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Quizzes Created: 45 | Total Attempts: 51,432
Questions: 15 | Attempts: 171

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TV Shows Quizzes & Trivia

For several generations, the television has thrilled, amazed and educated us. Take our on-line quiz to test your TV smarts!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What year does the first TV commercial air?

    • A.

      1941

    • B.

      1951

    • C.

      1955

    • D.

      1958

    Correct Answer
    A. 1941
    Explanation
    The first TV commercial aired (a 10-second spot for Bulova watches) on July 1, 1941.

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  • 2. 

    Whose presidential inauguration was first to air?

    • A.

      Franklin Delano Roosevelt

    • B.

      Harry Truman

    • C.

      Jimmy Carter

    • D.

      Ronald Reagan

    Correct Answer
    B. Harry Truman
    Explanation
    President Harry Truman's inauguration was televised on Jan. 20, 1949.

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  • 3. 

    What iconic television show premiered on Oct. 1, 1955?

    • A.

      Leave it to Beaver

    • B.

      I Love Lucy

    • C.

      The Honeymooners

    • D.

      Lassie

    Correct Answer
    C. The Honeymooners
    Explanation
    "The Honeymooners" is the correct answer because it premiered on Oct. 1, 1955. This iconic television show, starring Jackie Gleason, follows the comedic adventures of Ralph Kramden and his best friend Ed Norton. The show became popular for its relatable characters and humorous situations, and it has remained a classic in television history.

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  • 4. 

    In 1958, the quiz show "Twenty-One" was abruptly canceled when it was revealed its results were rigged.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because in 1958, it was discovered that the quiz show "Twenty-One" had manipulated its results. This scandal led to the cancellation of the show, as it was revealed that contestants were given the answers in advance and were coached on how to act during the show. The revelation of the rigged results caused a public outcry and led to a loss of trust in quiz shows and television programming as a whole.

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  • 5. 

    Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show before the Beatles?

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Elvis Presley's first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was in 1956. The Beatles didn't appear on the show until 1964.

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  • 6. 

    How many seasons did the original "Star Trek" have?

    • A.

      Two

    • B.

      Three

    • C.

      Four

    • D.

      Five

    Correct Answer
    B. Three
    Explanation
    "Star Trek" debuted in 1966 and ran for three seasons.

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  • 7. 

    In 1969, Apollo II astronaut Buzz Aldrin is the first person to step on the moon.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    It was astronaut Neil Armstrong who took his giant leap for mankind.

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  • 8. 

    In 1972, the series Maude (in a two-part episode) tackled what controversial issue?

    • A.

      Death and dying

    • B.

      Women's liberation

    • C.

      Gun rights

    • D.

      Abortion

    Correct Answer
    D. Abortion
    Explanation
    In 1972, the series Maude addressed the controversial issue of abortion in a two-part episode. This topic was considered controversial at the time and sparked debates and discussions across the country. The episode likely explored the various perspectives and arguments surrounding abortion, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.

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  • 9. 

    In 1976, who became the first female co-anchor of any network evening news?

    • A.

      Katie Couric

    • B.

      Barbara Walters

    • C.

      Judy Woodruff

    • D.

      Gwen Ifill

    Correct Answer
    B. Barbara Walters
    Explanation
    Barbara Walters became the first female co-anchor of any network evening news in 1976. She broke barriers and paved the way for other women in journalism. Walters is known for her remarkable career, interviewing world leaders and celebrities alike. She has been a trailblazer in the industry, demonstrating that women can excel in positions of authority and influence in the media.

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  • 10. 

    What "baby boomers" show first aired in 1975?

    • A.

      Laugh-in

    • B.

      Thirtysomething

    • C.

      Saturday Night Live

    • D.

      Hee Haw

    Correct Answer
    C. Saturday Night Live
    Explanation
    "Saturday Night Live" is the correct answer because it is a popular comedy sketch show that first aired in 1975. It is known for its live performances, celebrity guest appearances, and satirical sketches that have become iconic in American television. The show has been on air for several decades and has had a significant cultural impact, making it a well-known and recognizable program.

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  • 11. 

    In 1977, what ABC miniseries became a national and ratings sensation?

    • A.

      The Thornbirds

    • B.

      Roots

    • C.

      Rich Man, Poor Man

    • D.

      North and South

    Correct Answer
    B. Roots
    Explanation
    "Roots," a 12-hour ABC miniseries based on Alex Haley's bestseller, became a ratings sensation in 1977.

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  • 12. 

    On Jan. 24, 1995, the O.J. Simpson murder trial began and is broadcast live, pre-empting network soap operas.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The O.J. Simpson murder trial did indeed begin on Jan. 24, 1995, and it was broadcast live, causing network soap operas to be pre-empted. This high-profile trial captivated the nation and received extensive media coverage, with millions of people tuning in to watch the proceedings unfold. The trial lasted for months and had a significant impact on popular culture and the way that trials were covered by the media.

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  • 13. 

    The popular show "American Idol" airs on June 11, 2002 and is based on a German show.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    "American Idol" is based on a British show produced by Simon Cowell.

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  • 14. 

    What year does Oprah Winfrey end her 25-year daily talk show?

    • A.

      2001

    • B.

      2004

    • C.

      2008

    • D.

      2011

    Correct Answer
    D. 2011
    Explanation
    Oprah Winfrey ended her 25-year daily talk show in 2011.

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  • 15. 

    What show aired its entire first season on Netflix?

    • A.

      Breaking Bad

    • B.

      House of Cards

    • C.

      Game of Thrones

    • D.

      Arrested Development

    Correct Answer
    B. House of Cards
    Explanation
    House of Cards aired its entire first season on Netflix. This means that all the episodes of the first season were released on Netflix at once, allowing viewers to binge-watch the entire season in one go. This release strategy was a departure from traditional television, where episodes are typically released on a weekly basis. The success of House of Cards on Netflix helped pave the way for the rise of streaming platforms as a major player in the television industry.

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 25, 2014
    Quiz Created by
    Djlmg
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