- Country United States
- Original language English
- Genre Drama
- Runtime 45 minutes
- Total runtime 394 hours 30 minutes
- Status Continuing
- Network NBC
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External links
TheTVDB page
IMDB page
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Last update
27 September 2025 - 20:13
on 11 databases
Kraft Television Theatre
This live anthology drama series was the first weekly commercial network program. From May to December 1947, NBC aired the show on Wednesday, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; for the rest of its run, it was broadcast on Wednesday, 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. From 1953 to 1955, another series of the same name was shown on ABC concurrently with the one on NBC. For a short time in 1958, the series abandoned its anthology format and ran with recurring characters and situations. From April to September 1958, the show was known as "Kraft Mystery Theatre."
This program was a prestigious showcase for its sponsor, Kraft, winning many awards and becoming a Wednesday night institution. By the end of its run, more than 650 plays, drama and comedy productions, both original and adaptations for TV, had been presented. One of the most awarded episodes was "Patterns" written by Rod Serling and directed by Fielder Cook with performances from Ed Begley, Everett Sloane, and Richard Kiley.
In an age where streaming platforms are flooded with new content daily, there is something uniquely refreshing about revisiting the classics. "Ford Theatre: All Star Theatre" is a quintessential piece of television history that offers modern viewers an exceptional glimpse into the golden age of TV. This anthology series was not only a pioneer during its time but also a beacon for what quality storytelling could achieve on screen. With its roots stretching across all three major networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—this series became a household name in America throughout the late 1940s and 1950s.
Each episode of "Ford Theatre" stands alone as a mini-masterpiece, offering viewers everything from riveting dramas to light-hearted comedies. The charm of this series lies in its ability to deliver compelling stories within the span of an hour, often featuring performances by some of Hollywood's most renowned stars. This format not only kept audiences engaged week after week but also set the stage for many other anthology series that followed in its footsteps.
Fans of similar shows like "Kraft Television Theatre," "The Armstrong Circle Theatre," and "Studio One" will find themselves just as enthralled by "Ford Theatre." These series share more than just a genre; they encapsulate an era where storytelling was king and every episode felt like an event. Moreover, if you appreciated Orson Welles’ enigmatic tales in “Orson Welles' Great Mysteries” or enjoyed the dramatic flair of “General Electric Theater,” then "Ford Theatre" will undoubtedly become your next favorite binge-watch.
