Today in TV History: Soap Opera 'Capitol' Ends 5-Year Run

Also on this day: Sitcom premieres, game show debuts, and notable TV movies and specials

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On March 20, 2026, the CBS daytime soap opera 'Capitol,' which debuted in 1982, concluded its 5-year run. Additionally, several notable TV events occurred on this date over the years, including the premieres of sitcoms like '13 Queens Blvd,' 'All is Forgiven,' 'Shaping Up,' and 'The Charmings,' as well as the debut of the game show 'Split Second' and the airing of TV movies like 'Hot Paint' and 'Inherit the Wind.'

Why it matters

The end of 'Capitol' marked the conclusion of a popular daytime soap opera that ran for half a decade, reflecting the changing landscape of television and the shifting tastes of viewers. The various sitcom and TV movie premieres on this date also showcase the breadth and evolution of the television industry over the decades, from the 1970s through the 2020s.

The details

The CBS daytime soap opera 'Capitol,' which debuted on March 29, 1982, concluded its run in 1987 after 5 seasons on the air. Additionally, several notable TV events occurred on this date over the years, including the premieres of sitcoms like '13 Queens Blvd' starring Eileen Brennan and Jerry Van Dyke on ABC in 1979, 'All is Forgiven' on NBC in 1982, 'Shaping Up' starring Leslie Nielsen and Jennifer Tilly on ABC in 1984, and 'The Charmings' on ABC in 1987. The game show 'Split Second' also debuted on ABC in daytime in 1972. TV movies like 'Hot Paint' with Gregory Harrison and John Larroquette on CBS and a revival of 'Inherit the Wind' on NBC with Jason Robards and Kirk Douglas also premiered on this date in 1988.

  • The CBS daytime soap opera 'Capitol' debuted on March 29, 1982 and concluded its run in 1987.
  • The sitcom '13 Queens Blvd' premiered on ABC in 1979.
  • The sitcom 'All is Forgiven' premiered on NBC in 1982.
  • The sitcom 'Shaping Up' premiered on ABC in 1984.
  • The sitcom 'The Charmings' premiered on ABC in 1987.
  • The game show 'Split Second' debuted on ABC in daytime in 1972.
  • The TV movies 'Hot Paint' and 'Inherit the Wind' premiered on this date in 1988.

The players

Capitol

A CBS daytime soap opera that debuted in 1982 and concluded its run in 1987 after 5 seasons.

13 Queens Blvd

A sitcom that premiered on ABC in 1979, starring Eileen Brennan and Jerry Van Dyke.

All is Forgiven

A sitcom that premiered on NBC in 1982, created by the 'Cheers' team of James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles.

Shaping Up

A sitcom that premiered on ABC in 1984, starring Leslie Nielsen and Jennifer Tilly, created by 'Taxi' writers Sam Simon and Ken Estin.

The Charmings

A sitcom that premiered on ABC in 1987.

Split Second

A game show that debuted on ABC in daytime in 1972, with an initial three-year run hosted by Tom Kennedy, and a brief revival in 1986-87 hosted by Monty Hall.

Hot Paint

A TV movie that premiered on CBS in 1988, starring Gregory Harrison and John Larroquette.

Inherit the Wind

A TV movie revival that premiered on NBC in 1988, starring Jason Robards and Kirk Douglas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The events of March 20, 2026 showcase the evolution of television over the decades, from the conclusion of a long-running soap opera to the premieres of various sitcoms, game shows, and TV movies. These milestones reflect the changing tastes and viewing habits of audiences, as well as the adaptability of the television industry in responding to shifting trends.