Here’s What TV’s First Prime-Time Schedule Looked Like In 1946

Today, when we turn on the TV and channel surf, our eyes scan over a very bloated television guide.

With a barrage of reality series, dramas and films easily accessible at our fingertips, it’s difficult to imagine a time when dead air existed.

Here’s the schedule for the first prime-time fall schedule for each of the four networks in 1946 — ABC (marked by A), CBS (C), NBC (N) and the failed DuMont (D).

The block gives a peek at early television which consisted of variety series, Western films, quiz shows and early educational programming. It’s also relatively barren.

Relatively barren pretty much sums up the amount of watchable TV shows around today as well.