Battle of the Network Stars V: A Landmark Television Event
On November 18, 1978, the fifth installment of the iconic Battle of the Network Stars unfolded at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. This unique competition, pitting television stars from ABC, CBS, and NBC against each other in athletic contests, had become a cultural phenomenon since its inception.
Howard Cosell, the legendary sports broadcaster, returned to host the event, joined by a new co-commentator, Frank Gifford. Gifford, Cosell's colleague from Monday Night Football, brought his professional football expertise and affable personality to the commentary booth, replacing Suzanne Somers from the previous edition.
The Competition Lineup
The competition featured a star-studded lineup of television personalities:
ABC Team (Captain: Gabe Kaplan)
- Debby Boone
- Billy Crystal
- Joyce DeWitt
- Richard Hatch
- Maren Jensen
- Robert Urich
- Robin Williams
CBS Team (Captain: McLean Stevenson)
- Valerie Bertinelli
- LeVar Burton
- Lou Ferrigno
- Pat Klous
- David Letterman
- Tim Reid
- Charlene Tilton
NBC Team (Captain: Robert Conrad)
- Joseph Bottoms
- William Devane
- Pamela Hensley
- Brianne Leary
- Wendy Rastatter
- William Shatner
- Caskey Swaim
The event showcased a variety of athletic competitions, including swimming, running, and tug-of-war. The swimming competition, held in an Olympic-sized pool, required each team to field five participants, with at least two women per team. Swimmers completed a 25-yard lap, except for the anchor, who swam a 50-yard distance.
Throughout the competition, the intensity and competitive spirit of the participants were evident. Robert Conrad, captain of the NBC team, was particularly noted for his fervent leadership, inspiring his team with passionate encouragement.
The Battle of the Network Stars V marked a significant moment in the series' history. It continued to draw massive audiences, capitalizing on the star power of its participants and the unique spectacle of seeing beloved television personalities compete in athletic events. The combination of Cosell's distinctive commentary style and Gifford's insights provided viewers with engaging and often humorous coverage of the proceedings.
As the day progressed, the competition remained fierce, with each network vying for supremacy. In a thrilling conclusion, the NBC team emerged victorious, adding another win to their tally in the ongoing battle for network supremacy.
The success of Battle of the Network Stars V further cemented the show's place in television history, paving the way for future installments and inspiring similar celebrity-athlete competitions in the years to come. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a nostalgic reminder of a unique era in television entertainment.
Related Links:
Battle of the Network Stars, full episode 5 Nov. 18, 1978
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Network_Stars#Battle_of_the_Network_Stars_V_(Nov._18,_1978)
