Today in History: Saturday, February 7, 2026

From the debut of 'A String of Beads' to the launch of 'Undercover Boss', a look back at notable TV and entertainment events

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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This article recounts various television, movie, and music milestones that occurred on February 7th over the years, including the debut of shows like 'This Is Tom Jones' and 'America's Most Wanted', the premiere of films such as 'Blazing Saddles', and the release of hit songs by artists like Madonna and Shania Twain.

Why it matters

This 'Today in History' piece provides a nostalgic look back at significant pop culture events and moments that have occurred on this date, giving readers a sense of the evolving entertainment landscape over the decades.

The details

Some of the key events highlighted include Jane Fonda's television acting debut in 'A String of Beads' in 1961, the premiere of the variety show 'This Is Tom Jones' in 1969, the disastrous launch of the NBC series 'Supertrain' in 1979, the debut of 'America's Most Wanted' in 1988, and the launch of the reality show 'Undercover Boss' following the Super Bowl in 2010. The article also covers notable movie premieres, music releases, and celebrity birthdays.

  • Jane Fonda made her television acting debut in NBC movie 'A String of Beads' in 1961.
  • Variety hour 'This Is Tom Jones' debuted on ABC in 1969. It aired for three seasons.
  • 'Supertrain' debuted in 1979. It expired after nine episodes.
  • 'America's Most Wanted' with John Walsh premiered on seven Fox-owned stations in 1988. It began nationally on Fox on April 10, 1988.
  • Reality series 'Undercover Boss' launched on CBS following Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.

The players

Jane Fonda

An acclaimed American actress who made her television debut in the NBC movie 'A String of Beads' in 1961.

John Walsh

The host of the long-running crime reality series 'America's Most Wanted', which premiered in 1988.

Larry O'Donnell

The president and chief operating officer of Waste Management, who was featured in the premiere episode of 'Undercover Boss' in 2010.

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What they’re saying

“The premiere episode, which featured Waste Management president and chief operating officer Larry O'Donnell, scored 38.6 million viewers — the most on record (since the advent of Nielsen's People Meters in 1987) for a series launch in the post-Super Bowl slot.”

— Marc Berman, Author (programminginsider.com)

The takeaway

This 'Today in History' piece provides a fascinating look back at the evolution of television, film, and music over the past several decades, highlighting the significant cultural impact and enduring legacy of many iconic entertainment moments and milestones.