Today in TV History – Thursday, April 2, 2020

“The Big Story” debuted on NBC radio in 1947. It was on the air for eight years. Each week the program recognized the reporter who wrote the story on which that episode was based and the newspaper in which the story appeared.

Theatrical “Patton,” starring George C. Scott in his Oscar-winning role, opened in theaters in 1970.

Remember that guy that streaked past David Niven in the buff on “The Academy Awards”? His name was Robert Opal and it happened on this day in 1974.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anonymous/AP/REX/Shutterstock (6594477a)<br

CBS daytime dramas “The Edge of Night” and “As the World Turns” premiered in 1956. “The Edge of Night” moved to ABC in 1975 and remained on the air until 1984. “As the World Turns” enjoyed a 54 season run on the Eye net, concluding in 2010.

CBS drama “Dallas” opened in 1978 in the form of a five-part miniseries. It returned as a regularly scheduled series the following fall and concluded on May 3, 1991. Combined with the recent three season revival on TNT (2012-14), a total of 397 episodes of “Dallas” have been produced.

NBC aired TV movie “The Facts of Life Go to Paris,” featuring the cast of the sitcom, in 1984.

CBS launched sitcom “The Lucie Arnaz Show” in 1985. It aired for six episodes and co-starred Tony Roberts.

WB sitcom “Smart Guy,” starring Tahj Mowry, began its three season run in 1999. Taj is the brother of Tia and Tamera Mowry.

NBC medical drama “ER” concluded after 15 seasons in 2009.