Today in TV History – March 30, 2020

The original version of “Jeopardy!,” hosted by Art Fleming, debuted on NBC in daytime in 1964.

NBC daytime drama “Somerset,” which was spun-off from “Another World,” began its six season run in 1970.

Short-lived variety hour “3 Girls 3,” featuring then newcomers Debbie Allen, Ellen Foley and Mimi Kennedy, opened in 1977.

In 1978, Ellen Corby returned to CBS family drama “The Waltons” after a year-and-a-half absence due to Corby’s real-life stroke. But her reunion with beloved hubby Zeb (Will Geer) was short-lived. Geer died that summer at the age of 76.

“CBS Storybreak,” a Saturday morning anthology series hosted by Bob Keeshan (aka Captain Kangaroo), began on CBS in 1985. It aired for three seasons.

Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock,” featuring the Muppets, concluded on HBO in 1987.

The revival of variety-themed “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” hosted by Tom and Dick Smothers, opened in 1988. Jack Lemmon, Harry Belafonte, Pat Paulsen, Andrea Martin and “SNL’s” Father Guido Sarducci were the first guests. It lasted one season.

CBS sitcom “The Bagdad Café,” based on the movie of the same name, debuted in 1990. It aired for two half seasons and starred Whoopi Goldberg and Jean Stapleton.

Also in 1990 was the box office opening of the live action “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

“The Silence of the Lambs” was named Best Picture at the “64th Annual Academy Awards” in 1992. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster also took home statuettes for Best Actor and Actress, respectively.

“A Walton Easter,” the final television movie featuring the cast of “The Waltons,” aired on CBS in 1997.

Craig Kilborn took over as host of CBS’ “The Late Late Show” in 1999. Bill Murray was his first guest.