The Frank Sinatra Show (1950 TV series)
The Frank Sinatra Show (also known as Bulova Watch Time) was an American musical variety series hosted by Frank Sinatra from 1950 to 1952. The series aired on CBS on Saturdays the first season and on Tuesdays for the second year. As with many variety shows of the time, the show was broadcast live and was recorded via kinescope. Some episodes were 30 minutes long while others were 60 minutes. At least one episode aired in a 45-minute time-slot. Overview. Hosted by Frank Sinatra, the series was sponsored by Bulova Watches . Sinatra would perform songs and sketches with his guests. The series is reportedly in the public domain. In his book "The Forgotten Network: DuMont and the Birth of American Television" (2004), David Weinstein claims that the surprise popularity of the DuMont Television Network series "Life Is Worth Living" in 1952 was the final blow that led to the cancellation of "The Frank Sinatra Show". He notes that controversy surrounding Sinatra's affair with Ava Gardner, along with several unpopular singles, had caused ratings to slip. "Life Is Worth Living", which averaged about 10 million viewers at a time when there  were four major television networks in the United States, eroded the ratings of the show even further, to the point that "The Frank Sinatra Show" finally left the air.