Website design By BotEap.comThe history of Fox Network television has not been all bed of roses. It was launched in October 1986 after 20th Century Fox’s parent company, TCF Holdings, sold 50% of its shares to News Corporation for $250 million in 1985. New Corporation later bought six television stations in several major cities in Metromedia. At the time, the stations they purchased were broadcasting to only 22% of households in the United States. Once they started broadcasting as Fox in 1986, they hit 80%. However, this was not enough to be considered along with the other three major networks of ABC, CBS and NBC reaching over 97%. Fox was still in its infancy at this point, and while it had a lot of plans in mind, it was only airing one show: The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers.

Website design By BotEap.comThe network was seen to have a young and slightly irreverent outlook on its programming and soon carried shows like ‘Married… with Children’ and ‘The Tracey Ullman Show’. It wasn’t long before ‘The Simpsons’ was born and became the longest-running animated series and sitcom in American television history. History was being made on Fox Network television.

Website design By BotEap.com‘America’s Most Wanted’ was the next great success story in Fox Network television history and was the first show to reach the top 50 shows of the week in Nielson’s top ratings. The show continues to be among the top-rated hits. Although Fox was well on its way to being recognized as a top network broadcaster, its ranking with the other big three was still elusive.

Website design By BotEap.comThis all changed in 1993 when Fox won the coverage contract for the National Football League. Until then, these had been the rights to CBS, where it had found its home since the 1950s. After just one season of NFL coverage, Fox had to be considered alongside CBS, ABC and NBC…the Big Three had become the Big Four. Around the same time, Fox began airing some soap operas aimed at younger audiences and these were popular from the start. Shows like “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Melrose Place” were a big part of the Fox network, but even they were outranked by “The X-Files.” This was the networks’ ticket into the Top 25 on Nielson’s ratings show.

Website design By BotEap.comSince then, Fox Network television history has given us shows like ‘Family Guy’, ‘King of the Hill’ and many reality shows like ‘Joe Millionaire’. Such shows are not popular with everyone and some have criticized the network for broadcasting unpleasant viewing. However, the first series finale of ‘Joe Millionaire’ was watched by more than 40 million people. The figures speak for themselves. Fox has always been an entertainment channel. It has never done well with news reporting, but it has found its own niche where it entertains and brightens the lives of millions of viewers across the United States.