The TV Academy recently unveiled its list of the 75 most influential television moments, showcasing the significant impact of music-related events. MTV earned three spots with iconic moments such as its 1981 debut, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video premiere in 1983, and the launch of “The Real World” in 1992.
Notably, both the Super Bowl and The Ed Sullivan Show secured two spots each for their remarkable musical contributions. A memorable wardrobe malfunction and Whitney Houston’s iconic performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” were highlights of the Super Bowl. Elvis Presley and The Beatles performed ground-breaking shows on The Ed Sullivan Show in the meantime.
While the top two moments were non-musical, with Neil Armstrong’s moon landing in 1969 and the live coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks taking the lead, music played a significant role in shaping television history.
The TV Academy solicited votes from its members on a selection of several hundred programs and news moments after gathering submissions from peer group executive committees to create the list. The final list commemorates 75 moments as the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards draw near, signaling an important turning point in the history of television.. The show was initially slated for September but faced delays due to Hollywood strikes involving writers and actors.
- Rank 1 (1960s) – News Item: After Apollo 11 landed on the moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong proclaimed, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
- Rank 2 (2000s) – News Item: Live coverage unfolded as the world witnessed the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
- Rank 3 (1960s) – The Ed Sullivan Show: The iconic performance of The Beatles graced The Ed Sullivan Show during the 1960s, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
- Rank 4 (1970s) – Roots: In the premiere episode of Roots, titled “Part I,” the powerful imagery of the newborn Kunta Kinte being held by his father symbolized freedom and possibility.
- Rank 5 (1960s) – News Item: Walter Cronkite somberly announced the death of President John F. Kennedy in a moment that echoed throughout the 1960s.
- Rank 6 (1960s) – News Item: Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I have a dream” speech during the March on Washington, a pivotal moment in civil rights history.
- Rank 7 (1960s) – Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: In Episode 1065 of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Fred Rogers invited Officer Clemmons to share a wading pool on a hot day, promoting unity and friendship.
- Rank 8 (1980s) – MAS*H: The emotional farewell episode, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” featured B.J. giving Hawkeye a ride to his chopper, marking the end of an era.
- Rank 9 (1980s) – MTV: The music world changed with the airing of the first music video on MTV, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
- Rank 10 (1970s) – Saturday Night Live: The comedy landscape shifted with the premiere of Saturday Night Live, hosted by George Carlin during the 1970s.
- Rank 11 (1950s) – The Ed Sullivan Show: The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, made a memorable appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show during the 1950s.
- Rank 12 (1980s) – News Item: CNN provided live coverage of the Space Shuttle Challenger launch and the heartbreaking subsequent explosion.
- Rank 13 (1990s) – Ellen: In “The Puppy Episode” of Ellen, the titular character, played by Ellen Degeneres, came out as gay, unintentionally broadcasting the announcement over an airport’s public address system.
- Rank 14 (1960s) – A Charlie Brown Christmas: Linus imparted the true meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown in the timeless A Charlie Brown Christmas special.
- Rank 15 (1970s) – The Carol Burnett Show: The Carol Burnett Show featured the hilarious sketch “Went with the Wind,” where Starlett made a dress out of the plantation’s curtains.
- Rank 16 (1990s) – News Item: Networks across the country provided live coverage of the slow-speed car chase of O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.
- Rank 17 (1950s) – I Love Lucy: Lucille Ball’s iconic moment in “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” showcased her comedic talent as Lucy became intoxicated during a rehearsal.
- Rank 18 (1960s) – News Item: The first-ever televised debate between Kennedy and Nixon during the 1960 presidential campaign marked a turning point in political coverage.
- Rank 19 (1970s) – All in the Family: In “Sammy’s Visit,” Sammy Davis, Jr. kissed Archie Bunker on the cheek, capturing a historic and surprising moment on television.
- Rank 20 (2020s) – News Item: The release of the video capturing George Floyd’s murder in the 2020s became a catalyst for social change and justice.
- Rank 21 (1980s) – Dallas: The shocking moment in “A House Divided” saw J.R. Ewing being gunned down, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Rank 22 (1970s) – The Mary Tyler Moore Show: “Chuckles Bites the Dust” showcased a mix of laughter and poignant moments as Mary Tyler Moore’s character giggled uncontrollably during a funeral.
- Rank 23 (2020s) – News Item: Live coverage of Congress counting electoral votes captured the harrowing events of the January 6 insurrection.
- Rank 24 (1970s) – MAS*H: In “Abyssinia, Henry,” Radar delivered the heartbreaking news of Colonel Blake’s plane being shot down with no survivors.]
- Rank 25 (1960s) – Sesame Street: The premiere episode of Sesame Street featured Gordon introducing Sally to the vibrant and educational world of Sesame Street.
- Rank 26 (1990s) – Newhart: The series finale, “The Last Newhart,” left audiences in surprise as Bob Newhart’s character woke up and revealed it was all a dream.
- Rank 27 (1990s) – Seinfeld: In “The Soup Nazi” episode, Elaine’s rejection from a soup kitchen became a memorable comedic moment in Seinfeld.
- Rank 28 (2000s) – News Item: President-Elect Obama’s Election Night speech in which he proclaimed “Change has come to America” marked a historic moment.
- Rank 29 (1960s) – 60 Minutes: The debut episode of 60 Minutes, hosted by Mike Wallace and Harry Reasoner, featured coverage of the Nixon and Humphrey presidential campaigns.
- Rank 30 (1950s) – I Love Lucy: “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” captured the comedic chaos as Lucille Ball’s character gave birth to Little Ricky.
- Rank 31 (2000s) – Breaking Bad: The pilot episode of Breaking Bad, titled “Pilot,” set the intense tone of the series as Walter White records a desperate video message in his underwear.
- Rank 32 (1970s) – All in the Family: The premiere episode, “Meet the Bunkers,” featured a surprise party planned by Mike and Gloria to celebrate Archie and Edith’s 22nd anniversary.
- Rank 33 (2020s) – Academy Awards – 2022: The shocking moment at the 2022 Academy Awards, where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, became a defining and unexpected event.
- Rank 34 (1990s) – News Item: The release of the video recorded by George Holiday depicting the brutal beating of Rodney King by four police officers shocked the nation.
- Rank 35 (1970s) – Schoolhouse Rock!: The animated short “Conjunction Junction” from Schoolhouse Rock! educated generations with its catchy explanation of conjunctions.
- Rank 36 (2000s) – The Sopranos: The series finale “Made In America” concluded with a mysterious and debated ending as The Sopranos gathered in a diner.
- Rank 37 (1980s) – Live Aid: The multi-venue benefit concert Live Aid raised money for the relief of the famine in Ethiopia, uniting musicians for a global cause.
- Rank 38 (1990s) – News Item: The worldwide live television broadcast of the O.J. Simpson trial verdict captured the attention of millions around the globe.
- Rank 39 (1980s) – The Simpsons: The premiere episode “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” brought warmth and humor as the Simpson family welcomed Santa’s Little Helper for Christmas.
- Rank 40 (1950s) – The Twilight Zone: “Time Enough at Last” portrayed the tragic irony as Harry Bemis, the sole survivor of a nuclear catastrophe, shatters his glasses, leaving him unable to read.
- Rank 41 (1980s) – CNN: CNN made history with its first newscast, introduced by Ted Turner, featuring David Walker and Lois Hart as anchors.
- Rank 42 (2000s) – Six Feet Under: The series finale “Everyone’s Waiting” of Six Feet Under showed flash-forwards of characters’ lives, providing closure in unique and poignant ways.
- Rank 43 (1970s) – Maude: In “Maude’s Dilemma,” Maude and Walter made a significant decision about having a child, addressing societal norms during the 1970s.
- Rank 44 (2000s) – American Idol: The first season finale of American Idol marked a cultural phenomenon as Kelly Clarkson emerged victorious.
- Rank 45 (1970s) – Roots: In “Part II” of Roots, Kunta Kinte endured a brutal whipping until he reluctantly accepted the name “Toby,” depicting the harsh realities of slavery.
- Rank 46 (1950s) – Merry Melodies: “What’s Opera, Doc?” from Merry Melodies showcased Elmer Fudd’s tearful carrying of Bugs Bunny to Valhalla in a comedic and operatic twist.
- Rank 47 (1980s) – The Golden Girls: The premiere episode of The Golden Girls, “The Engagement,” introduced Dorothy’s mother Sophia unexpectedly moving in, setting the stage for hilarious moments.
- Rank 48 (1980s) – MTV: The debut of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video on MTV became a groundbreaking moment in music history.
- Rank 49 (2000s) – The Oprah Winfrey Show: Oprah’s generosity reached new heights as she surprised her audience by giving everyone a car in a memorable episode.
- Rank 50 (1960s) – Star Trek: “Plato’s Stepchildren” featured the groundbreaking moment when Captain Kirk and Uhura shared a kiss, challenging societal norms of the time.
- Rank 51 (2010s) – Game of Thrones: “The Rains of Castamere” episode featured a shocking and brutal sequence during Robb Stark’s wedding, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
- Rank 52 (1970s) – The Mary Tyler Moore Show: In “The Last Show,” the characters gathered in the newsroom for a heartfelt goodbye, culminating in a group hug and the lights turning off.
- Rank 53 (1950s) – The Twilight Zone: The premiere episode “Where is Everybody?” featured a man seemingly all alone in a small town, setting the eerie tone for The Twilight Zone.
- Rank 54 (1980s) – Sesame Street: “Farewell, Mr. Hooper” on Sesame Street dealt with the sensitive topic of death as Big Bird’s friends explained Mr. Hooper’s passing.
- Rank 55 (1980s) – The Day After: The television movie depicted Dr. Oakes’ poignant return to a post-nuclear Kansas City, highlighting the devastating consequences of nuclear war.
- Rank 56 (2020s) – The Last of Us: In “Long, Long Time,” a dark turn occurred as Bill placed a lethal dose of sleeping tablets in Frank’s wine in The Last of Us.
- Rank 57 (1950s) – The Nat King Cole Show: The premiere episode of The Nat King Cole Show featured musical performances by The Boataneers and Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra.
- Rank 58 (1990s) – News Item: The worldwide live television broadcast of Princess Diana’s funeral became a somber and widely watched event.
- Rank 59 (1950s) – News Item: The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II captured the attention of the world during the 1950s.
- Rank 60 (2000s) – Lost: The pilot episode, “Pilot, Part 1,” plunged 48 survivors into an uncharted tropical island full of mysteries and secrets in Lost.
- Rank 61 (2000s) – Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show: Justin Timberlake’s accidental exposure of Janet Jackson’s costume during the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2004 became a momentous and controversial event.
- Rank 62 (1980s) – General Hospital: Episode 1.4757 of General Hospital marked a significant event as Luke and Laura got married, captivating soap opera audiences.
- Rank 63 (1990s) – News Item: The news coverage of the Los Angeles riots, following the Rodney King verdict, unfolded on television screens, depicting a city in turmoil.
- Rank 64 (2010s) – Game of Thrones: The premiere episode, “Winter is Coming,” opened with the Night’s Watch encountering a White Walker, setting the stage for the epic series.
- Rank 65 (1990s) – Super Bowl XXV Pregame: Whitney Houston’s powerful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” during the pregame of Super Bowl XXV left a lasting impact.
- Rank 66 (1960s) – The French Chef: The premiere episode of The French Chef featured Julia Child making boeuf bourguignon, marking the beginning of her influential culinary show.
- Rank 67 (1990s) – The Real World: The premiere episode of The Real World introduced Julie, an aspiring dancer, to her diverse roommates, paving the way for reality TV.
- Rank 68 (2000s) – Friends: In “The Last One,” the beloved sitcom Friends concluded with a poignant scene as the six friends left their keys and went for one last cup of coffee.
- Rank 69 (1960s) – Julia: The premiere episode of Julia introduced the character Julia Baker, a widowed single mother played by Diahann Carroll.
- Rank 70 (1990s) – Will & Grace: In the pilot episode, Will risked his friendship with Grace by expressing concerns about her impending marriage, setting the tone for the series.
- Rank 71 (1950s) – Peter Pan: Mary Martin, as Peter Pan, taught the Darling children how to fly in the iconic televised version of the classic tale.
- Rank 72 (1940s) – Meet the Press: The first episode of Meet the Press featured guest James Farley, former Postmaster General and Democratic National Committee Chairman.
- Rank 73 (1990s) – Cheers: The series finale, “One for the Road,” concluded with Sam looking around the empty bar and reflecting on his good fortune.
- Rank 74 (1950s) – Walt Disney’s Disneyland: In “The Disneyland Story,” Walt Disney provided a preview of his upcoming park called Disneyland during the premiere episode.
- Rank 75 (1990s) – The Tonight Show: In episode S30.E120, Bette Midler’s rendition of “One More for My Baby” served as a farewell to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show.
This collection of moments spans decades and genres, reflecting the diverse and impactful nature of television history. Each entry has left an indelible mark on the medium, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical milestones.
Moon Landing, Beatles, and MLK Speech Stand Tall in TV’s 75 Biggest Moments Before 75th Emmys
The TV Academy recently unveiled its list of the 75 most impactful television moments ahead of the 75th edition of the Emmy Awards. This comprehensive ranking, collaboratively compiled by industry professionals and academics, spans eight decades of TV history. Topping the list is the historic 1969 moon landing by Apollo 11, followed closely by the 9/11 attacks’ coverage on the World Trade Center and the Beatles’ iconic 1964 appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
While the top spots are dominated by significant news events, the list also features memorable fictional moments from classic TV dramas, comedies, and specials. Notable inclusions are the farewell of Hawkeye to B.J. in the 1983 final episode of “M.A.S.H.” (No. 8), Linus reciting the nativity story in 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (No. 14), and the much-debated cut-to-black final moment of “The Sopranos” in 2007 (No. 36).
Additionally, the list recognizes moments from shows nominated in the current year, such as the last moments of Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett on HBO’s “The Last of Us” (No. 56). Noteworthy inclusions encompass Ellen DeGeneres revealing her sexuality on “Ellen” (No. 13), the infamous “Soup Nazi” episode of “Seinfeld” (No. 27), Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video debut (No. 48), Whitney Houston’s Super Bowl “Star-Spangled Banner” performance (No. 65), and impactful scenes from “Sesame Street” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
The live broadcast of the Emmy Awards from Los Angeles is scheduled for Monday, starting at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.