Cultural highlights of 1951

Radio: UK
New shows
• Those Crazy People: The Goons (BBC, from 28 May). Anarchic comedy, later called The Goon Show.

Radio: US
New shows
• Bob and Ray (NBC, from 2 July).
• Roy Rogers Show (from 30 December). Cowboy adventures; 100 shows are produced to 1957.

Television: UK
New shows
• What's My Line? (BBC, from 16 July). Panel game, hosted by Eamonn Andrews after the first show, which was chaired by regular panellist Gilbert Harding.

Television: US
New shows
• Amos 'n' Andy (CBS, from 28 June). Comedy with all-black cast, transferred from radio.
• Ernie in Kovacsland (NBC). Comedy.
• Godfrey's Talent Scouts. Talent show. It has the highest rating of any show for the 1951/52 season (53.8 per cent).
• Hallmark Hall of Fame (NBC, from 24 December). First show is Menotti's opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. 
• The Honeymooners (DuMont). Sitcom starring Jackie Gleeson included as a sketch on Cavalcade of Stars.
• I Love Lucy (Desilu for CBS, from 15 October). Sitcom starring Lucille Ball. The first filmed series on US television. 
• Omnibus. Culture, hosted by Alistair Cooke. Runs for five years, costs $8.5m, takes $5.5m in advertising.
• Search for Tomorrow (CBS, from 3 September). Soap.
• See It Now (CBS, from 18 November). Current affairs, presented by Edward R Murrow and produced by Fred Friendly.
• Strike It Rich (CBS). Game show.
• Watch Mr Wizard (NBC). Children's.

Print media
• Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger (published 16 July).

Chronomedia 1951