PBS celebrates "Pioneers of Television"

Back in the day, the whole family would get comfy in front of the TV to watch "Mannix", "The Rockford Files" or "Mission Impossible".

This month PPS celebrates these shows and other favourites from TV's early days like "The Big Valley", "I Spy" and "The Wild Wild West" in season two of `Pioneers of Television`` which premiers January 18th at 8 p.m. ET, on PBS stations.

The four-part series is narrated by Kelsey Grammer (`Frasier`) and features clips from westerns, crime dramas, science fiction series plus local kids TV. Also included are behind-the-scenes interviews with stars such as James Garner, William Shatner and Angie Dickinson.

Here`s a preview:

Star Trek`s Leonard Nimoy remembers his guest role on "Gunsmoke"

Watch the full episode. See more Pioneers of Television.

Linda Evans describes a stunt on "The Big Valley"

Watch the full episode. See more Pioneers of Television.

Writer Stephen J. Cannell ("Rockford Files") remembers meeting James Garner; Garner remembers acting.

Watch the full episode. See more Pioneers of Television.

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Season One of "Pioneers of Television"

Starting on February 15th, PBS will air an encore presentation of season one of the series, which showcased sitcoms, variety shows and late night talk.

Here`s Betty White discussing her first TV show, “Life with Elizabeth”

Watch the full episode. See more Pioneers of Television.

Comedian Jonathan Winters remembers a funny airplane skit with Dean Martin

Watch the full episode. See more Pioneers of Television.

RESOURCES:

Mike Connors ("Mannix") and Robert Conrad ("The Wild, Wild West") and pals reminisce with veteran TV columnist Bill Brioux at TV Feeds My Family.