Cloris Leachman Talks Comedy

Emmy-award winner Cloris Leachman shares her acting philosophy. (1m 52s)

Jimmie Walker on "Good Times"

Walker's "Good Times" character was such a hit, he changed the direction of the sitcom. (1m 18s)

Dick Van Dyke's Knack for Physical Comedy

Dick Van Dyke loved to perform physical comedy, even if the script didn't call for it. (1m 19s)

Professor Cosby

Bill Cosby's interest in education began long before "The Cosby Show." (1m 14s)

Margaret Cho on "All-American Girl"

Comic Margaret Cho discusses her short-lived sitcom, "All-American Girl." (1m 16s)

George Takei on being an Asian-American

George Takei discusses his early life in a paranoid United States. (2m 48s)

Diahann Carroll on "Julia"

Though “Julia” aired during the turbulent 1960s, the show abstained from racial activism. (1m 20s)

Bill Cosby Revives the Sitcom

In the Fall of 1984, Bill Cosby almost single handedly revived the sitcom genre. (1m 13s)

St.Elsewhere "Got it Right"

"St.Elsewhere" was the first show to portray the medical community accurately. (1m 36s)

Noah Wyle as Dr. John Carter

Noah Wyle discusses the character growth of Dr. John Carter. (1m 48s)

Now Playing

Howie Mandel on "St. Elsewhere"

Howie Mandel thought he was auditioning for a sitcom. (1m 23s)

George Clooney and his "Powerful Pen"

George Clooney used his popularity to speak out against discrimination. (1m 4s)

Tim Allen's Transition to TV

"Home Improvement" star Tim Allen wasn't planning on leaving standup for television. (1m 26s)

Tim Allen on his First "Tonight Show" Appearance

When sitcom star Tim Allen first appeared on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show," he bombed. (2m 42s)

Season Four Preview

More than 200 stars bring their stories to life in Season 4 of Pioneers of Television. (30s)

Roseanne Barr, Working Class Feminist

With her sitcom, Roseanne Barr made waves by fearlessly tackling difficult issues. (1m 53s)

Jerry Seinfeld on "Getting Laughs"

Jerry Seinfeld describes the challenging act of "getting a laugh." (43s)

Creating "Seinfeld"

Together, comics Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David created the hit sitcom "Seinfeld" in 1989. (1m 27s)

Bob Newhart on Listening Funny

Legendary comedian Bob Newhart describes his first TV role as psychologist Robert Hartley. (2m 1s)

Jonathan Winters' Improvisational Comedy

Classic comedian Jonathan Winters was at his best when he was improvising. (1m 38s)

Jimmie Walker on "Taking the Pie"

Despite "Good Times" producer Norman Lear's wishes, Jimmie Walker was there to be funny. (1m 48s)

Breaking Barriers Preview

This episode traces the story of people of color on American television. (30s)

Acting Funny Preview

This episode reveals the backstage techniques of America’s favorite comedic actors. (30s)

Doctors and Nurses Preview

Explore television’s long love affair with doctors and nurses from ER to Dr. Kildare. (30s)

Standup to Sitcom Preview

This episode reveals how America’s top comics made the transition from stage to screen. (30s)