Iconic TV Events
Numerous unforgettable events have been captured live since the invention of television. Be it humanity’s first step towards space exploration or natural disasters, various moments have been caught in the frame that stunned the world. Keep reading to learn more about these epic incidents.
Moon Landing
The Apollo’s Moon landing on 20 July, 1969, was among the biggest television events in history, which reached an estimated 650 million viewers. The world witnessed the first human landing on the moon, with Neil Armstrong being the first person to walk there.
Digital Images Studio, Shutterstock
11 September Attacks
While some TV moments brought a sense of accomplishment, some caused great distress. One such horrifying incident was the attack on the Twin Towers. On 11 September 2001, outlaws hijacked four planes and crashed two into New York's World Trade Center. The destruction and casualties were broadcast by media worldwide.
Michael Foran, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Live Aid Concert
Live Aid was a charity concert that took place on 13 July, 1985, in JFK Stadium in Philadelphia and Wembley Stadium in London. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure organized the groundbreaking musical event to help with hunger aid in Ethiopia.
Live Aid (Queen) Full Concert [1985, London, Wembley Stadium] by Dany Fil
O.J. Simpson's Car Chase
On 17 June 1994, former NFL player O.J. Simpson escaped from police in a white Ford Bronco, sparking the O.J. Simpson automobile chase. Among the most-watched live events, the pursuit came to a stop when Simpson turned himself in to authorities at his house in Brentwood.
OJ Simpson Bronco chase by KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco
Challenger Disaster
The Space Shuttle Challenger crashed on 28 January 1986, taking out all seven of its crew members 73 seconds into the mission. The spacecraft broke apart near the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, 46,000 feet (14 km) above the Atlantic Ocean.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Berlin Wall Falls
The fall of the Berlin Wall took place on 9 November 1989, at the time of the Peaceful Revolution. As East Berlin transit restrictions were overwhelmed and abandoned, it signaled the beginning of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the symbolic Iron Curtain.
Lear 21, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Diana's Funeral
On 6 September, 1997, the Princess of Wales's funeral was aired live on radio and television. The official ceremony was conducted at Westminster Abbey in London, which was one of the largest televised events in history, with an estimated 2 to 2.5 billion viewers globally.
PaddyBriggs, Wikimedia Commons
Super Bowl Halftime Show Incident
On the fateful day of 1 February 2004, at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime event, the performance by Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson was witnessed, culminating in a costume malfunction/reveal that gave rise to the now-famous Nipplegate controversy.
Rescue Of Baby Jessica
Jessica McClure, better known as Baby Jessica, was rescued in Midland, Texas, on 16 October 1987. The eight-inch well in her aunt's backyard trapped the 18-month-old girl for more than fifty-eight hours. The rescue effort included local emergency workers, heavy equipment, and oil drillers as the world watched.
35 years later: What happened to Baby Jessica? By NewsWest 9
The 2011 Oscars (The Social Network’s Big Win)
On 13 February 2011, The Social Network took home three Academy Awards: Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. In addition, the movie received nominations for Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. A big win, for sure.
Aaron Sorkin Wins Adapted Screenplay for 'The Social Network' | 83rd Oscars (2011) by Oscars
Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special
The television program Elvis Presley's 1968 Comeback Special was broadcast on NBC on 3 December, 1968. Elvis' comeback to live performance and his reestablishment as a significant figure in American music were both highlighted by the special.
Elvis Presley - That's All Right ('68 Comeback Special) by Elvis Presley
Beatles On The Ed Sullivan Show
A new era in American popular music and culture, as well as a new benchmark for its marketing and promotion, began on the evening of Sunday, 9 February 1964, when The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. The Beatles' visit received a lot of media attention.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
Apollo 13 Safe Return (1970)
Following a nearly disastrous mission, the Apollo 13 crew successfully returned to Earth on 17 April, 1970. The mission marked a turning point in NASA's history, which showcased their inventiveness and tenacity. Jim Lovell oversaw the mission, with Fred Haise as the lunar module (LM) pilot and Jack Swigert as the command module (CM) pilot.
Fall Of Saigon
The fall of Saigon occurred on 30 April 1975, when North Vietnam took Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. The Vietnam conflict ended as a result of this pivotal moment, which also caused the South Vietnamese government to fall and thousands of South Vietnamese and American citizens to be evacuated.
The ‘Fall of Saigon’ in 1975, how the news reported it by South China Morning Post
Nelson Mandela’s Release
After 27 years in jail, Nelson Mandela was freed unconditionally on 11 February 1990. He had previously been granted conditional freedom by the Apartheid government in 1985, which led to this release. This symbolized South Africa's journey toward ending apartheid and achieving democracy.
Nelson Mandela's Momentous Release from Victor Verster Prison (1990) by ITN Archive
The 1998 Seinfeld Finale
Seinfeld's conclusion caused controversy among many fans. In the Seinfeld Finale, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer were put on trial for their numerous transgressions during the series. Viewers gave mixed reactions to the characters' conviction and subsequent imprisonment.
Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer get reprimanded | Seinfeld by Sony Pictures Entertainment India
Resignation Of President Nixon
In a nationally televised address to the American public on 8 August 1974, US President Richard Nixon announced that he would step down as president the next day due to the Watergate scandal. Delivered from the Oval Office, the speech was carried live on radio and television.
Oliver Atkins, Wikimedia Commons
Live Execution Of Saddam Hussein
On 30 December 2006, Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, was put to death. After the Iraqi Special Tribunal found Saddam guilty of crimes against humanity for the 1982 Dujail massacre, Saddam was condemned to perish by hanging.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Hurricane Katrina Coverage
In 2005, both media outlets covered Hurricane Katrina. In addition to reporting on the political and religious leaders who claimed that the hurricane was divine vengeance, the media assisted in the search for missing persons. The growth of blogging and internet journalism was also influenced by the media.
U.S. Navy photo by Gary Nichols, Wikimedia Commons
Rescue Of Chilean Miners
In the Chilean miner's rescue, 33 men were rescued after 69 days from a Chilean mine that had collapsed. The San José copper and gold mine in the Atacama Desert trapped the miners 2,300 feet below the surface. The rescue was held on 13 October 2010.
Hugo Infante/Government of Chile, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The First Manned Space Launch (1961)
On 12 April, 1961, Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin circled the Earth in the Vostok 1 spacecraft, marking the first manned space launch. It was at this point that the Space Age began. His vehicle, Vostok 1, traveled 27,400 kilometers per hour around the Earth.
Pline, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Launch Of The iPhone (2007)
On 9 January, 2007, Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, revealed the first iPhone at Macworld in San Francisco. The iPhone was made available on 29 June of that year in the US. This marked a new way to use technology and communicate.
Steve Jobs introduces iPhone in 2007 by John Schroter
Columbia Shuttle Disaster (2003)
All seven astronauts on Space Shuttle Columbia perished when it broke apart as it reentered the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana on Saturday, 1 February 2003. It was the second Space Shuttle mission to fail following the 1986 disaster of Challenger.
Pope John Paul II's Funeral
Pope John Paul II passed away at the age of 84 on 2 April, 2005. His funeral took place on 8 April, and after that, the Catholic Church observed nine days of sadness during the Novendiales devotional. Millions of people gathered to pay homage.
blues_brother, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael Jackson's Memorial Service
Michael Jackson's memorial service took place at the Staples Center on 7 July, 2009, in LA, California. Watched by millions of people worldwide, the service was conducted 12 days after Jackson passed away and it was broadcast live across the globe.
sun, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince William And Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding
Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding was held at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on 29 April 2011. Prior to becoming heir apparent, William was ranked second in the line of succession to the British throne.
Magnus D, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony
On Friday, 27 July 2012, the Olympic Stadium in London hosted the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Danny Boyle, an Academy Award-winning British film director, directed the ceremony. With hundreds of dancers, black taxis, and even a flying monarch, the London 2012 Opening Ceremony was undoubtedly unforgettable.
Nick J Webb, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
2019 Notre Dame Cathedral Fire
A destructive fire engulfed the roof of Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral on 15 April, 2019. The famous spire was swiftly devoured by the flames, endangering the main bell towers. Viewers from all around the world watched in shock as the iconic monument got on the verge of collapsing.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married royally at Windsor Castle, England's St. George's Chapel on Saturday, 19 May, 2018. Approximately 600 guests attended the ceremony, viewed by almost 2 billion people globally.
The Gulf War Airstrikes (1991)
When 17 January 1991 came, an aerial and naval attack started the first battle to drive Iraqi troops out of Kuwait, which lasted for five weeks. Then, on 24 February, a ground attack took place. The coalition forces won this battle handily, liberating Kuwait and advancing into Iraqi territory.
US Air Force, Wikimedia Commons
The 1999 Grammys (Lauryn Hill’s Record Wins)
Lauryn Hill received five Grammys at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, which included Album of the Year for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, her debut solo album. In addition, she was awarded Best Rhythm & Blues Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Album, and Best New Artist.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
1994 World Cup Final (USA)
The FIFA World Cup final was a soccer match played on 17 July 1994 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, US, to decide the tournament's victory. It was the first, and so far, the only World Cup final to end in a penalty shootout after going scoreless.
1994 WORLD CUP FINAL: Brazil 0-0 Italy (3-2 PSO) by FIFA
Live Broadcast Of Nelson Mandela's Inauguration
On 9 May 1994, Nelson Mandela delivered his inaugural speech in Cape Town, South Africa. The majority of South Africans democratically elected Mandela as their first president. Before this, South Africa experienced the apartheid era, which lasted from 1948 to 1994.
President Nelson Mandela Inauguration Speech May 10, 1994 by SABC News
1980 US Hockey Team's Miracle On Ice
The US men's ice hockey team's shocking triumph over the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics in 1980 was dubbed the Miracle on Ice. The game was played during the medal round on 22 February 1980.
Henry Zbyszynski, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Will Smith Oscars Slap
Actor Will Smith stepped onstage and smacked comedian Chris Rock across the face during Rock's Best Documentary Feature presentation at the 94th Academy Awards on 27 March 2022. Rock made an unplanned joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia-related shaved head, which prompted the smack.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars by The Telegraph
2020 George Floyd Protests
The George Floyd protests included a series of anti-police violence rallies and marches that started on 26 May 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States. The civil disturbances and protests began in Minneapolis after a municipal officer killed George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old African American man.
Frankie Fouganthin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The First Transatlantic TV Broadcast (1928)
The first transatlantic TV signal between London and New York, as well as the first transmission from shore to ship, was aired on 9 February, 1928, by Baird's company, Baird Television Development Company/Cinema Television. He participated in Germany's first experimental mechanical television service in 1929.
First EVER LIVE transatlantic TV Broadcast happened near Andover, Maine! by Northeast Historic Film
The 2011 Japan Earthquake And Tsunami
A Mw 9.0–9.1 underwater megathrust earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean on 11 March 2011, 72 kilometers east of the Oshika Peninsula in the Tōhoku area. It created a tsunami that lasted for around 6 minutes and left behind devastating damages.
Mitsukuni Sato, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
A tsunami led to a significant catastrophe at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility located in Japan on 11 March 2011. This event is known as the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that caused the tsunami was the reason behind the catastrophe.
IAEA Imagebank, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The 2015 Paris Attacks
A series of coordinated Islamist attacks were witnessed in Paris, France, and the city's northern suburb, Saint-Denis, on Friday, 13 November 2015. After being unable to enter the stadium, three outlaws started attacking outside the Stade de France in Saint-Denis during an international football game at 21:16.
Mstyslav Chernov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The 2008 Mumbai Attacks
The November 2008 Mumbai attacks, also known as the 26/11 attacks, were a string of well-planned Islamist attacks. In this incident, 10 members of the Islamist militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in Pakistan, carried out 12 shooting and blasting attacks over the course of four days throughout Mumbai.
Nicholas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The 2003 Invasion Of Iraq
The Iraq conflict began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and continued until 2011. The United States and its allies launched their invasion of Iraq on 20 March 2003. The invasion’s objective was to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein and demolish weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Lance Cpl. Brian L. Wickliffe, U.S. Marine Corps, Wikimedia Commons
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 was the result of an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 to 9.3 that occurred off the Indonesian coast of Sumatra. This terrible catastrophe occurred on 26 December, 2004. This tsunami claimed the lives of around 220,000 people in 14 nations.
Philip A. McDaniel, Wikimedia Commons
The First Spacewalk (1965)
On 18 March 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov stepped out of the Voskhod 2 spacecraft, marking the first spacewalk. Leonov was connected to the spacecraft by an umbilical connection and spent 12 minutes and 9 seconds outside of it.
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