The ABC Movie of the Week: A Journey Through Decades of Iconic Television Cinema

Throughout the history of television, there have been numerous successful attempts to captivate audiences with engaging and thought-provoking content. One such endeavor that left an indelible mark on viewers was the ABC Movie of the Week. For decades, this groundbreaking concept reshaped the landscape of television cinema, introducing audiences to a diverse range of stories, characters, and genres.

From its inception in 1969 to its eventual end in 1976, the ABC Movie of the Week became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers each week across the United States. It presented a platform for up-and-coming directors, actors, and writers to showcase their talents and push the boundaries of what was deemed possible within the realm of television movies.

The Birth of an Iconic Television Movie Event

The ABC Movie of the Week was born out of a need to counteract the growing popularity of rival networks' lineup of weekly TV series. ABC sought to establish a presence with a weekly, made-for-television film that would both entertain and enlighten audiences across various demographics.

The ABC Movie of the Week: Big Movies for the Small Screen

by Michael McKenna (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	393 pages

FREE

Introduced on September 23, 1969, the ABC Movie of the Week became an instant hit, presenting a diverse range of stories each week that tackled pressing social issues, engaged viewers in immersive plots, and introduced them to memorable characters. From dramas to comedies, mysteries to thrillers, science fiction to romance, the ABC Movie of the Week offered something for everyone.

Revealing the Secrets Behind the Success

As the ABC Movie of the Week gained traction, it quickly became evident that certain elements contributed to its overwhelming success. The careful selection of scripts, coupled with skillful direction and exceptional performances from cast members, guaranteed a high-quality viewing experience for audiences.

Notable films from the ABC Movie of the Week lineup include "Brian's Song" (1971), a heartfelt tale of friendship and courage that resonated with viewers, and "The Night Stalker" (1972), which introduced the world to the influential character of investigative journalist Carl Kolchak. These movies, among many others, showcased the talent and creativity that thrived within this iconic television event.

The Evolution of Television Cinema

As the ABC Movie of the Week continued to thrive, its influence on television cinema reached new heights. It paved the way for other networks to adopt a similar approach, which ultimately contributed to the growth of made-for-television films and paved the way for the success of future endeavors like HBO Original Movies and Netflix Originals.

By providing a weekly platform for filmmakers to experiment and push boundaries, the ABC Movie of the Week not only entertained audiences but also elevated the art and craft of television cinema. It proved that compelling stories could be told within the constraints of television, inspiring generations of creators to push the boundaries of the medium.

The Legacy and Nostalgia of the ABC Movie of the Week

Although the ABC Movie of the Week ended in 1976, its impact on popular culture and nostalgia remains prominent. The iconic s, the anticipation of each week's film, and the connection viewers felt with the stories and characters continue to be cherished memories for many.

Today, the ABC Movie of the Week serves as a reminder of the power of television to captivate and connect people from all walks of life. It stands as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and boldness of the industry, forever etched in the annals of television history.

In

The ABC Movie of the Week revolutionized television cinema, offering a groundbreaking weekly event that showcased captivating stories and talented individuals. From its humble beginnings in 1969 to its lasting impact on the world of television, it remains an important part of pop culture history.

While the ABC Movie of the Week may be a thing of the past, its influence continues to reverberate through the industry, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the magic of television. It will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience its charm.

The ABC Movie of the Week: Big Movies for the Small Screen

by Michael McKenna (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	393 pages

FREE

On September 23, 1969, five years after the first made-for-television movie premiered, the ABC network broadcast Seven in Darkness. This was the first television film for an anthology show called the Tuesday Night Movie of the Week. Dedicating ninety minutes of weekly airtime to a still-emerging genre was a financial risk for the third-place network—a risk that paid off. The films were so successful that in 1972 the network debuted The Wednesday Movie of the Week. Although most of the movies are no longer remembered, a handful are still fondly recalled by viewers today, including Duel, Brian’s Song, and The Night Stalker. The series also showcased pilot films for many eventual series, such as Alias Smith and Jones, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Starsky and Hutch. By the end of both shows’ regular runs in the spring of 1975, the network had broadcast more than 200 made-for-television films.

In The ABC Movie of the Week: Big Movies for the Small Screen, Michael McKenna examines this programming experiment that transformed the television landscape and became a staple of broadcast programming for several years. The author looks at how the revolving films showcased the right mixture of romantic comedy, action, horror, and social relevance to keep viewers interested week after week. McKenna also chronicles how the ratings success led to imitations from the other networks, resulting in a saturation of television movies.

As a cultural touchstone for millions who experienced the first run and syndicated versions of these films, The ABC Movie of the Week is a worthy subject of study. Featuring a complete filmography of all 240 movies with credit information and plot summaries, a chronology, and a list of pilots—both failed and successful—this volume will be valuable to television historians and scholars, as well as to anyone interested in one of the great triumphs of network programming.