1983 in American television

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The year 1983 in television involved some significant events. Below is a list of television-related events in 1983.

For the American TV schedule, see: 1983-84 United States network television schedule.

Events

• January 3 - Plinko is added as a Pricing Game on The Price Is Right; it will become one of the most popular of all the show's games. Also on this date, 3 new game shows debut on rival NBC: $ale Of The Century, Just Men! and Hit Man.
• February 8 - Minipops premieres on Channel 4 in the UK. Though a ratings success, it is canceled after the first series due to heavy media criticism.
• February 23 - After months of "will she or won't she?" drama, Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) makes the choice to break up with Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs) and reunite with her estranged husband Ken (William Roache) on Coronation Street. The episode was one of the highest-rated in the serial's history.
• February 28 - Over 125 million Americans tune in to watch the 251st and final episode of M*A*S*H on CBS, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen."
• March 6 - Mini-Series The Dismissal, about 1975 sacking of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, airs on Network 0-10 (Ten) Australia.
• March 6- Country Music Television (CMT) launches in the United States.
• March 7 - The Nashville Network (TNN) (later Spike TV) begins broadcasting.
• March 19 - US First Lady Nancy Reagan makes a special appearance on an episode of Diff'rent Strokes, launching her Just Say No anti-drug campaign.
• April 18 - The Disney Channel is launched on American cable TV.
• April 30 - Australia's current affairs show Four Corners airs "The Big League"—a story which contains serious allegations against NSW Premier Neville Wran.
• May 6 - A fire at Southfork threatens the lives of the Ewings on the season finale of Dallas.
• May 11 - Peter Adamson makes his last appearance as Len Fairclough on Coronation Street.
• May 16 - Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever airs on NBC. Michael Jackson steals the show by singing and dancing to his hit single "Billie Jean" and performing for the first time his "moonwalk" dance .
• August 4 - On NBC, the cast of Search for Tomorrow is forced to do a live show for the first time since the program moved to videotape in 1967; both the regular transmission tape and a backup were lost, something that was disputed by outside sources after the fact.
• August 16 - ITV broadcasts Woodentop as part of its Storyboard series. It would later be turned into a series and re-titled The Bill.
• August 23 - Colour television was introduced in Romania.
• August 30 - WKBS-TV in Philadelphia is closed after Field Enterprises failed to find a buyer - even though the station is still profitable.
• September 5
  • The half-hour Robert MacNeil Report changes its name to the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, becoming the first American hour-long network news show.
  • Tom Brokaw becomes the sole head anchor of the NBC Nightly News, ending a 17 month stint co-anchoring the broadcast with Roger Mudd.
  • Peter Jennings becomes sole anchor of ABC's World News Tonight, following the death of Frank Reynolds.
• September 6 - ITV broadcasts Killer. It would be later be turned into a series and re-titled Taggart.
• September 10 - The Littles, based on a series of children's novels by John Peterson, is broadcast on ABC.
• September 17 - Dungeons & Dragons, based on the role-playing game by TSR, Inc., is broadcast on CBS for 3 seasons.
• September 29 - Return to Eden mini-series premiere in Australia on 0-10 Network.
• September 30 - Filmation's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, one of the most popular children's shows of the year, is broadcast in syndicated television.
• October 3 - During a live NBC news update, anchor Jessica Savitch appears incoherent; her speech is slurred and she deviates from her copy and ad-libs her report. Miss Savitch, dogged by rumors of drug abuse and instability, still has her contract renewed anyway.
• October 10
  • Adam, a TV-movie about the mysterious disappearance of Adam Walsh, airs on NBC.
  • Enjoy Yourself Tonight, a Hong Kong variety show, shifting from Cantonese to English and moved to ATV World.
• October 12 - Doris Speed makes her last appearance as Annie Walker on Coronation Street.
• November 20 - An estimated 100 million people watch the controversial made-for-television movie The Day After, depicting the start of a nuclear war.
• November 23 - 20th anniversary of the first broadcast of Doctor Who in the UK.
• November 24 - This day's episode of Sesame Street confronts the sensitive issue of death when Big Bird learns to grasp the concept as it relates to his late friend, Mr. Hooper.
• December 2 - Michael Jackson's world famous music video for "Thriller" is broadcast for the first time. It will become the most often repeated and famous music video of all time and increase his own popularity and the record sales of the album "Thriller".
• December 21 - Gerald Ford, Betty Ford, and Henry Kissinger make cameo appearances on Dynasty.
• David Canary first premieres on All My Children.
• Pam Long's scripts first air on Guiding Light.
• NBC's fall slate is perhaps the least successful in history: all nine of its new fall series (Manimal, Jennifer Slept Here, We Got it Made, Mr. Smith, Bay City Blues, The Yellow Rose with Sam Elliott and Cybill Sheppard, Boone with Barry Corbin, For Love and Honor, and The Rousters) will be gone within one year or less.

Debuts

• January 3 - A revival of Sale of the Century based on the then-current Australian version premieres on NBC (1983–1989)
  • Hit Man premieres for a 13 week trial with host Peter Tomarken who later hosts the CBS game show Press Your Luck.
• January 4 - Children's ITV premieres on ITV in the UK. (1983— )
• January 10- Fraggle Rock, a Jim Henson production, debuts on HBO (1983–1987).
• January 22 - Mama's Family, based on sketches from The Carol Burnett Show, debuts on NBC (1983–1984; 1986–1990).
• January 23 - The A-Team debuts on NBC (1983–1987).
• January 17 - Breakfast Time, Britain's first breakfast show, launches on BBC1.
• February 1 - TV-am launches, with Good Morning Britain
• February 5 - The Dukes, an animated series based on The Dukes of Hazzard, debuts on CBS (1983–1984).
  • Kagaku Sentai Dynaman premieres on TV-Asahi (1983-1984).
• April 10 - Casablanca, a short lived show based on the movie of the same name, debuts on NBC (1983)
• June 15 - The first episode of The Black Adder, the first in the successful Blackadder series of sitcoms, debuts on BBC One in the UK.
• June 27 - Loving premieres on ABC (1983–1995).
• July 7 - The Crystal Cube, an early BBC Two pilot written by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. However, the BBC hated it and a series was not commissioned.
• July 29 - Friday Night Videos premieres on NBC late night (1983-2002).
• August 29 - Blockbusters premieres on ITV in the UK (1983-93, 1994-95, 1997, 2000-01).
• September 6 - Taggart debuts on ITV.
• September 12 - The Phone Home Game debuts on The Price is Right.
• September 16 - Webster debuts on ABC (1983–1989).
• September 18 - Hardcastle and McCormick debuts on ABC (1983-1986)
• September 19 - The daytime game show Press Your Luck premieres on CBS (1983–1986).
  • Wheel of Fortune premieres in syndication (Daytime 1975–1991; Synd. 1983—present).
  • Love Connection premieres with former Wheel of Fortune and future Scrabble host Chuck Woolery and is the first video dating game show.
• September 21 - Hotel premieres on ABC (1983-1988)
• September 26 - AfterMASH debuts on CBS (1983-1984).
• September - Australia, You're Standing in It debuts on ABC in Australia (1983–1984).
• October 2 - The Yellow Rose premieres on NBC (1983-1984)
• October 3 - Scarecrow and Mrs. King premieres on CBS (1983–1987).
• October 5 - Whiz Kids premieres on CBS (1983–1984).
• Tucker's Luck, a spin-off of Grange Hill, premieres on BBC1 (1983–1985).

Miniseries

• Kennedy
• The Thorn Birds
• The Winds of War
• V (The Original Miniseries)
• The Dismissal
• Scales of Justice
• Return to Eden
• All The Rivers Run

Television shows

1940s

• Meet the Press (1947— )
• Candid Camera (1948— )
• Come Dancing (UK) (1949–1995)

1950s

• Truth or Consequences (1950–1988)
• Search for Tomorrow (1951–1986)
• Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951—present)
• American Bandstand (1952–1989)
• Guiding Light (1952—present)
• The Today Show (1952—present)
• Panorama (UK) (1953—present)
• Face the Nation (1954—present)
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992)
• Captain Kangaroo (1955–1984)
• This Is Your Life (UK) (1955–2003)
• As the World Turns (1956—present)
• The Edge of Night (1956–1984)
• What the Papers Say (UK) (1956—present)
• The Sky at Night (UK) (1957—present)
• Blue Peter (UK) (1958—present)
• Grandstand (UK) (1958-2007)

1960s

• Coronation Street (UK) (1960— )
• Four Corners (Australia) (1961-).
• It's Academic (1961—present)
• The Late Late Show (Ireland) (1962-present).
• Doctor Who (UK) (1963–1989, 1996, 2005— )
• General Hospital (1963—present)
• Another World (1964–1999)
• Crossroads (UK) (1964–1988, 2001–2003)
• Top of the Pops (UK) (1964-2006)
• Days of our Lives (1965—present)
• World of Sport (UK) (1965–1985)
• Play School (1964—1988]] )
• The Money Programme (UK) (1966—present)
• 60 Minutes (1968—present)
• One Life to Live (1968—present)
• Hee Haw (1969–1993)
• Sesame Street (1969—present)
• The Benny Hill Show (UK) (1969–1989)

1970s

• All My Children (1970—present)
• Monday Night Football (1970—present)
• Play for Today (UK) (1970–1984)
• Masterpiece Theatre (1971—present)
• Whistle Test (UK) (1971–1987)
• Soul Train (1971—present)
• Are You Being Served? (UK) (1972–1985)
• Emmerdale Farm (UK) (1972—present)
• Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972–1984)
• John Craven's Newsround (UK) (1972—present)
• The Price Is Right (1972—present)
• Last of the Summer Wine (UK) (1973— )
• Match Game–Hollywood Squares Hour (1962–1969, 1973–1984, 1990–1991, 1998–1999)
• Schoolhouse Rock! (1973–1986)
• Superstars (UK) (1973–1985, 2003–2005)
• The Young and the Restless (1973—present)
• Countdown (Australia) (1974–1987)
• Derrick (1974–1998)
• Happy Days (1974–1984)
• The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast (1974–1984)
• Wish You Were Here...? (UK) (1974—present)
• Arena (UK) (1975—present)
• Good Morning America (1975—present)
• Jim'll Fix It (UK) (1975–1994)
• One Day at a Time (1975–1984)
• Ryan's Hope (1975–1989)
• Saturday Night Live (1975—present)
• the fifth estate (Canada) (1975—present)
• The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
• Wheel of Fortune (1975— ) which adds a nighttime syndication version in addition to the network daytime show
• Alice (1976–1985)
• Family Feud (1976–1985, 1988–1995, 1999—present)
• Second City Television (SCTV) (Canada) (1976–1984)
• The P.T.L. Club (1976–1987)
• Fantasy Island (1977–1984)
• The Love Boat (1977–1986)
• Three's Company (1977–1984)
• 20/20 (1978— )
• 3-2-1 (UK) (1978–1987)
• Battle of the Planets (1978–1985)
• Dallas (1978–1991)
• Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)
• Grange Hill (UK) (1978—2008)
• Benson (1979–1986)
• Knots Landing (1979–1993)
• Real People (1979–1984)
• Tales of the Unexpected (UK) (1979–1985, 1987–1988)
• The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1985)
• The Facts of Life (1979–1988)
• Trapper John, M.D. (1979–1986)
• You Can't Do That on Television (Canada) (1979–1990)
• Antiques Roadshow (UK) (1979— )
• Nightline (1979—present)
• This Old House (1979—present)

1980s

• Kingswood Country (Australia) (1980–1984)
• Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988)
• Solid Gold (1980–1988)
• That's Incredible! (1980–1984)
• The Other 'Arf (UK) (1980–1984)
• Too Close for Comfort (1980–1986)
• Dynasty (1981–1989)
• Entertainment Tonight (1981— )
• Falcon Crest (1981–1990)
• Gimme a Break! (1981–1987)
• Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)
• Only Fools and Horses (UK) (1981–1983, 1985–1993, 1996–1997, 2001–2003)
• Simon & Simon (1981–1988)
• The Fall Guy (1981–1986)
• Today's Special (Canada) (1981–1987)
• What Now (1982—present)
• Timewatch (UK) (1982—present)
• Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988)
• Capitol (1982–1987)
• Cheers (1982–1993)
• Fame (1982–1987)
• Family Ties (1982–1989)
• Knight Rider (1982–1986)
• Late Night with David Letterman (1982–1993)
• Newhart (1982–1990)
• Remington Steele (1982–1987)
• Silver Spoons (1982–1987)
• St. Elsewhere (1982–1988)
• Tattletales (1974–1978, 1982–1984)
• The Journal (Canada) (1982–1992)
• The Tube (UK) (1982–1987)

Ending this year

• February 3 - The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)
• February 28 - M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
• May 10 - Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)
• May 31 - Bring 'Em Back Alive (1982-1983)
• June 1 - Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982-1983)
• June 24 - SCTV Network 90 (US) (1981–1983)
• July 7 - The Crystal Cube (1983)
• July 17 - CHiPs (1977–1983)
• July 20 - Taxi (1978–1983)
• September 5 -
  • Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
  • Quincy, M.E. (1976–1983)
• September 12 - Square Pegs (1982–1983)
• September 21 - Archie Bunker's Place (1979–1983)
• The Don Lane Show (Australia) (1975–1983)
• The Good Old Days (UK) (1953–1983)
• Triangle (UK) (1981–1983)

Cancelled, but eventually to return to the air

• September 24 - After 29 seasons, the Walt Disney anthology series goes off the air. It will be revived, however, from 1986 to 1990.

Changes of network affiliation

• Fame moves from NBC to first-run syndication.
• Too Close for Comfort moves from ABC to first-run syndication.

Births

• March 10 - Carrie Underwood, singer
• April 22 - Francis Capra, actor
• May 30 - Jennifer Ellison, British actress and singer.
• May 11 - Holly Valance, New Zealand born actress and singer.
• August 14 - Mila Kunis, Ukraine actress (born in U.S.)
• December 12 - Mathew Valencia voice of Robin/Tim Drake.

Deaths

• March 16 - Arthur Godfrey, television host
• July 20 - Frank Reynolds, ABC journalist
• July 29 - Raymond Massey, star of Dr. Kildare
• August 3 - Carolyn Jones, actress, Morticia in The Addams Family
• August 28 - Jan Clayton, actress
• August 29 - Simon Oakland, actor
• October 23 - Jessica Savitch, NBC news anchor, age 36
• November 22 - Michael Conrad, actor, Sgt. Phil Esterhasz on Hill Street Blues
• November 28 - Christopher George, actor
• December 28 - William Demarest, actor, Uncle Charlie in My Three Sons