Omnibus (1952)
A groundbreaking American educational television series that brought arts, culture, and performance to living rooms across the nation for nearly a decade.
Omnibus - Series Information
- Original Title: Omnibus
- First Air Year: 1952
- Last Air Year: 1961
- Created by: Robert Saudek
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Talk
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 158
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian
- First Air Date: November 9, 1952 (United States - NR)
- Networks: CBS, ABC, NBC
- Alternative Titles: Сборник произведений (RU)
- Production Companies: JustFilms / Ford Foundation
- Production Countries: United States of America, Italy, Spain
Omnibus - Plot
Omnibus is an American, commercially sponsored, educational television series.
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Omnibus - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Robert Saudek
Main Cast
- Alistair Cooke
- Leonard Bernstein
- James Daly
- Helen Hayes
- Royal Dano
- Crahan Denton
- Joanne Woodward
- Jessica Tandy
- Jonathan Harris
- Bert Lahr
Writers
- Peter Ustinov
- Sidney Carroll
Omnibus - FAQs
What is Omnibus about?
Omnibus was a commercially sponsored American educational television series that brought arts, culture, drama, music, and performance to a broad audience. It was notable for presenting high-quality programming across literature, history, and the performing arts at a time when such content was rare on American television.
Who hosted the Omnibus TV series?
Omnibus was hosted by the distinguished British-American journalist and broadcaster Alistair Cooke, who served as the series' on-screen guide throughout its run. His erudite and accessible presenting style became closely identified with the show's cultural and educational mission.
When did Omnibus first air on television?
Omnibus premiered on November 9, 1952, in the United States. The series ran for eight seasons, concluding in 1961, and aired across three major American broadcast networks: CBS, ABC, and NBC.
Where can you watch Omnibus online?
Streaming availability for Omnibus varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any digital platforms or archive services carrying the series, via JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming and rental information for your location.
How many seasons and episodes does Omnibus have?
Omnibus ran for 8 seasons and produced a total of 158 episodes. Season sizes varied across its run, ranging from 7 to 28 episodes per season, reflecting the shifting broadcast commitments of CBS, ABC, and NBC over the course of the series.
Who created the Omnibus television series?
Omnibus was created by Robert Saudek, a television producer and executive who championed the concept of bringing serious cultural and educational programming to American commercial television. The series was produced with support from JustFilms and the Ford Foundation.
Did Omnibus win any awards or critical recognition?
Omnibus received considerable critical acclaim during its original run and is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished programs in early American television history. It earned Peabody Awards and is frequently cited as a pioneering achievement in educational and arts broadcasting on commercial TV.
What networks aired the Omnibus TV series?
Omnibus aired across all three major American broadcast networks during its run: it began on CBS, later moved to ABC, and also aired on NBC. This unusual multi-network history reflects the series' prestige and the shifting landscape of American television in the 1950s.
More About Omnibus
Explore further details, credits, and archival information about Omnibus on these authoritative resources.