Actors Studio (TV series)
Actors Studio is an American TV show which aired for 65 episodes, from September 26, 1948, to October 26 on the fledgling ABC Television Network; then from November 1, 1949, to June 23, 1950, on CBS Television.. It was hosted by Marc Connelly.
The series showcased short pieces of adapted, classic and original drama, performed and produced live each week. Among some of the known authors were William Saroyan, James Thurber, Ring Lardner, Edgar Allan Poe, Irwin Shaw and Budd Schulberg. Featured actors included Martin Balsam, Richard Boone, Marlon Brando, Hume Cronyn, Julie Harris, Jean Muir and Jessica Tandy. Recurring performers included Jocelyn Brando, Tom Ewell, Steven Hill, Kim Hunter and Cloris Leachman.
In February 1950, the series moved to Friday nights and was expanded to one hour, alternating every other week with broadcasts of Ford Theatre. In March, the name of the show was changed to The Play's the Thing.
The series received a Peabody Award in 1948 for pioneering in the field of televised drama.Broadcast History
NOTE: The most frequent time slot for the series in bold text.
- Sunday evenings from 8:30–9:00 PM from September 26, 1948 – March 13, 1949, on ABC.
- Thursday evenings from 8:30–9:00 PM from March 24 – April 28, 1949, on ABC.
- Thursday evenings from 9:30–10:00 PM from May 5–26, 1949 on ABC.
- Wednesday evenings from 8:00–8:30 PM from September 28 – October 26, 1949, on ABC.
- Tuesday evenings from 9:00–9:30 PM from November [|1], 1949 – January 31, 1950, on CBS.
- Friday evenings from 9:00–10:00 PM from February 3–17, 1950 on CBS.
- Friday evenings from 9:00–9:30 from March 3 – April 28, 1950; May 26 – June 23, 1950, on CBS.
- Sunday evenings for one episode which aired May 21, 1950.
Episodes
Series Overview
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale |
| 1 | 35 | | |
| [|2] | 30 | | |
