1970
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During the 70s, NBC became the home of comedy with its iconic laugh track heard throughout millions of homes on shows like Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Sanford and Son, and Saturday Night Live.
1970
The Flip Wilson Show debuts on NBC
For the first two years after its debut, The Flip Wilson Show was the number 2 program in the country – and became one of the first American television programs with a Black lead to reach such success. Wilson earned a Golden Globe for his performance and the show garnered two Emmys.
1973
Universal's The Sting premieres
The film, which starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford, captured seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
American Graffiti becomes an instant classic
The coming-of-age film directed by George Lucas was nominated for Best Picture and, earning over $200 million on a budget of $770,000, is considered one of the most profitable films ever. Lucas had unsuccessfully pitched the film to many other studios before agreeing to a deal with Universal Pictures, who was willing to take a gamble that ultimately paid off.
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1974
Universal’s The Sugarland Express premieres
Steven Spielberg's feature film directorial debut, The Sugarland Express, marked the beginning of his enduring partnership with Universal Pictures.
One of TV's most successful family series, Little House on the Prairie, premieres on NBC
Bonanza veteran Michael Landon starred in and produced the series, which featured Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls Wilder. The show went on to be an iconic program and even led to a movie series.
1975
Saturday Night Live, then known as NBC's Saturday Night, premieres its first season
The show has continued to run ever since, and has had an incredible influence on the television landscape, earning the most Emmy nominations in television history. George Carlin was the first host.
Universal’s Jaws premieres
Steven Spielberg became a household name as Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw battled a great white shark in the seas off of Amity.
1978
NBC's Holocaust miniseries attracts 107 million viewers and wins 21 major awards
The nine-and-a-half hour television event aired over four nights in April of 1978 and starred Michael Moriarty and Meryl Streep.
Universal’s National Lampoon’s Animal House premieres
Director John Landis and SNL star John Belushi shattered expectations with the low-budget college fraternity film that has since become a comedy classic.
Universal's The Deer Hunter premieres
The movie, which featured stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
