"Television comedy has long been on the frontline in how America evolves on social issues. There is something about comedy that makes difficult issues more palatable--with humor an effective device for presenting ideas that lead to social change. From I Love Lucy which introduced the first television pregnancy to Will & Grace, which normalized gay characters, the situation comedy has challenged the public to revisit social mores and reshape how we...

This book looks at The Simpsons place in the pop culture firmament, from inspirations like Mad magazine to its critical role in the renaissance of animated television. The author recounts the birth of the show, discusses its remarkable merchandising success, and examines the show's popularity as the longest running episodic program in TV history.

In the world of reality TV, things aren't always what they seem. Learn how reality TV got its start in the 1950s and how the genre has evolved and surged in popularity over time. Today, there are hundreds of reality shows to choose from with something to interest everyone. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about reality TV with this high-interest informational text that explores contemporary issues. Packed with fun facts and fascinating sidebars...

An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", in which Haley traces his African American family's history from the mid-18th century to the Reconstruction era.

By the late 1960s more than a few critics of American culture groused about the condition of television programming and, in particular, the quality and content of television shows for children. In the eyes of the reform-minded, commercial television crassly exploited young viewers, its violence and tastelessness served no higher purpose than the bottom line. The Children's Television Workshop (CTW)-and its fresh approach to writing and producing...

Women in television create programs that play in millions of households around the country and throughout the world. Women in Television introduces readers to some of the most influential women in the television industry, including Mindy Kaling, Zendaya, and Shonda Rhimes. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources,...

This four-part series features sitcoms and archival clips to offer a fresh take on the first celebrities of television, including interviews with several of them.

In 1920, the first collegiate football game was broadcast on Radio. Today, many sports actually allow viewers to control which camera picture they see. How has this innovation occurred? This book uses a familiar topic, sports broadcasting, to introduce kids to the concept of innovation and its impact on their everyday life