Nat King Cole becomes the first Black American to host a network television variety show.
At a Glance
- Date
- 5 November 1956
- Location
- New York, New York
- Key people
- Nat King Cole
- Category
- Media & Journalism
- Source
- NBC records (1956) · Smithsonian NMAAHC
What It Meant Then
The show struggled to find national sponsors willing to back a Black host.
What It Means Now
Cole's barrier-breaking program is remembered as a milestone and a cautionary tale of the era.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Nat King Cole Hosts His Own Network Show.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/nat-king-cole-hosts-his-own-network-show/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Nat King Cole Hosts His Own Network Show. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/nat-king-cole-hosts-his-own-network-show/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Nat King Cole Hosts His Own Network Show.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/nat-king-cole-hosts-his-own-network-show/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.