Television celebrates its 100th birthday this year, a milestone that traces a remarkable journey from experimental broadcasts to today's on-demand streaming era. This century-long evolution has been punctuated by moments of innovation, controversy, and cultural impact that have reshaped how we consume media. From the first flickering images to AI-driven content, television has grown from a niche novelty into a global force, uniting audiences through shared experiences and pushing technological boundaries.
The Dawn of Television: 1920s to 1940s
The story begins on 26 January 1926, when John Logie Baird demonstrated his mechanical television system to the Royal Institution in Soho. Using a ventriloquist dummy named Stooky Bill due to intense heat from the lighting, this pioneering event laid the groundwork for all that followed. By 1936, the BBC launched the world's first regular TV service, blending government speeches with variety acts, while early programmes like For Your Children in 1937 introduced children's broadcasting. The outbreak of World War II forced a shutdown in 1939, but television resumed in 1946 with the same Mickey Mouse cartoon, symbolising resilience and continuity.
Post-War Expansion and Cultural Shifts
The late 1940s and 1950s saw television become a household staple, driven by events like the 1948 London Olympics broadcast and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, which doubled TV licence numbers. ITV's launch in 1955 brought commercial television to the UK, with the first ad for Gibbs SR Toothpaste airing that same night. This era also witnessed groundbreaking moments in representation, such as the first televised interracial kiss in a 1955 BBC production of Othello, challenging social norms and expanding television's role in public discourse.
The Golden Age: 1960s to 1980s
The 1960s ushered in colour broadcasting with BBC Two in 1967, starting with Wimbledon coverage, and iconic shows like Doctor Who and Coronation Street debuted. The 1969 moon landing, watched by 650 million globally, showcased television's power to unite humanity, while the 1970s saw the first same-sex kiss on BBC and the rise of landmark series like Life on Earth with David Attenborough. The 1980s brought global phenomena such as Dallas revealing who shot JR and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, drawing massive audiences and cementing TV's place in popular culture.
Digital Revolution and Modern Era
From the 1990s onward, television underwent a digital transformation. The launch of BBC iPlayer in 2007 and Netflix's streaming service revolutionised viewing habits, moving away from scheduled programming. Events like 9/11 in 2001 and the Covid lockdown announcement in 2020 highlighted TV's role in real-time news, while shows like Squid Game in 2021 demonstrated the global reach of streaming platforms. Recently, AI has entered the fray, with Netflix using generative AI for effects in 2025 and Channel 4 debuting an AI-generated host, pointing toward a future where technology continues to redefine the medium.
As we reflect on these 100 moments, it's clear that television has evolved from a simple broadcast tool to a complex, interactive platform. Its ability to adapt—from black-and-white sets to smart screens—ensures it remains a central part of our lives, promising more innovations in the centuries to come.
