Today in Today History: Saturday, April 4, 2020

CBS special “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” first aired on this day in 1971. Danny Kaye provided one of the voices.

One of my all-time favorite sitcoms, “Petticoat Junction,” concluded its seven season run on CBS on this day in 1970. Debuting Sept. 24, 1963 (and not a spin-off of “The Beverly Hillbillies” as may think), the Hooterville-based half-hour was never the same after the passing of beloved Bea Benaderet early in season six. Her replacement, June Lockhart, turns 95 on June 25.

CBS sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes” concluded its six season run on this day in 1971. Thankfully, talks of a reboot focused on the descendants of the original characters who together for a global treasure hunt has not moved forward.

“The Barbara Walters Special” on ABC featured Barbara’s sitdowns with Walter Matthau, Walter Mondale, Yankees great Reggie Jackson and Donny and Marie Osmond.

The revival of talent competition “Star Search” returned with new host John Schneider in 1983.

“Archie Bunker’s Place,” the continuation of “All in the Family,” ended its four season run on CBS in 1983. Combined with “All in the Family” and Carol O’Connor played Archie for 12 and one-half seasons.

NBC comedy “Double Trouble,” featuring the twin sisters of Katey Sagal — Liz and Jean Sagal — began its two season run in 1984.

The original “Knight Rider” on NBC, starring David Hasselhoff, rode into the TV sunset after four seasons on this day in 1986. A reboot in 2008 (minus “The Hoff”) aired for one uneventful season.

Syndicated first-run action/adventure “Renegade,” starring Lorenzo Lamas, ended its five season run in 1987.

ABC comedy “The Marshall Chronicles” began its short run out of “Doogie Howser, M.D.” in 1990.