About The Interviews

The Archive produces extensive video oral history interviews with television legends of all professions and makes them available online.

To date, the Archive has completed over 2000 hours of videotaped conversations with over 570 Actors, Producers, Writers, Newscasters, Executives, Directors, Craftspersons, and more.

Click here to view the complete list of interviews.

There are stories behind what we see on the screen -- crucial eyewitness accounts of world-changing events, pop culture origins, technological innovations and artistic insights.

Archive interviews capture the stories that began in the 1920s when television was invented and continue through to today’s media consolidation, convergence, and emerging platforms. From the inventors of electronic TV, to those behind the camera, to television's biggest stars – from every viewpoint – the Archive preserves firsthand accounts from those who were there.

Interview Process

We thoroughly research our interviewees based on primary-source material. These raw oral histories often last between 2-6 hours.

The interviews are conducted by reviewing the subject's life and career chronologically. They discuss their childhood, early influences, how their career began, and throughly cover their television careers, ending with their thoughts on the industry and legacy.

Selection Process

Interviewees are selected based on many criteria, and voted on by a committee of their peers across numerous professions. Generally, fifty new interviews are conducted each year.

Accessing the Interviews

Many of our interviews are available to view online, for free. Click here to see the complete list of interviews. For access to the rest of our collection, inquiries about transcripts, or to view them in person, you may make an appointment with the Archive.