Date
Thursday
Nov
21

November 21

World Television Day

Celebrate World Television Day with your favorite shows and movies - get your popcorn ready for a night of entertainment!

Yearly Date
November 21
Type
Day

Introduction

It's time to celebrate World Television Day on November 21! This special day was created in 1996 by the United Nations to recognize the power of television as a tool for entertainment, education and information. It's an opportunity to appreciate how far television has come since its invention over 100 years ago and reflect on its impact throughout history. We can also use this day to look ahead at where TV is going in the future.

World Television Day Timeline

1927
First Electronic Television
Inventor Philo T. Farnsworth successfully demonstrates the world’s first electronic television, sparking a new era of technology.
1951
Color Television
CBS broadcasts the first commercial color television program, with an adapted version of a show called "Premiere".
1969
Moon Landing Broadcast
The Apollo 11 moon landing becomes one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history, marking an important moment for television in global communication.
1972
First Home Video Recorder
The Philips Company introduces the first home video cassette recorder, allowing television shows and movies to be recorded and watched at home.
1996
World Television Day
The United Nations General Assembly proclaims November 21 as World Television Day, recognizing the role television plays in presenting different issues affecting people.
2007
Netflix Streaming
Netflix, originally a DVD rental-by-mail service, begins streaming television shows and movies, significantly transforming the landscape of television broadcasting.

How to Celebrate World Television Day

1

Watch your favorite TV show

Take a break from work or school and get comfy on the couch. Catch up on that show you’ve been wanting to watch all week.

2

Host a movie marathon

Invite your friends over for a movie marathon of all your favorite films, or choose a theme to make it more interesting. Don’t forget the popcorn!

3

Organize a TV trivia night

Gather some friends together for an evening of fun, competitive trivia about all things television. Print out some questions in advance, or make it up as you go along.

4

Visit a TV museum

Visit a museum dedicated to television, like the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. Learn about the history of television and its impact on our culture.

5

Make fan art

Channel your inner artist and create some fan art featuring your favorite characters from TV shows or movies. Share it with friends or post it online.

Why World Television Day is Important

A

Television provides entertainment and enrichment

Television is more than a source of entertainment - it can also provide knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the world around us. By watching informative shows, we learn about different cultures, places and topics that can broaden our perspectives and enrich our lives.

B

Television brings us closer with friends & family

Watching television together is a great way to bond with friends and family. We can share our reactions to what's happening onscreen in real time, creating meaningful conversations that bring us closer together. Plus, modern streaming services make it easier than ever for distant family members to stay connected by also watching the same show!

C

Television tells us stories from all over the globe

Television often gives us access to stories from all over the world. It allows us to peek into the lives of others in faraway countries or hear their unique perspectives on various current events. This insight helps us form deeper connections by learning more about our global community.

World Television Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Nov 20
Monday
2024
Nov 20
Wednesday
2025
Nov 20
Thursday
2026
Nov 20
Friday
2027
Nov 20
Saturday