20/20 1978
What is 20/20?
20/20 is an American television newsmagazine that has been broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978. Created by ABC News executive Roone Arledge, the show was designed similarly to CBS's 60 Minutes but focuses more on human interest stories than international and political subjects.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1978
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 747
- Runtime
- 40 minutes
- First aired
- Jun 6, 1978
- Last aired
- Jun 5, 2026
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- ABC
- Genres
- News, Documentary
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
fuboTV
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 747 episodes and an average 40-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
20/20 is an American television newsmagazine that has been broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978. Created by ABC News executive Roone Arledge, the show was designed similarly to CBS's 60 Minutes but focuses more on human interest stories than international and political subjects. The program's name derives from the "20/20" measurement of visual acuity. The hour-long program has been a staple on Friday evenings for much of the time since it moved to that timeslot from Thursdays in September 1987, though special editions of the program occasionally air on other nights. It features in-depth story packages and has become known for its exploration of compelling personal narratives and investigative reports. The series continues to air new episodes regularly and remains part of ABC's programming lineup.
Should you watch it?
“This long-running American newsmagazine explores human interest stories through in-depth investigative reporting.”
- focuses on human interest stories
- features experienced correspondents
- content may not appeal to those seeking light entertainment
Watch it if you enjoy investigative journalism and human interest storytelling.
The program features news-style reporting that may cover sensitive or serious subject matter.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 13 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Pilot Jun 6, 1978
- E2 The Disco Phenomenon Jul 18, 1978
- E3 Episode 3 Jun 20, 1978
- E4 Diana Nyad Interviewed Aug 8, 1978
- E5 Episode 5 Jul 4, 1978
- E6 Episode 6 Jul 11, 1978
- E7 Episode 7 Jul 18, 1978
- E8 Episode 8 Jul 25, 1978
- E9 Episode 9 Aug 1, 1978
- E10 Episode 10 Aug 8, 1978
- E11 Episode 11 Aug 15, 1978
- E12 Episode 12 Aug 22, 1978
- E13 Episode 13 Aug 29, 1978
Season 2 · 20 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 May 3, 1979
- E2 Episode 2 May 10, 1979
- E3 Episode 3 May 17, 1979
- E4 Episode 4 May 24, 1979
- E5 Episode 5 May 31, 1979
- E6 Episode 6 Jun 7, 1979
- E7 Episode 7 Jun 14, 1979
- E8 Episode 8 Jun 21, 1979
- E9 Episode 9 Jun 28, 1979
- E10 Episode 10 Jul 5, 1979
- E11 Episode 11 Jul 12, 1979
- E12 Episode 12 Jul 19, 1979
- E13 Episode 13 Jul 26, 1979
- E14 Episode 14 Aug 2, 1979
- E15 Episode 15 Aug 9, 1979
- E16 Episode 16 Aug 16, 1979
- E17 Episode 17 Aug 23, 1979
- E18 Episode 18 Aug 30, 1979
- E19 Episode 19 Sep 6, 1979
- E20 Episode 20 Sep 13, 1979
Frequently asked questions
When did 20/20 premiere?
The program has been broadcast on ABC since June 6, 1978.
Who created the show?
The series was created by ABC News executive Roone Arledge.
What is the focus of the program?
The show focuses primarily on human interest stories rather than international or political subjects.
How long is each episode?
The program is an hour-long newsmagazine.
When does the show typically air?
The program has been a staple on Friday evenings since September 1987.