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September 2, 2026 5:46 am  #1


A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

It's the oldest broadcast network in North America. I'm surprised they haven't made a bigger deal about it on air, but we'll see what they do this season.

I find it interesting what they've chosen to highlight in a web piece honouring the anniversary, including the world's first colour TV show, the first Super Bowl, and some of its greatest shows, like Cheers, Seinfeld and SNL. 

Given the big changes in the industry and technology, I have to wonder if they'll be around to celebrate 200. 

A Timeline of NBC's Iconic History

 

September 2, 2026 6:25 am  #2


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

Update:

Apparently, they ARE planning on making a big deal about this on air, with promos now running calling it the "Biggest Fall In 100 Years."

     Thread Starter
 

September 2, 2026 7:40 am  #3


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

They definitely have an impressive history and some great programming, some of which has lasted decades, like SNL. I find it hard to believe that “The Office” has been around for twenty years, seems like yesterday it was ripped off from the original Gervais version!

 

September 2, 2026 8:38 am  #4


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

It may seem hard to believe, but for much of it’s early existence and into the 1960s, NBC was the dominant player on the American broadcast landscape, leaving both “Columbia” (as CBS was often referred to at the time) and ABC trailing far behind in terms of both ratings and revenue. However, CBS built a reputation as “The Tiffany Network” based in large part on its commitment to solid, independent journalism with guys like Walter Cronkite and his team, coupled with successive ownership changes at NBC that weakened the brand.

 

September 2, 2026 8:48 am  #5


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

BowmanvilleBob wrote:

It may seem hard to believe, but for much of it’s early existence and into the 1960s, NBC was the dominant player on the American broadcast landscape, leaving both “Columbia” (as CBS was often referred to at the time) and ABC trailing far behind in terms of both ratings and revenue. However, CBS built a reputation as “The Tiffany Network” based in large part on its commitment to solid, independent journalism with guys like Walter Cronkite and his team, coupled with successive ownership changes at NBC that weakened the brand.

Somewhat ironic, then, what CBS News has now become.

     Thread Starter
 

September 2, 2026 10:21 am  #6


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

This is the first we are hearing or seeing NBC acknowledging they are 100 years old, and the year is three quarters over.  They should have started during the Winter Olympic coverage earlier in the year including the Super Bowl which the network also broadcast. Maybe I just didn't see the promos or 100th anniversary logos, but I watched a fair bit of NBC's Olympic broadcasts.  Perhaps they will extend the 100th into 2027 since they began broadcasting in November of 1926.  Good promo but the best part was the animation at the end with the various NBC logos.  I am sure they will have a special evening or programming at some point to officially celebrate this big event. 

 

September 2, 2026 10:30 am  #7


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

I hope they do something to mark the event. It would be fascinating to see the old clips. 

I'm guessing they waited until the fall so they could use it to launch their new season with a "big bang." (Oops! Wrong network! )

     Thread Starter
 

September 2, 2026 10:44 am  #8


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

RadioActive wrote:

I hope they do something to mark the event. It would be fascinating to see the old clips. 

I'm guessing they waited until the fall so they could use it to launch their new season with a "big bang." (Oops! Wrong network! )

I am sure they will have some sort of special or even a whole evening with lots of great old clips and history of the network.  Still September seems sort of late in the game when they had two of the highest rated events earlier in the year.  Even if they only rolled out the 100th anniversary logo during regular broadcasts.  How about their evening 6:30 newscasts?  This is their highest rated program.  The 100th logo and a few promos or teasers should have been running before now IMO.  I watch NBC's 6:30 news a couple times per week and haven't seen anything.

 

September 2, 2026 10:47 am  #9


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

paterson1 wrote:

RadioActive wrote:

I hope they do something to mark the event. It would be fascinating to see the old clips. 

I'm guessing they waited until the fall so they could use it to launch their new season with a "big bang." (Oops! Wrong network! )

I am sure they will have some sort of special or even a whole evening with lots of great old clips and history of the network.  Still September seems sort of late in the game when they had two of the highest rated events earlier in the year.  Even if they only rolled out the 100th anniversary logo during regular broadcasts.  How about their evening 6:30 newscasts?  This is their highest rated program.  The 100th logo and a few promos or teasers should have been running before now IMO.  I watch NBC's 6:30 news a couple times per week and haven't seen anything.

I watch it every night and you're right - there hasn't been a single word about this. However it does appear they're ramping it up now, for whatever reason. So my guess is, prepare to see a lot more about this. 

     Thread Starter
 

Yesterday 5:41 am  #10


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

While NBC  may be the oldest network, CBS has been the most watched network for most of television history. Most notably from 1955-70 and more recently 22 of the last 23 seasons up to 2024-25.

 

Yesterday 11:59 am  #11


Re: A Major Milestone: NBC Turns 100

mace wrote:

While NBC  may be the oldest network, CBS has been the most watched network for most of television history. Most notably from 1955-70 and more recently 22 of the last 23 seasons up to 2024-25.

I have always liked that the big three US networks have all had their shining years when they owned prime time.  ABC, NBC and mostly CBS have all had various years when their network clobbered the other two.  CBS has dominated the most by far.  The former Tiffany Network is still doing well in prime time, but really hurting mornings, late evening and of course news and news coverage.  60 Minutes remains about the only strong element from the news department.