Pioneers of Television Marathon

Johnny Carson, host of "The Tonight Show."

Credit: Courtesy of Library of Congress, NY World Collection

Settle in with some popcorn for an evening of TV's latenight, variety and gameshow all-time greats.

They were the stars of the small screen in the early years of television, and much of the nation came to a halt whenever their shows aired. They strolled, sprinted, fought, laughed, cried and loved through worlds that took viewers to places past, present and future. As the originators of these innovative television formats, they provided an essential escape for millions of viewers who eagerly waited to watch them each week. The Pioneers of Television Marathon begins Friday, January 7 at 7 p.m. with Latenight, followed by Variety at 8 p.m. and finally Gameshows at 9 p.m. on WXXI World (cable 524/DT21.2).