Today in History: Monday, January 8, 2024

Television
Sitcom “My Friend Irma,“ based on the radio show and the movie of the same name, debuted on CBS in 1952. It starred Marie Wilson and it ran for two seasons. “My Friend Irma” the film in 1949 marked the motion picture debut of the Martin and Lewis comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Rock ‘n’ roll-themed “Shindig,” which featured many of the top names in music at the time, concluded its two-and-one half season run on ABC in 1966…NBC reality competition “The Apprentice” launched in 2004. Donald Trump was the host of the first 14 editions, with the most recent season, “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2017, hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Martha Stewart hosted one season spin-off, “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart,“ in 2005…Sitcom “Cougar Town” moved to TBS on this day in 2013 after three seasons on ABC. It officially concluded on March 31, 2015.

Celebrity Birthdays
Singer Shirley Bassey is 87; Elvis Presley was born on this day in 1935.

Did You Know?
”Cougar Town,” which was originally about older women (“cougars”) dating younger men quickly morphed into an ensemble comedy about a group of friends. Series creator Bill Lawrence had considered changing the title to reflect the change, but ultimately decided against it.