On This Day: April 5, 1987 - Fox Network Made Its Debut

On this day April 5, 1987, the Fox Network officially launched in the United States, shaking up the television industry and giving viewers something totally different. Unlike the big three networks that had dominated for decades, Fox took a bold approach with fresh content aimed at younger, edgier audiences.

Its debut lineup featured two shows that would go on to define the network’s early identity: Married with Children and The Tracey Ullman Show. Married with Children broke every sitcom rule, introducing viewers to the dysfunctional Bundy family and flipping the traditional family comedy on its head. The Tracey Ullman Show blended sketch comedy and music, and even served as the launching pad for The Simpsons, which started as animated shorts on the show.

Fox quickly made a name for itself by taking risks and backing boundary pushing content. Within a few years, it became a major force in entertainment, leading the way for a whole new era of television.

Fun fact: The very first line ever spoken on the Fox Network came from Al Bundy as he sat on the couch complaining about his day.

Trivia question: What animated series got its start as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show?