From ‘Friends’ to ‘Wonder Years’: 10 shows that rewrote the rules of TV

By Christine Persaud July 16, 2016

This generation knows Grey’s Anatomy as the consummate medical primetime drama. But anyone over the age of 30 understands that before McDreamy, there was Dr. Donald Westphall from St. Elsewhere, a show that blazed the trail for television programming following a team of doctors. Cop dramas are common nowadays. But before top series like NYPD Blue came innovators like Hill Street Blues. And American Idol, The Voice, and other reality television competition shows have that little show called Star Search to thank for their concepts.

Inspiration is drawn in everything from music to movies, technology and yes, even television programming. So it’s no surprise that most of today’s top shows have innovative, game-changing programs of yesteryear to thank for paving the way for their success.

Here are 9 shows that arguably set the pace for some of the most popular series on television today.

What are your favorite trailblazing shows?

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Christine Persaud

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Christine is a professional editor and writer with 18 years of experience in trade and consumer journalism. While she started…

Entertainment

How to download movies and shows from Apple TV+ for offline viewing

How to download movies and TV shows from Apple TV+ for offline viewing

Suppose you’ve settled into the backseat of a car to watch some Apple TV+ on your iPhone or iPad during a long road trip or during your commute to and from work. Don't let things like poor wireless signal reception or a limited data plan spoil your binge session and download your favorite television and movie content before you hit the road. Whether you’re catching up on episodes of Dickinson, Ted Lasso, or keeping the kids occupied on the backseat with new shows like The Snoopy Show, or taking in a movie like The Banker or Palmer on a long flight, we’ll show you how to download them in a few easy steps.

Are you looking for the best content to watch with your Apple+ subscription? Be sure to check out our updated guides that highlight the best shows on Apple TV+ as well as everything that's new on Apple TV+.
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Apple TV+: From The Morning Show to See, do the first series live up to the hype?

Apple TV+'s Morning Show

The new Apple TV+ services launches today with a slate of original programming that includes something for everyone, from your basic workplace dramas to jazzed-up period pieces, alternate histories, comedies, and horror sereies. After watching the first episode of some of the shows with the most buzz, it’s clear that Apple is coming out of the gate with a solid lineup aimed at rivaling the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and the other dominant players in the streaming game.

Here are our first impressions of some of the most talked-about and anticipated series.
The Morning Show
The Morning Show — Official Trailer | Apple TV+

Entertainment

Why do some movies and TV shows disappear from streaming services?

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By now, you've probably heard the news: Some of the content arriving on Disney+ at launch will eventually leave the service. Contrary to prior reports, you won't be able to save downloaded shows and movies once they're no longer on Disney+, either. As cool as that would be, it's just a big misunderstanding.

Now, don't panic just yet. According to The Verge, Disney+ content isn't expected to depart until 2026. Further, Disney CEO Bob Iger promised that"almost all" of the TV shows and movies on Disney+ will remain on the service for the foreseeable future.