The Most Popular TV Show From Your Birth Year (1951-1990)

18. 1952: Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts

Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts began as a radio show, but evolved into a television program some have described as the precursor to shows like The Voice and American Idol. 40 million listeners tuned into Godfrey’s show weekly to hear the talent sing but also take in Godfrey’s commentary.

Unsurprisingly, the show translated well to television, becoming the most-watched program of 1952. More than 70 years later, Americans are still enamored with the large-scale talent shows Arthur Godfrey popularized.