15 Surprising TV Facts

Introduction:

Television has been a staple in households around the world for decades, providing entertainment, news, and more. While many of us may spend hours in front of the TV screen, there are still some surprising facts about television that you may not be aware of. In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about TV that will leave you stunned.

Fact 1: The average American watches over 4 hours of TV per day

According to recent studies, the average American spends more than 4 hours per day watching television. This equates to over 28 hours per week and around 2 months per year spent glued to the TV screen.

Fact 2: The first television commercial aired in 1941

The first-ever television commercial aired in 1941 during a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The commercial was for Bulova watches and cost a mere $9 to broadcast.

Fact 3: The longest-running TV show is The Simpsons

The beloved animated series, The Simpsons, holds the title for the longest-running TV show in history. The show debuted in 1989 and has since aired over 700 episodes.

Fact 4: The most-watched TV episode is the series finale of M*A*S*H

The series finale of the hit show M*A*S*H, which aired in 1983, holds the record for the most-watched TV episode in history. Over 105 million viewers tuned in to watch the emotional conclusion of the beloved series.

Fact 5: The average size of a TV in the 1950s was 12 inches

In the 1950s, the average size of a TV screen was a mere 12 inches. Today, TVs come in a wide range of sizes, with some models exceeding 80 inches in diameter.

Fact 6: The first TV remote control was called “Lazy Bones”

The first TV remote control, introduced in 1950, was called “Lazy Bones.” It was connected to the TV by a cable and allowed viewers to change channels and adjust the volume without having to get up from their seat.

Fact 7: The Big Bang Theory has an actual Ph.D. physicist on staff

The popular TV show The Big Bang Theory, known for its scientific references and humor, has an actual Ph.D. physicist on staff to ensure the accuracy of the show’s scientific content.

Fact 8: The most expensive TV show ever made is Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series, holds the title for the most expensive TV show ever made. Each episode of the final season reportedly cost around $15 million to produce.

Fact 9: The first TV show to feature a same-sex kiss aired in 1991

The groundbreaking TV show L.A. Law made history in 1991 by featuring the first same-sex kiss on American television. The momentous episode helped pave the way for LGBTQ representation on TV.

Fact 10: The laugh track was invented by Charlie Douglass in the 1950s

The iconic laugh track, commonly used in sitcoms, was invented by sound engineer Charlie Douglass in the 1950s. The artificial laughter helped enhance the comedic timing of TV shows.

Fact 11: The term “soap opera” originated from radio dramas sponsored by soap companies

The term “soap opera” originated from the early days of radio dramas, which were sponsored by soap companies. The melodramatic nature of these shows led to the name “soap opera,” which has since been used to describe daytime dramas on TV.

Fact 12: The first TV commercial in the UK aired in 1955

The first TV commercial in the UK aired in 1955 and was for Gibbs S.R. toothpaste. The 60-second spot cost a total of £100 to air.

Fact 13: The most-watched TV event in history is the moon landing in 1969

The moon landing in 1969, which was broadcast live on television, holds the title for the most-watched TV event in history. An estimated 600 million people around the world tuned in to watch Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the moon.

Fact 14: The first TV show to feature a character using a computer was Star Trek

Star Trek, the iconic sci-fi series, was the first TV show to feature a character using a computer. The futuristic technology showcased on the show has since inspired real-world inventions.

Fact 15: The first TV show to feature a gay main character was Soap

The groundbreaking sitcom Soap, which aired in the late 1970s, was the first TV show to feature a gay main character. The portrayal of Billy Crystal’s character helped break barriers and pave the way for LGBTQ representation on TV.

Conclusion

Television has come a long way since its inception, with a rich history filled with surprising facts and milestones. From the invention of the TV remote control to the groundbreaking moments in LGBTQ representation, television continues to entertain and captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated fan, these 15 surprising TV facts are sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of television.