You Are There

You Are There was a groundbreaking American historical educational television and radio series that aired on CBS from 1947 to 1957. Created by Goodman Ace, the series portrayed an entire network newsroom on a figurative time warp each week, reporting on the great events of the past.

The show’s premise was that the audience was transported back in time to witness pivotal moments in history, with the reporters and anchors acting as if they were covering the events as they unfolded. This innovative approach allowed viewers and listeners to experience history in a more immersive and engaging way, as if they were truly “there” witnessing the events firsthand.

The series featured a talented ensemble of reporters, including John Charles Daly, Don Hollenbeck, and Richard C. Hottelet, who brought the historical events to life through their vivid descriptions and on-the-scene reporting.

The show’s host, Walter Cronkite, would set the stage for each episode, providing context and setting the tone before the action unfolded.

The Stars

While You Are There did not have a regular cast of stars, the series featured a number of notable guest actors who portrayed historical figures.

These included John Cassavetes as Plato, James Dean as outlaw Robert Ford, Vivi Janiss as Mrs. Gilchrist, Paul Newman as Marcus Brutus and Nathan Hale, Jeanette Nolan as Sarah Bernhardt, Felicia Montealegre Bernstein as Rasputin, Kim Stanley as Cleopatra, and Rod Steiger as Richard Burbage.

Key Dates

• The You Are There radio series debuted on July 7, 1947, under the title CBS Is There.
• It ran for 90 episodes, with the final broadcast on March 19, 1950, under the new title You Are There.

Other Information

You Are There was highly acclaimed for its educational and historical value, and the series won a Peabody Award in recognition of its excellence. The show’s innovative format and immersive approach to storytelling made it a standout in the world of educational television and radio.

The television adaptation of the series premiered on February 1, 1953, and ran for 147 episodes until its final broadcast on June 9, 1957. The television version was originally telecast live, but later episodes were produced on film.

The series was also widely parodied in popular culture, with references and homages appearing in cartoons, sitcoms, and variety shows. The show’s famous catchphrase, “You are there,” became a cultural touchstone, used to evoke a sense of immediacy and presence in historical events.

I am happy to say that 94 episodes from the radio version have been preserved and are available for listening, allowing modern audiences to experience the magic of this groundbreaking series.