On this day February 26 1984 Star Wars aired on network television for the first time when CBS broadcast George Lucas’s sci-fi blockbuster to millions of viewers. The highly anticipated event allowed a new audience to experience the film outside of theaters and home video making it a major television moment of the 1980s.
By this time Star Wars had already become a cultural phenomenon since its theatrical release in 1977. The CBS broadcast brought the adventure of Luke Skywalker Han Solo Princess Leia and Darth Vader into living rooms across America giving fans another way to enjoy the groundbreaking space epic.
Network television airings of major films were a big deal in the pre-streaming era often drawing huge ratings and turning movie nights into must-see events. The Star Wars premiere on CBS was no exception proving the franchise’s massive popularity and influence even before the expanded universe and prequels took shape.
Fun fact: The CBS airing of Star Wars included special behind-the-scenes segments and added footage to make the television event feel even more special for fans.
Trivia question: The original Star Wars film was later given a new subtitle when the sequels were released. What was the full title it was changed to?
By this time Star Wars had already become a cultural phenomenon since its theatrical release in 1977. The CBS broadcast brought the adventure of Luke Skywalker Han Solo Princess Leia and Darth Vader into living rooms across America giving fans another way to enjoy the groundbreaking space epic.
Network television airings of major films were a big deal in the pre-streaming era often drawing huge ratings and turning movie nights into must-see events. The Star Wars premiere on CBS was no exception proving the franchise’s massive popularity and influence even before the expanded universe and prequels took shape.
Fun fact: The CBS airing of Star Wars included special behind-the-scenes segments and added footage to make the television event feel even more special for fans.
Trivia question: The original Star Wars film was later given a new subtitle when the sequels were released. What was the full title it was changed to?
