The more things change

So, what did the fall 1959 television season herald?

Next to nothing, as it turns out. Well, Dennis the Menace premiered; I guess that counts for something. Also "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."

But check out Dick Clark! Looking like he's just come from his First Communion, he's all set to emcee a wild, innovative, wacky new show that sounds a hell of a lot like every damn thing you see on TV these days. Worse still, the article text points out: "older viewers will recognize [it] as an updated version of 'This Is Show Business,' that old TV package distinguished largely for the smoothly dispensed advice of Clifton Fadiman and the acid commentary of George S. Kaufman." Hmm. Sound like anyone you've seen on TV lately?

Incidentally, "Bonanza" debuted on September 12 1959. Family Circle's Philip Minoff sniffed that "The autumn schedule calls for a rash of new horse operas that include not only the common half-hour variety . . . but several hour-long cactus epics like NBC's pardners 'Laramie' and 'Bonanza.' For each of these entries its sponsor promises, of course, a Western utterly different from anything now being seen on the channels, but don't bet the rent money on it."

"Bonanza" aired for fourteen seasons. So, don't take any betting advice from Philip Minoff, I guess is the lesson here.