Forecast

Forecast was an experimental radio series that aired on CBS in the summer of 1940. It presented a series of 14 pilot episodes for potential new radio programs, with 7 coming from New York and 7 from Hollywood. The goal was to showcase new ideas and concepts to the listening public, who were then invited to write in and provide feedback on which shows they would like to see become regular weekly series.

The series featured a variety of genres, including comedy, drama, and adventure. Some of the notable pilot episodes included “When You Were Twenty-One”, a comedy series that would flashback to the year the listener turned 21, and “Angel”, a dramatic chronicle of the American Red Cross.

While none of the original Forecast pilots became regular series at the time, two notable successes did emerge - the long-running thriller series Suspense and the comedy Duffy’s Tavern.  The Forecast series returned in 1941 with another 13 pilot episodes, though only the Hopalong Cassidy western series went on to become a regular program, though not until 1950. Overall, Forecast provided an innovative platform for showcasing new radio ideas and concepts, though the public’s response ultimately determined which shows would move forward.

The Stars

There were no regular stars featured across the Forecast series, as each episode presented a different potential program with its own cast.

However, some notable actors did appear in the various pilots, including Loretta Young in the “Angel” drama and Danny Kaye in the “When You Were Twenty-One” comedy.

Key Dates

• Forecast first aired on July 15, 1940, with two pilot episodes.
• It continued to air new pilots each Monday through August 26, 1940, for a total of 14 episodes that summer.
• The series returned in 1941 with another 13 pilot episodes, airing through the summer months.
• While none of the original 1940 pilots became regular series at the time, two notable successes did emerge - Suspense began in 1942 and ran for 20 years, while Duffy’s Tavern ran from 1941 to 1952.
• The Hopalong Cassidy western series, which was one of the 1941 Forecast pilots, did not become a regular radio program until 1950.

Other Information

Forecast was an innovative attempt by CBS to gauge public interest in new radio programming ideas. By presenting pilot episodes and inviting listener feedback, the network was able to identify concepts that resonated with audiences and had the potential to become successful regular series.

While most of the Forecast pilots did not immediately transition to weekly programs, the series did help launch two major long-running radio hits in Suspense and Duffy’s Tavern. It also provided a platform for showcasing new talent, like the young Danny Kaye.

The Forecast concept was an early example of audience participation and feedback shaping the development of radio programming. It demonstrated the power of the listening public to influence the industry, a dynamic that would continue to evolve as radio matured.