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It’s a light week for new series premieres with one Summer replacement series in 1955, three reality series in 2005, one of which has had an 18 season run so far, and four reality series in 2015, one of which was cancelled after just two episodes, and one scripted series for kids. Scroll down to see the shows that premiered this week across the decades and tell us if any of your favorites are celebrating milestone anniversaries.
1955
- July 20 – Frankie Laine Time (CBS, Two seasons, last broadcast in September 1956)
Frankie Laine Time was a Summer replacement series for Arthur Godfrey and Friends, airing from July-September 1955, and August-September 1956. Boris Karloff, Morey Amsterdam, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald were among the show’s guests.
1965
- No new series premiered this week in 1965.
1975
- No new series premiered this week in 1975.
1985
- No new series premiered this week in 1985.
1995
- No new series premiered this week in 1995.
2005
- July 20 – Criss Angel Mindfreak (A&E, Six seasons, 96 episodes)
- July 20 – So You Think You Can Dance (FOX, Eighteen seasons, 319 episodes to date)
- July 26 – Dirty Jobs (Discovery Channel, Nine seasons, 179 episodes to date, 3 pilots)
The first season of So You Think You Can Dance was hosted by news personality Lauren Sánchez, with Kat Deeley taking over from Season 2 onward. The series has won nine Emmy Awards, seven of which were for choreography. The 17th season of the show that was to air in the Summer of 2020 was postponed due to the COVID pandemic, and did not air until May 2022. Co-creator and head judge Nigel Lythgoe was forced to depart the show ahead of its 18th season as a result of a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by Paula Abdul, another of the show’s judges. JoJo Siwa was his replacement. Several of the show’s contestants have gone on to be pros on Dancing with the Stars. The show has not aired a new season since 2024, but FOX has not officially cancelled the series.
Dirty Jobs has been nominated for three Outstanding Reality Program Emmys, and two for Cinematography.
2015
Entertainment One Television
- July 21 – Knock Knock Live (FOX, One season, 2 episodes)
- July 22 – Home Free (FOX, Two seasons, 18 episodes)
- July 22 – Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything (Disney XD, Two seasons, 37 episodes)
- July 25 – Boston EMS (ABC, Two seasons, 11 episodes)
- July 25 – Race to Escape (Science, One season, 6 episodes)
Knock Knock Live featured host Ryan Seacrest and various celebrities knocking on a random person’s door who had done something special to give them prizes. Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Lea Michele, Meghan Trainor, Rob Gronkowski, Robin Thicke, Rita Ora, Martha Stewart, Bubba Watson, David Beckham, Demi Lovato, Mike Holmes, Adrienne Bailon, Florida Georgia Line, Ross Mathews and Common were scheduled to be on the show’s first season, but FOX cancelled the show after two episodes due to low ratings.
Home Free featured couples competing to win a dream home. The series was hosted by Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. during Season 1. Tim Tebow replaced Mike Jr. for Season 2.
Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything was a comedy series starring Cameron Boyce, Murray Wyatt Rundus, Felix Avitia, and Sophie Reynolds. Race to Escape was an escape room-themed reality competition hosted by Jimmy Pardo.