Pioneers of Television - Season 3

The Season 3 premiere spotlights female comedians, including stand-ups Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers, and such sitcom stars as Lucille Ball, Marla Gibbs, Mary Tyler Moore and Betty White. Also: Carol Burnett shares stories of her variety show. Included: remarks from Margaret Cho and Tina Fey.

Recalling the prime-time soaps of the 1970s and '80s, including "Dallas," "Dynasty" and "Knots Landing," as well as their antecedent "Peyton Place" (1964-69). Included: details about the "Who Shot J.R.?" episode of "Dallas"; stories about the personalities who helped shape the shows. Among the notables interviewed: Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman of "Dallas"; Diahann Carroll, Joan Collins, Linda Evans of "Dynasty"; Michele Lee, Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark of "Knots Landing.

Remembering the superhero TV shows of bygone eras, including "Superman" (1950s); "Batman" (1960s); "Wonder Woman" and "The Incredible Hulk" (1970s); and "The Greatest American Hero" (1980). Included: remarks from Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar of "Batman"; Lynda Carter of "Wonder Woman"; Lou Ferrigno of "The Incredible Hulk"; and William Katt and Robert Culp of "The Greatest American Hero.

Beginning in the mid-1970s, miniseries based on novels captivated television audiences like never before. Networks poured money into the productions and reached huge numbers of viewers around the world. The key to these miniseries’ success are beloved characters that survive twists and turns that unfold over decades, including struggles to be accepted, whether in a loving relationship or within society. “Roots,” based on Alex Haley’s novel, was shown over eight consecutive nights in 1977 and attracted more viewers than any other television drama before. “Roots” was a cultural landmark that had a profound effect, shifting opinions and revealing the truth about the African-American experience of slavery. In “Rich Man, Poor Man” (1976), two starkly different brothers seek acceptance from their rough-edged immigrant father as they also build their lives in America, from post-World War II through the 1960s.

Carol Burnett's television career; the funny ladies who helped pave the way for women in television comedy.