1983: The Computer Chronicles series begins, showing new technologies and its first episode detailing the history of computers. Titled “Mainframes to minis to micros’ it features hosts Stewart Cheifet and Gary Kildall, though it should be noted that the presenting style is different compared to the style later adopted. The studio is also in a unique layout with the set changing mid-program for guests – but the program features all the elements that will later become standard.

1984: The studio layout is changed to a more informal standard and the presenters give the show a sense of consistency – viewing figures suggest that the show has a long term future. As well as having a broad range of reviews and product demonstrations, a new segment is introduced titled Random Access which covers news stories from all over the computing world. This particular format of the show will last for the rest of the eighties as a boom in the computing world including the introduction of the Apple Macintosh changes the whole face of computing.

Circa 1990: A dramatic change in the show takes place as Gary Kildall leaves and Stewart Cheifet becomes the sole presenter of the series. Again the studio layout is altered and the credits changed for the first time, but the Chronicles continue to be shown weekly and performs well as a series.

1994/1995: Unfortunately Gary Kildall passes away and a tribute show is produced (it has gained many positive reviews and to this day is appreciated for its chronicling of the eventful life of a key figure in the computing industry). Again the studio layout and credits are changed, this time the format of the show is completely altered as Random Access is discontinued and Stewart Cheifet leads the show through its ten year anniversary.

2000 – 2002: Now a fixture for almost 20 years and defying all predictions the Computer Chronicles sails past the millennium looking better than ever. More products and demonstrations are shown and each edition has a steady viewing rate of 3 million. Despite its success and the fact that the computing industry is still going strong, the series is cancelled in 2002 with the decision upheld after a campaign leaving many viewers extremely disappointed. Thanks to Stewart Cheifet’s efforts many episodes of the Computer Chronicles are now available for download for free from the Internet though it remains to be seen if new editions of the series will be broadcast again.