Are there any Television programs that have primarily helped or hindered social and political life in the U.S.?

Answer 1

I think the political satire in the 60s and 70s TV shows, "The Smothers Brothers" and "That Was the Week that Was" helped familiarize viewers with the major issues of the day. During the same time period "East Side West Side" called attention to some of the horrors of poverty and other social issues. I still remember a scene where a rat is in a baby's crib.

These sites have more information about these shows.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Was_The_Week_That_Was

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smothers_Brothers_Comedy_Hour

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