'Thunderbirds'

Launched on the ITV network in September 1965. The next christmas saw the first of two films, 'Thunderbirds Are Go', released. The premiere was held at the London Pavilion, where one of the 'Thunderball' premieres had been held.

'Batman'

Premiered in January 1966 on ABC twice weekly with these first episodes - 'Hi Diddle Riddle' and 'Smack in the Middle' and ran for three years. Starring Adam West and Burt Ward, joined by Batgirl Yvonne Craig in the third season.

'Danger Man'

Spy drama starring Patrick McGoohan ran intermittently over three seasons (1960-66, ITV) and was broadcast in the US under the title 'Secret Agent'. A fourth season only lasted for two colour episodes to make way for 'The Prisoner'.

'Doctor Who'

After three years / 29 stories (including 'Mission to the Unknown' where he was credited but didn't appear), William Hartnell left the long running BBC show, and was seen to regenerate into Patrick Troughton (October 1966).

'The Saint'

With most of the original Charteris stories translated, ITV wrote a new contract to continue the series, in colour from 1966, with newly created stories and Roger Moore as co-producer. Also, premiered on NBC in network primetime.

'Star Trek'

Kirk and the Enterprise went boldly for the first time on NBC in September 1966. Their 'five-year mission' lasted for 79 episodes over three seasons. The pilot starred Jeffrey Hunter as the original Enterprise captain, Christopher Pike.

'The Avengers'

The Emma Peel era (1965-67, ITV) was the most successful period for The Avengers. ABC bought the show for the US, although first reluctant a deal was made that in buying it the next season, five, would be made in colour.

'Not Only...But Also...'

Conceived as a showcase for Dudley Moore, by the second programme Peter Cook had established himself as joint lead. Transmitted on the BBC in January 1965, the second series a year later (a third in colour from February 1970).

'Mission Impossible'

Premiered on CBS in September 1966. Dan Briggs (Steve Hill) led the IMF team of Cinnamon (Barbara Bain), Barney (Greg Morris) and Willy (Peter Lupus) for this first season. Martin Landau appeared as a guest star for most shows.

'The Likely Lads'

Transmitted on the BBC from December 1964-66, it ran for 3 series. Starring James Bolam and Rodney Bewes, downing pints and attempting to pull birds. Launched the comedy career of writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.

'Adam Adamant Lives!'

Transmitted on the BBC (1966-67), it featured an Edwardian adventurer, deep-frozen in suspended animation in 1902 by nemesis, The Face. Found and thawed out years later, he solved crime in swinging London.

'The Monkees'

Micky, Davy, Mike and Pete burst onto NBC in September 1966. The album 'The Monkees', was released to promote the TV show. The music outlasted the series which ended in 1968 - nine albums were released up to 1970.

'Get Smart'

A James Bond spoof starring Don Adams (Maxwell Smart, Agent 86) - co-created by Mel Brooks. After four seasons on NBC beginning September 1965 it was cancelled. CBS then picked it up for a fifth and final season.

'I Dream of Jeannie'

Premiered on NBC in September 1965 (ran for five seasons, the first in black and white) starring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman. Barbara Eden also played Jeannie's mother in two episodes and Jeannie's sister in nine episodes.

'The Dean Martin Show'

In 1965 Dean Martin agreed to host this weekly variety series; a big hit for NBC running for nine seasons. The first show premiered in September 1965 and featured Frank Sinatra. Joey Bishop also appeared in 13 of the shows.

'The Flintstones'

The Flintstones (originally Flagstones) was a Hanna-Barbera production that originally aired on ABC in primetime slots from 1960-66. It was television's first animated series running to 166 original episodes.

'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'

TV's version of James Bond, the show ran on NBC from 1964 to 1968. There were eight feature-length films made from two-part episodes and a spin-off, 'The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.' in 1966 - the same year the original premiered in the UK.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

The Emmy award winning special premiered on ABC in December 1965. The original broadcast included brief animated sections with the logo of the shows sponsor, Coco-Cola - these were later edited out of future versions.

academy awards

Hosted by Bob Hope on April 18th 1966 (for the year 1965 - broadcast in colour for the first time).