Fireside Theatre

"Fireside Theatre" was one of the earliest dramatic shows on national TV and the 1st that was also an anthology series. The series began on Tuesday, 5 April 1949 on NBC at 9 PM and the first 3 months of the show it showcased shows that could possibly become a regular series’. The show combined live sequences with previously taped features. In 1952 the show gained a live in studio host whose name was Frank Wisbar until 1953. He was replaced in 1953 by Gene Raymond until 1955 and then well known actress Jane Wyman took over as the host until 1958. In September 1957 the series moved to Thursday nights at 10:30 until May 1958. The show went off the air in May 1958 but returned in June 1963 this time on ABC TV at 8 PM on Sunday nights. It went off the air for the final time on 8 September 1963 having been on TV for a total of 11 seasons.