Turner Classic Movies

From TeeVeePedia, the Internet TV Encyclopedia.

Once upon a time, before the Internet and the rise of cable television, network affiliates had problems filling the time in between network programming. Since infomercials weren't yet legalized (before the days of President Ronald Reagan), they had to show any program available, even if it was some old movie from the Great Depression era featuring actors and actresses nobody remembers any more. Sometimes, especially during weekends or late at night, stations might show 3 or more of these old films, back-to-back.

OK, got all that? Now picture a cable network that shows nothing but these ancient cinematic "classics". That's right, you've got Ted Turner's creation, Turner Classic Movies. For older viewers, just remember that "TCM" is just like AMC used to be, before AMC sold out wised up and started showing films made after 1970 and "classic" reality programming.