1988 in American television
See also: 1987 in television, other events of 1988, 1989 in television and the list of 'years in television'.
Hit Television Shows
- The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
- Cheers (1982-1993)
- Family Ties (1982-1989)
- MTV (1981-present)
- Roseanne premieres (1988-1997)
Other Popular Television Shows
- Dallas (1978-1991)
- Dr Who (1963-1989)
- Full House (1987-1995)
- Jeopardy! (1984-present)
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993)
- Married with Children (1987-1997)
- Miami Vice (1984-1989)
- Saturday Night Live (1975-present)
- Sesame Street (1969-present)
- The Tonight Show (1954-present)
- Wheel of Fortune (1975-present)
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
- Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart is the focus of a sex scandal, and later admits to being with prostitutes and steps down from his television ministry.
Births
- November 15 - Zena Grey, actress