Battle of the Network Stars (TV)
**Overview of Battle of the Network Stars (TV)**
"Battle of the Network Stars" was a television series that aired on ABC, first premiering on November 13, 1976. The show featured celebrity teams from major American networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—competing in various Olympic-style athletic events. Hosted by renowned sportscaster Howard Cosell, the program included activities like swimming, running, biking, kayaking, and obstacle courses, culminating in a final tug-of-war between the top two teams. Each team, led by a captain, consisted of ten members, and they competed for cash prizes ranging from $20,000 for first place to $8,000 for third. The picturesque backdrop of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, added to the show's appeal, while Cosell's commentary provided engaging insights and interviews throughout the events. Over its run, the series produced 19 episodes until December 10, 1988, showcasing a rotating cast of popular celebrities such as Robert Conrad, Lynda Carter, and Farrah Fawcett. Notably, the show exemplified the successful integration of sports and entertainment during the 1970s, appealing to audiences with its blend of competition and celebrity culture.
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Subject Terms
Battle of the Network Stars (TV)
Identification Series of television specials
Battle of the Network Stars was a series of popular specials that featured celebrity teams representing the three major television networks and competing in physical challenges.
Date Aired from November, 1976, to December, 1988
Battle of the Network Stars was a series of two-hour American Broadcasting Company (ABC) television specials showcasing celebrity teams from the ABC, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), and National Broadcasting Company (NBC) networks competing in athletic events. The show was first broadcast on November 13, 1976, and was hosted by legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell.
The network teams competed in a series of Olympic-style athletic challenges. Each team was made up of a captain and nine team members. Featured events included swimming, running, biking, kayaking, and an obstacle course. The final athletic event of each show was a tug-of-war between the two top-scoring teams. Network teams competed for cash prizes: $20,000 for each first-place finisher, $12,500 for second, and $8,000 for third.
The program gave audiences the chance to see popular celebrities such as Robert Conrad, Ron Howard, Lynda Carter, Farrah Fawcett, and Jimmy Walker go head-to-head in athletic competition. Viewers were treated to ongoing commentary by Cosell, who interviewed team members between events and did a running play-by-play of the action as it unfolded. The Malibu, California, campus of Pepperdine University served at the backdrop for the events and offered a pristine setting for the show. Competition was fierce, and friendly rivalries developed between network teams as losers waited for the next opportunity to claim victory and bragging rights. Produced over the years by Roone Arledge, Don Ohlmeyer, Barry Frank, Bill Garnett, Robert Bagley, and Vin DiBona, the nineteen episodes of Battle of the Network Stars aired until December 10, 1988.
Impact
Battle of the Network Stars was an excellent example of the successful merging of sports and entertainment during the 1970’s that in turn translated into a ratings success for ABC. Celebrity competitors were able to showcase their athletic prowess—or, in some cases, lack thereof. There had been similar shows in the past, but Battle of the Network Stars provided a unique opportunity for the viewing audience to see a variety of celebrities, since the lineup of contestants changed with each special. The competition and enthusiasm displayed by the celebrity participants resulted in memorable encounters, which added to the show’s overall appeal.
Bibliography
Lackmann, Ronald W. The Encyclopedia of American Television: Broadcast Programming Post-World War II to 2000. New York: Checkmark Books, 2003.
Terrace, Vincent. Television Specials: 3,201 Entertainment Spectaculars, 1939-1993. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1995.
Turan, Kenneth. “Can They Survive Rope Burns? Grudges? Howard Cosell’s Needling?” TV Guide 32 (May 4, 1984): 42-44.