1988 in American television
See also: 1987 in television, other events of 1988, 1989 in television and the list of 'years in television'.
Events
- October 4 - Following in Cher's footsteps , Actress Shirley MacLaine calls David Letterman an "A**hole", on the air during a taping of Late Night
- The song "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" experiences a surge in popularity sparked by television commercials featuring claymation raisin figures. The California Raisins version of the song peaks at No. 84 on Billboard's Hot 100.
- Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart is the focus of a sex scandal, and later admits to being with prostitutes and steps down from his television ministry.
Debuts
- Roseanne premieres (1988-1997)
Popular Television Shows
- All My Children (1970-present)
- The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
- Cheers (1982-1993)
- Dallas (1978-1991)
- Dr Who (1963-1989)
- Family Ties (1982-1989)
- Full House (1987-1995)
- General Hospital (1963-present)
- The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
- Inspector Morse (1987-2000)
- Jeopardy! (1984-present)
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993)
- The Magical World of Disney (1986-1990)
- Married with Children (1987-1997)
- Miami Vice (1984-1989)
- MTV (1981-present)
- Saturday Night Live (1975-present)
- Sesame Street (1969-present)
- The Tonight Show (1954-present)
- Wheel of Fortune (1975-present)
Ending this year
- The Facts of Life (1979-1988)
- Highway to Heaven (1984-1988)
- Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988)
- Punky Brewster (1984-1986, 1987-1988)
- Simon and Simon (1981-1988)
- Solid Gold (1980-1988)
- St. Elsewhere (1982-1988)
- What's Happening Now!! (1985-1988)
Births
- November 15 - Zena Grey, actress
Deaths
- March 10 - Andy Gibb, 30, actor/songwriter of the Bee-Gees