources to be accessed over the Internet. Documents and downloadable media are made available to the network through web se ...

'' *'' What in the World?'' *'' What's My Line'' *''

Your Play Time ''Your Play Time'' is a 30-minute American television anthology series that ran as a summer replacement show in 1953, 1954, and 1955. The first two seasons contained live and filmed dramas, often with foreign settings. The 1955 season had comedi ...

'' New Series *''The Blue Angel'' * *'' The Jo Stafford Show'' * *'' Life with Father'' *'' The Man Behind the Badge'' *''

Meet Mr. McNutley ''Meet Mr McNutley'' is a TV series starring Ray Milland that ran from 1953 to 1955 on CBS. It was also known as The Ray Milland Show.Phyllis Avery Blue as Ray Milland's Show Nears Close Ames, Walter. Los Angeles Times 13 Mar 1955: D11. Premise ...

'' *'' My Favorite Husband'' *''Pentagon U.S.A.'' *'' Person to Person'' *''The Public Defender'' *''

The Telltale Clue ''The Telltale Clue'', sometimes billed as ''The Tell-Tale Clue'', is an American police drama that aired on CBS Television on Thursday nights at 10pm ET from July 18, 1954, to September 23, 1954. ''The Public Defender'' aired on CBS in the same ti ...

'' * *'' That's My Boy'' * Not returning from 1952–53: *''

Amos 'n' Andy ''Amos 'n' Andy'' is an American radio sitcom about black characters, initially set in Chicago and later in the Harlem section of New York City. While the show had a brief life on 1950s television with black actors, the 1928 to 1960 radio show ...

'' *''

Balance Your Budget ''Balance Your Budget'' was an Australian television game show, which aired from around 9 April 1959 to 16 June 1960 on Sydney television station TCN-9. At the time, most Australian series aired in only a single city, which was likely also the cas ...

'' *''

Battle of the Ages ''Battle of the Ages'' was an American television program originally broadcast on the DuMont Television Network and later CBS. DuMont version It was a prime time game show/talent contest which pitted children against adult celebrities. Whicheve ...

'' *''Biff Baker, U.S.A.'' *'' City Hospital'' *''

Crime Syndicated ''Crime Syndicated'' is an American anthology series that aired on CBS from September 18, 1951, to June 23, 1953. The program featured dramatizations of actual cases from the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. The series was hosted by Rudolph ...

'' *''

Footlights Theater ''Footlights Theater'' is a 30-minute American television anthology series that aired on CBS on Fridays in the summers of 1952 and 1953 as a replacement for ''Our Miss Brooks''. The program was broadcast on Friday nights from July 4, 1952, to S ...

'' *'' Heaven for Betsy'' *'' Jane Froman's U.S.A. Canteen'' *''

The Larry Storch Show ''The Larry Storch Show'' is an American comic variety show that aired live on CBS from July 11, 1953, to September 12, 1953. The series was the summer replacement for ''The Jackie Gleason Show ''The Jackie Gleason Show'' is the name of a seri ...

'' *''

Leave It to Larry ''Leave It to Larry'' is an American television situation comedy that was broadcast on CBS from October 14, 1952, until December 23, 1952, for a total of 11 episodes. Premise Larry Tucker (portrayed by Eddie Albert in his first TV series) was ...

'' *''

Life with Luigi ''Life with Luigi'' is an American radio situation comedy series which began September 21, 1948, on CBS Radio and broadcast its final episode on March 3, 1953. The action centered on Luigi Basco and his experiences as a newly arrived Italian imm ...

'' *'' Mr. and Mrs. North'' *''

Racket Squad ''Racket Squad'' is an American TV crime drama series that aired from 1951 to 1953. The format was a narrated anthology drama, as each individual episode featured various ordinary citizens getting ensnared in a different confidence scheme. E ...

'' *''

Willys Theatre Presenting Ben Hecht's Tales of the City ''Willys Theatre Presenting Ben Hecht's Tales of the City'' is a live US half-hour television anthology series. It consisted of adaptations of author Ben Hecht's stories. Hecht served as the series host. A total of seven episodes aired from Jun ...

'' *''

Your Jeweler's Showcase ''Your Jeweler's Showcase'' is an American television anthology drama series. At least 21 episodes aired on CBS from November 11, 1952 to August 30, 1953. From January 6, 1953 to May 26, 1953 it alternated weekly with ''Demi-Tasse Tales''. Amon ...

DuMont

Returning series *'' Boxing from Eastern Parkway'' *'' Broadway to Hollywood – Headline Clues'' *'' Captain Video'' *'' Chance of a Lifetime'' *''

Concert Tonight ''Concert Tonight'' is an American music television series which aired on the now-defunct DuMont Television Network. Broadcast history ''Concert Tonight'' first aired from December 30, 1953 to March 31, 1954, then was brought back from September ...

'' *''

Down You Go ''Down You Go'' is an American television game show originally broadcast on the DuMont Television Network. The Emmy Award-nominated series ran from 1951 to 1956 as a prime time series primarily hosted by Dr. Bergen Evans. The program aired in el ...

'' *''

Front Page Detective ''Front Page Detective'' is an American crime drama series which aired on the DuMont Television Network on Fridays at 9:30 p.m. ET from July 6, 1951, to September 19, 1952, and in October and November 1953. The program was then in broadcast ...

'' *''

Guide Right ''Guide Right'' is an American musical variety show which aired on the DuMont Television Network from February 25, 1952, to February 5, 1954. The program was produced by the First Army Recruiting Service and supplied by the United States Air For ...

'' *''

The Johns Hopkins Science Review ''The Johns Hopkins Science Review'' is a US television series about science that was produced at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland from 1948-1955. Starting in 1950, the series aired on the DuMont Television Network until the network' ...

'' *''

Life Begins at Eighty ''Life Begins at Eighty'' is an American panel discussion television series which aired from January 1950 to February 1956. Broadcast history The show first aired on NBC on January 13, 1950, then on DuMont from March 21, 1952, to July 24, 1955, ...

'' *'' Life is Worth Living'' *''

Man Against Crime ''Man Against Crime'' (also known as ''Follow That Man'') starring Ralph Bellamy, one of the first television programs about private eyes, ran on CBS, the DuMont Television Network and NBC from October 7, 1949, to June 27, 1954, and was briefly ...

'' (moved from CBS) *'' The Music Show'' *'' Pantomime Quiz'' *'' The Plainclothesman'' *''

Pro Football Highlights ''Pro Football Highlights'', also known as ''Football News'', ''Football Highlights'' and ''Time for Football'', was a 30-minute television sports review program broadcast by ABC (1950–1951) and the DuMont Television Network (1951–1954). The ...

'' *''

Rocky King, Inside Detective ''Rocky King Detective'' (also known as ''Inside Detective'') is an American action/crime drama series that was broadcast live on the DuMont Television Network on Sundays at 9pm ET for most of its run. The series ran for six seasons, from Januar ...

'' *''

The Strawhatters ''The Strawhatters'' is an American television summer variety show that aired on the national DuMont network in the 1950s. Broadcast history The show aired on the DuMont network from May 27, 1953, until September 9, 1953, and again in 1954, from ...

'' *''

They Stand Accused ''They Stand Accused'' (also known as ''Cross Question'') is an American dramatized court show broadcast on the now-defunct DuMont Television Network from September 11, 1949, to October 5, 1952 and again from September 9 to December 30, 1954. Ove ...

'' *'' Twenty Questions'' *''

Washington Exclusive ''Washington Exclusive'' was an American news and public affairs television program broadcast on the DuMont Television Network and produced by Martha Roundtree and Lawrence Spivak, who also co-produced ''Meet the Press''. Broadcast history The ...

'' *'' What's the Story?'' *''

What's Your Bid? ''What's Your Bid?'' was an ABC and DuMont Television Network game show hosted by Leonard Rosen (as "Liberal Bill") (ABC) and Robert Alda (DuMont), with announcement and live commercials delivered by John Reed King (ABC) and Dick Shepard (DuMont). ...

'' New series *''Better Living TV theatre'' * *''The Big Issue'' *''

Colonel Humphrey Flack ''Colonel Humphrey Flack'' is an American sitcom which ran Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET from October 7, 1953, to July 2, 1954, on the DuMont Television Network, then revived from 1958 to 1959 for first-run broadcast syndication, syndication. The ser ...

'' *''

'' * *''

Dollar a Second ''Dollar a Second'' is an American comedy game show hosted by Jan Murray which originally aired from September 20, 1953, to June 14, 1954, on the DuMont Television Network. It was based on the French radio program ''Cent Francs par seconde'' (whi ...

'' *''

Gamble on Love ''Gamble on Love'' is an American game show which ran on the DuMont Television Network from July 16 to August 20, 1954. The series, originally hosted by Denise Darcel, had three opposite-sex couples competing for a prize. The series aired Friday ...

'' * *'' The Igor Cassini Show'' *''

Joseph Schildkraut Presents ''Joseph Schildkraut Presents'' is an anthology television series that originally aired on the DuMont Television Network starring stage and screen actor Joseph Schildkraut. Broadcast history The series aired from October 28, 1953, to January 21, 1 ...

'' *''

Love Story Love Story or A Love Story may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Genres * Romance (love) ** Romance film ** Romance novel Films * ''Love Story'' (1925 film), German silent film * ''Love Story'' (1942 film), Italian drama film * ''Love ...

'' * *''

Marge and Jeff ''Marge and Jeff'' is an early American sitcom broadcast Monday through Friday on the DuMont Television Network during the 1953-1954 television season. Broadcast history The program originated as ''Marge and Fred'' on a station in Philadelphia. T ...

'' *''

Melody Street ''Melody Street'' is an early American television series, hosted by Elliot Lawrence, which aired on the DuMont Television Network. The program aired Fridays at 8:30pm ET from September 25, 1953, to February 5, 1954. Each episode was 30 minutes long ...

'' *'' National Football League Professional Football'' *''

Night Editor ''Night Editor'' is a 1946 B-movie film noir directed by Henry Levin and based on a popular radio program of the same name. The script for the film was based on a previous radio program episode "Inside Story.". The movie was to be the first i ...

'' * *''

Nine Thirty Curtain ''Nine Thirty Curtain'' was a dramatic anthology television series which aired on the DuMont Television Network from October 16, 1953, to January 1, 1954. The 30-minute show aired on Fridays at 9:30 pm ET. Episode status As with most DuMont series ...

'' *''

Opera Cameos ''Opera Cameos'' is a TV series which aired on the DuMont Television Network from November 8, 1953, to January 9, 1955. The program aired Sundays at 7:30pm ET, and was hosted by opera singer Giovanni Martinelli. A conductor on the program was Salv ...

'' *''

Pulse of the City ''Pulse of the City'' is an American television anthology drama series on the now-defunct DuMont Television Network. The series ran from September 15, 1953, to March 9, 1954. The directors of the dramas included Robert Altman. Episode status Thre ...

'' *'' Stars on Parade'' *'' The Stranger'' Not returning from 1952–53: *''

The Arthur Murray Party ''The Arthur Murray Party'' is an American television variety show which ran from July 1950 until September 1960. The show was hosted by famous dancers Arthur Murray, Arthur and Kathryn Murray, and was basically one long advertisement for their c ...

'' *''

Author Meets the Critics ''Author Meets the Critics'' was an American talk show which was broadcast by the National Broadcasting Company, American Broadcasting Company, and the DuMont Television Network. The series began as a mid-season replacement on NBC on April 4, 19 ...

'' *'' The Big Idea'' *'' Blind Date'' *''

Charlie Wild, Private Detective ''Charlie Wild, Private Detective'' is an American detective series that aired on three of the four major American television networks of the 1950s. Origin The program was the televised version of a radio program with the same title. At least som ...

'' *''

Dark of Night ''Dark of Night'' is an American anthology television series, dramatic anthology series that aired on the DuMont Television Network on Fridays at 8:30pm EST from October 3, 1952, to May 1, 1953. The series starred mostly unknown actors. In it, t ...

'' *''

Drama at Eight ''Drama at Eight'' was an American television program which was broadcast on the now defunct DuMont Television Network. The series ran during the summer of 1953. It was a dramatic anthology which aired Thursday nights from 8 to 8:30 PM (giving t ...

'' *''

Football Sidelines ''Football Sidelines'' is a TV sports program broadcast on the DuMont Television Network from October 6 to December 22, 1952 and hosted by Harry Wismer. The program was 15 minutes long, and aired on Mondays at 9:30pm ET, followed by '' Famous Figh ...

'' *''

Georgetown University Forum ''Georgetown University Forum'' is an American radio talk show. It is uploaded weekly to the Public Radio Satellite System as free content for National Public Radio member stations, with additional availability to Armed Forces Radio and Voice of Am ...

'' *''

Jimmy Hughes, Rookie Cop ''Jimmy Hughes, Rookie Cop'' is an American crime show that aired on the DuMont Television Network from May 8 to July 3, 1953. The show starred William Redfield, later Conrad Janis, in the title role of Jimmy Hughes. The series was written by Br ...

'' *'' Keep Posted'' *''

The Old American Barn Dance ''The Old American Barn Dance'' is an American country music television series carried by the DuMont Television Network from July 5 to September 13, 1953. Production The summer replacement program, hosted by Bill Bailey, aired on Sunday nights ...

'' *''

One Woman's Experience ''One Woman's Experience'', also known as ''One Woman's Story'', was a DuMont Television Network anthology TV show created and produced by Lawrence Menkin (1911-2000) and starring Wendy Waldron. The show aired from October 6, 1952 to April 3, 1953 ...

'' *'' The Pet Shop'' *''

The Power of Women ''The Power of Women'' was an early American television program broadcast on the DuMont Television Network. The series ran from July to November of 1952. This thirty-minute-long series was a public affairs program originally hosted by Vivien ...

'' *'' Report Card for Parents'' *''

Stage a Number ''Stage a Number'' is a TV series on the DuMont Television Network which was broadcast in the US on Wednesdays at 9pm ET from September 10, 1952, to May 20, 1953. It was a live talent show for dancers, singers, acrobats and other entertainers. A p ...

'' *''

Steve Randall ''Steve Randall'' (also known as ''Hollywood Off-Beat'') is an American detective television series starring Melvyn Douglas that ran on the DuMont Television Network from November 7, 1952, to January 30, 1953, and on CBS from June 16, 1953, to Au ...

'' *'' This Is the Life Presents "The Fisher Family"'' *''

Trash or Treasure ''Trash or Treasure'', later known as ''Treasure Hunt'', is an early American TV series which aired on the DuMont Television Network Thursdays at 9pm ET from October 1, 1952, to September 27, 1953. The show was hosted by Sigmund Rothschild and Nel ...

'' *'' Where Was I?'' *''

Wisdom of the Ages ''Wisdom of the Ages'' is a panel show aired on the DuMont Television Network from December 16, 1952, to June 30, 1953. The show combined the ideas of ''Juvenile Jury'' and ''Life Begins at Eighty'', with a combined panel of youth and the elderly. ...

'' *''

Wrestling From Marigold ''Wrestling from Marigold'' is an American sports program broadcast from the Marigold Arena in Chicago which aired on the DuMont Television Network from Saturday, September 17, 1949, until March 1955. The show lasted for either 90 or 120 minutes, ...

'' *''

Youth on the March ''Youth on the March'' is an American religious television program originally broadcast on ABC from October 1949 to May 1952, and by the DuMont Television Network from October 1952 to June 1953. The show was presented by the Young People's Churc ...

NBC

Returning Series *'' Armstrong Circle Theatre'' *''

'' *'' Bank on the Stars'' (moved from CBS) *'' The Big Story'' *''

The Buick-Berle Show ''Texaco Star Theater'' was an American comedy-variety show, broadcast on radio from 1938 to 1949 and telecast from 1948 to 1956. It was one of the first successful examples of American television broadcasting, remembered as the show that gave M ...

'' *''

Camel News Caravan ''The Camel News Caravan'' or ''Camel Caravan of News'' was a 15-minute American television news program aired by NBC News from February 16, 1949 to October 26, 1956. Sponsored by the Camel cigarette brand and anchored by John Cameron Swayze, it ...

'' *''

Cameo Theatre ''Cameo Theatre'' is an American anthology series that aired on NBC during the Golden Age of Television, from 1950 to 1955. Television in the round The live series, produced by Albert McCleery, introduced to television the concept of theater-in- ...

'' *'' Campbell Soundstage'' *''

Coke Time with Eddie Fisher ''Coke Time with Eddie Fisher'' is an American musical variety television series starring singer Eddie Fisher which was broadcast by NBC on Wednesday and Friday nights from 7:30 to 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesdays and Fridays, from Apri ...

'' *'' The Colgate Comedy Hour'' *'' The Dave Garroway Show'' *''

The Dennis Day Show ''The RCA Victor Show'' is a 1950s American television program broadcast on NBC that eventually became ''The Dennis Day Show''. It began on November 23, 1951, and ended on August 2, 1954. ''The RCA Victor Show'' With Ezio Pinza ''The RCA Victor ...

'' *'' The Dinah Shore Show'' *'' Dragnet'' *'' Ethel and Albert'' *''

Fireside Theatre ''Fireside Theatre'' (also known as ''Jane Wyman Presents'') is an American anthology drama series that ran on NBC from 1949 to 1958, and was the first successful filmed series on American television. Productions were low-budget and often based ...

'' *'' Ford Theatre'' *''

Gillette Cavalcade of Sports The ''Gillette Cavalcade of Sports'' is an American radio-turned-television program by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) that ran from 1942 to 1960. The program included broadcasts of a variety of sports, although it is primarily remembered ...

'' *'' Goodyear Television Playhouse'' *''Greatest Fights of the Century'' *'' I Married Joan'' *''It Happened In Sports'' *''

The Kate Smith Evening Hour Kathryn Elizabeth Smith (May 1, 1907 – June 17, 1986) was an American contralto. Referred to as The First Lady of Radio, Smith is well known for her renditions of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" & "When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain". ...

'' *''

'' *'' The Life of Riley'' *''

'' (moved from CBS) *'' Martin Kane, Private Eye'' *'' Mister Peepers'' *''

My Little Margie ''My Little Margie'' is an American television situation comedy starring Gale Storm and Charles Farrell that alternated between CBS and NBC from 1952 to 1955. The series was created by Frank Fox and produced in Los Angeles, California, at Hal Ro ...

'' *'' Name That Tune'' *'' On the Line with Considine'' *''

The Original Amateur Hour ''The Original Amateur Hour'' is an American radio and television program. The show was a continuation of ''Major Bowes Amateur Hour'' which had been a radio staple from 1934 to 1945. Major Edward Bowes, the originator of the program and its mas ...

'' *'' The Paul Winchell Show'' *'' The Philco Television Playhouse'' *'' Robert Montgomery Presents'' *''

'' *''

This Is Your Life This Is Your Life may refer to: Television * ''This Is Your Life'' (American franchise), an American radio and television documentary biography series hosted by Ralph Edwards * ''This Is Your Life'' (Australian TV series), the Australian versio ...

'' *'' Treasury Men in Action'' *''

The Voice of Firestone ''The Voice of Firestone'' was a radio and television program of classical music. The show featured leading singers in selections from opera and operetta. Originally titled ''The Firestone Hour'', it was first broadcast on the NBC Radio network ...

'' *''

Watch Mr. Wizard ''Watch Mr. Wizard'' was an American television program for children that demonstrates the science behind ordinary things. The show's creator and on-air host was Don Herbert. Author Marcel LaFollette says of the program, "It enjoyed consistent pra ...

'' *'' Who Said That?'' *'' You Bet Your Life'' *''

Your Favorite Story ''Your Favorite Story'' is a syndicated TV anthology series that was broadcast in the United States from 1953 to 1955. The program was also known as ''My Favorite Story''. It was premiered in December 1954 with the title ''Your Favorite Playhouse'' ...

'' *'' Your Hit Parade'' *'' Your Show of Shows'' New Series *''

The Best in Mystery ''The Best in Mystery'' is an American anthology and mystery television series that ran for three years as a summer replacement series for the crime drama '' The Big Story''. The series aired on NBC from July 16, 1954, to September 3, 1954, ...

'' * *'' The Bob Hope Show'' *'' Bonino'' *''

Cheer Television Theatre ''Cheer Television Theatre'' (also known as ''TV Theatre'') is an American anthology series and drama that aired on the NBC Television Network from May 30, 1954, through June 27, 1954. The series aired on Sunday nights from 7-7:30 PM. The series ...

'' * *'' The Dave Garroway Show'' *''

'' *'' Inner Sanctum'' *''It Happened in Sports'' *''Judge for Yourself'' *''

'' *''

'' *'' The Marriage'' * *''

The Martha Raye Show Martha Raye (born Margy Reed; August 27, 1916 – October 19, 1994), nicknamed The Big Mouth, was an American comic actress and singer who performed in movies, and later on television. She also acted in plays, including Broadway. She was honored ...

'' *''

The Spike Jones Show ''The Spike Jones Show'' was the name of several separate American comedy and variety show, variety series that aired on NBC and CBS in the 1950s and 1960s. The series was presented by actor and musician Spike Jones, his wife, musician Helen Gray ...

'' * *''

The World of Mr. Sweeney ''The World of Mr. Sweeney'' is an American sitcom that aired on NBC in primetime and daytime. The series first aired live in primetime from June 30 to August 20, 1954, four nights a week from Tuesday to Friday, and from October 1954 to December 19 ...

'' Not returning from 1952–53: *'' The Aldrich Family'' *''

The Buick Circus Hour ''The Buick Circus Hour'' is an American television series which aired from 1952 to 1953 on NBC. It was a variety series with a circus theme. It was a 60-minute show, 52 or so minutes minus ads. As the title suggests, it was sponsored by Buick. Ar ...

'' *'' The Doctor'' *''Embassy Club'' *''

Eye Witness Eyewitness or eye witness may refer to: Witness * Witness, someone who has knowledge acquired through first-hand experience ** Eyewitness memory ** Eyewitness testimony Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''Eyewitness'' (1956 film), a Britis ...

'' *''

Ford Festival ''Ford Festival'', also known as ''Ford Festival Time'' or ''The James Melton Show'', is an hour-long television show, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, hosted by James Melton, and broadcast on NBC Television beginning on April 5, 1951. The final s ...

'' *'' Gang Busters'' *''

Gulf Playhouse ''Gulf Playhouse'', also known as ''Gulf Playhouse: 1st Person'' and ''First Person Playhouse'', is an American anthology series that aired on Friday nights from 1952 to 1953 on NBC. Originally a standard live dramatic anthology series, it was la ...

'' *''The Herman Hickmann Show'' *'' My Hero'' *'' My Son Jeep'' *'' The RCA Victor Show Starring Dennis Day'' *''Scott Music Hall'' *''

Short Short Dramas ''Short Short Dramas'' is an American dramatic anthology series which aired from September 30, 1952 to April 9, 1953 on NBC. During the original run it was hosted by Ruth Woods, whose segments were dropped when it was syndicated (see below). While ...

'' *''

Those Two ''Those Two'' (Italian: ''Quei due'') is a 1935 Italian comedy film directed by Gennaro Righelli and starring Eduardo De Filippo, Peppino De Filippo and Assia Noris. A couple of men struggling to find work both fall in love with the same woman. The ...

'' *''

Victory at Sea ''Victory at Sea'' is a documentary television series about warfare in general during World War II, and naval warfare in particular, as well as the use of industry in warfare. It was originally broadcast by NBC in the United States in 1952–19 ...

'' Note: The * indicates that the program was introduced in midseason.

References

* McNeil, Alex. (1996). ''Total Television: The Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present''. Fourth edition. New York: Penguin Books. . * Brooks, Tim & Marsh, Earle (1984). ''The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows'' (3rd ed.). New York: Ballantine. . * Heldenfels, R(ichard) D. (1994). ''Television's Greatest Year: 1954''. New York: Continuum. .

General references

* McNeil, Alex. ''Total Television''. Fourth edition. New York: Penguin Books. . * Brooks, Tim & Marsh, Earle (2007). ''The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows'' (9th ed.). New York: Ballantine. .

Inline citations

{{DEFAULTSORT:1953-54 United States network television schedule United States primetime network television schedules United States network television schedule United States network television schedule