The Betty White Show (1952)

Betty White began as a cast member of the TV talk show 'Hollywood on Television' in 1949, which was hosted by Al Jarvis and Eddie Albert. 'The Eddie Albert Show' was created as a spin-off of this show, and it premiered on KTLA in January 1952. However, as Albert was in demand as a Hollywood actor, he left the show later that year to film 'Roman Holiday' with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. With his departure, the show was renamed for Betty White, who became the host and producer of the show. The show continued to air on KLAC-TV until the end of that year. In 1953, NBC had a weak television lineup, and executives began a search for new content. Hearing of White's popularity, executives flew to Los Angeles to audition her and were impressed. The show's national premiere was on February 8, 1954.