Hollywood Screen Test


Hollywood Screen Test is an American talent show which aired on ABC from 1948 to 1953. This program holds the distinction as the first regularly broadcast television series by the American Broadcasting Company.

Production background

Originally the show aired on Sundays at 8pm ET. In later seasons, the show aired on Saturdays at 7:30pm ET and Mondays at 7:30pm ET.
This program was the first network series telecast on ABC, which began regular broadcasting in April 1948.
Debuting on 15 April 1948, and hosted first by Bert Lytell and then Neil Hamilton, Hollywood Screen Test sought to give exposure to many up-and-coming actors who were looking for their big break. The relatively unknown actors would be picked to guest star on the show, then they would have half-hour scenes of dialogue with established stage and screen actors.
Many stars were discovered on Hollywood Screen Test, including Grace Kelly, Jack Klugman, Pernell Roberts, and Jack Lemmon.

Episode status

Six episodes are in the collection of the UCLA Film and Television Archive.