Bowling may not boast the sky-high television ratings these days to rival America’s premier sports, but few can match its rich history and enduring legacy on the boob tube.
Bowling became a staple of TV programming practically from the advent of the television age, and though its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the past 70 years, the sport has managed to retain a robust following on the airwaves. The Professional Bowlers Association made its return to broadcast television in 2019 thanks to a multiyear deal with Fox Sports that includes prime-time events.
From bowling shows hosted by broadcasting legends such as Milton Berle and Mel Allen to the 35-year run of the Pro Bowlers Tour with Chris Schenkel on the mic for ABC, the sport has produced countless magical and memorable moments through the decades.
These are the top television moments in bowling history.