17 Jan.

In a decision condemned by the film industry, the Supreme Court rules that home videotape recording of movies does not infringe upon copyright law.

4 Mar.

A television hall of fame is established. Among its first inductees are comedians Lucille Ball and Milton Berle, playwright Paddy Chayefsky (posthumously), producer Norman Lear, and industry magnates William S. Paley and David Sarnoff.

At Disneyland Donald Duck's fiftieth birthday is celebrated.

16 Sept.

The postmodern police drama Miami Vice, starring Don Johnson, debuts on NBC.

20 Sept.

NBC debuts the television sitcom The Cosby Show, starring comedian Bill Cosby.