In September 1976, television was a central form of entertainment for many American households, and Tuesday nights offered a variety of popular TV shows that captured the imagination of the audience. Network television was the dominant force at the time, and the main players were ABC, CBS, and NBC.
One of the standout shows that aired on Tuesday nights was “Happy Days,” broadcasted on ABC. This series, set in the 1950s, followed the Cunningham family and their experiences with the lovable greaser, Fonzie. It was a major hit, and its nostalgic look at American life drew large audiences.
Another significant show that aired on Tuesdays was “Laverne & Shirley,” a spin-off of “Happy Days.” The show followed the misadventures of two best friends, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, and it also aired on ABC. It became one of the most-watched TV shows during its run.
On CBS, shows like “MAS*H” and “One Day at a Time” were popular choices, although they did not specifically air on Tuesday nights during that period. NBC had a less dominant showing on Tuesday nights compared to ABC and CBS but offered programs like “Police Woman,” which had a strong following.
In conclusion, ABC’s schedule dominated Tuesday nights in September 1976, with “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley” serving as the two main draws for viewers. These shows reflected the diverse interests and nostalgic yearnings of the American TV audience at the time.
The wonderful work of archivists have preserved far more material than we usually see. Our goal here is to unearth and present some of the stuff we never saw in school.