Category Archives: Television 1960s

The Beatles perform live on ‘Top Of The Pops’ 50 years ago this hour (June 16 1966)

(Thursday, June 16, 1966, 7:30-8:00 p.m. BST) — The English rock band The Beatles appeared live on tonight’s “Top of the Pops” (a British music chart television program on BBC1) from BBC Television Centre in London, miming to their new single “Paperback Writer” and “Rain.”

Unfortunately, a copy of the performance has not surfaced and is presumed lost.

The Beatles (via tape) perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 50 years ago this hour (June 5 1966)


Video: 'The Beatles -1966- Paperback Writer & Rain Ed Sullivan 1966'

(Sunday, June 5, 1966, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) — The Beatles performed “Paperback Writer” and “Rain” (videotaped May 19, 1966, in London) on tonight’s edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show.

‘The Monkees’ television series begins production 50 years ago today (May 31 1966)


Video: 'The Monkees - "Don't Look a Gift Horse In the Mouth"'

(Tuesday, May 31, 1966)The Monkees television series, a situation comedy that follows the adventures of four young men trying to make a name for themselves as rock ‘n roll singers (starring Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz. Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork), began production today in Malibu Canyon, California, as filming began of the first episode (after the pilot), titled “Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth” (which would air Oct. 31, 1966).

‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ ‘The Fugitive’ big winners at Emmy Awards 50 years ago this hour (May 22 1966)

(Sunday, May 22, 1966, 10:00-11:45 p.m. EDT)The Dick Van Dyke Show dominated the 18th Emmy Awards tonight, winning five awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor (Dick Van Dyke) and Actress (Mary Tyler Moore) in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series. Continue reading ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ ‘The Fugitive’ big winners at Emmy Awards 50 years ago this hour (May 22 1966)

James Brown, The Supremes and Robert Joffrey Ballet perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 50 years ago this hour (May 1 1966)


Video: 'James Brown ed sullivan show 1966' (May 1, 1966, at 4:51-13:33)

(Sunday, May 1, 1966, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) — James Brown performed a medley of hits, The Supremes sang “Love is Like an Itching In My Heart” and the Robert Joffrey Ballet troupe performed “Viva Vivaldi” on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City. Continue reading James Brown, The Supremes and Robert Joffrey Ballet perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 50 years ago this hour (May 1 1966)

The Young Rascals, Senor Wences perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 50 years ago this hour (Mar 20 1966)


Video: 'THE YOUNG RASCALS "Good Lovin'" on The Ed Sullivan Show'

(Sunday, March 20, 1966, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — The Young Rascals performed “Good Lovin'” and ventriloquist Senor Wences also performed on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City. Continue reading The Young Rascals, Senor Wences perform on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 50 years ago this hour (Mar 20 1966)

‘Roll Over Beethoven/Rock And Roll Music’ episode airs on ‘The Beatles’ cartoon series 50 years ago this hour (Mar 19 1966)


Video: 'The Beatles Cartoons Episode 26'

(Saturday, March 19, 1966, 10:30 a.m. EST) — Before returning to England, the Beatles decide to have a quick look around (for old times sake), and later, mistaken for a string quartet, the band is invited to give a performance at a party for a royal Duke on this morning’s season one finale episode of The Beatles, a weekly cartoon television series on ABC.

‘The Purr-Fect Crime’ episode airs on ‘Batman’ 50 years ago this hour (Mar 16 1966)


Video: 'The Purrfect Cliffhanger Part One'

(Wednesday, March 16, 1966, 7:30-8:00 p.m. EDT) — Catwoman steals some priceless art and Batman & Robin take chase on tonight’s episode of the ABC live action television series Batman.

In 1997, TV Guide ranked this episode (combined with tomorrow night’s “Better Luck Next Time” conclusion) #86 on its “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” list.