Plot Analysis Summary
A factual overview of the 1978 television special broadcast, ratings performance, and award recognition.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Production and Broadcast
The special is recorded at ABC Studios in Los Angeles. It is scheduled for a prime time slot on April 3, 1978. The broadcast reaches a national audience across the United States.
Key Events
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Special Concept Development — Initial planning for the TV special. Location: ABC Studios
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Studio Recording Session — Filming takes place in Los Angeles. Location: ABC Studios
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Broadcast Schedule Set — April 3 date and 9 PM slot confirmed. Location: ABC Network
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National Television Air — Special airs across the country. Location: United States
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Audience Tuning In — Viewers watch the live broadcast. Location: United States
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Cher Starring Role — Lead performer identified. Location: ABC Studios
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Singer Identity Confirmed — Musical background highlighted. Location: ABC Studios
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Actress Identity Confirmed — Acting career noted. Location: ABC Studios
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ABC Studios Venue — Primary recording location. Location: ABC Studios
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Los Angeles City — City where filming occurred. Location: Los Angeles
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California State — State location for production. Location: California
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Broadcast Signal — Television transmission method. Location: United States
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Production Crew Work — Behind scenes preparation. Location: ABC Studios
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Network Airing Decision — ABC schedules the broadcast. Location: ABC Network
Audience Reception and Ratings
Viewers tune in and the program achieves significant viewership numbers. It quickly climbs the weekly charts and secures a spot among the top ten most watched shows.
Key Events
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Ratings Success Achieved — High viewership numbers reported. Location: United States
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Top 10 Weekly Ranking — Program ranks among top ten. Location: United States
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Fall Award Season Begins — Emmy nominations period opens. Location: United States
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Ratings Chart Data — Viewership statistics recorded. Location: United States
Award Season Recognition
The fall Emmy nomination period begins. The production team submits entries for technical and artistic categories. The committee reviews the submissions.
Key Events
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Fall Award Season Begins — Emmy nominations period opens. Location: United States
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Technical Category Entry — Lighting direction submitted. Location: United States
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Emmy Award Won — Wins technical Emmy honor. Location: United States
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Lighting Recognition — Best lighting direction awarded. Location: United States
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Art Direction Nomination — Nominated for art direction. Location: United States
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Comedy-Variety Category — Genre classification for awards. Location: United States
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Emmy Award Trophy — Physical award received. Location: United States
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Nomination Certificate — Official award paperwork. Location: United States
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Award Committee Review — Emmy judges evaluate entries. Location: United States
Honor and Conclusion
The special wins a technical Emmy for lighting direction. Dolly Parton receives a nomination for supporting actress. The broadcast cycle and award season conclude successfully.
Key Events
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Comedy-Variety Category — Genre classification for awards. Location: United States
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Dolly Parton Nominated — Supporting actress category nod. Characters: Dolly Parton
Location: United States
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Best Supporting Actress — Specific award category listed. Characters: Dolly Parton
Location: United States
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Musical Special Category — Variety or musical classification. Location: United States
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Special Conclusion — Broadcast and awards wrap up. Location: United States
Cher... Special is a television special starring American singer/actress Cher and featuring guest stars Dolly Parton and Rod Stewart. The show was broadcast on ABC on April 3, 1978 and was a ratings success for ABC, ranking among the Top 10 most watched programs of the week. The Special is best remembered for its first number where over fifteen minutes, Cher sings and dances to a medley of songs from the musical West Side Story, playing both male and female characters. In the fall of 1978, it was honored with a technical Emmy Award for "Best Achievement in Lighting Direction". It also received an Emmy nomination for "Best Art Direction for a Comedy-Variety or Musical Special" and Dolly Parton was also nominated for an Emmy in the category of "Best Supporting Actress in a Variety or Musical Special".
