French television history began in the 1930s, with the first experimental broadcasts occurring in 1935. The medium gained popularity after World War II, leading to the establishment of the national broadcaster, Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF), in 1949. By the 1960s, color television was introduced, and the number of channels expanded, reflecting the growing demand for diverse programming. In the 1980s, private channels emerged, breaking the state monopoly on broadcasting. The launch of Canal+ in 1984 marked a significant shift, introducing subscription-based television. Today, French television features a mix of public and private channels, offering a wide range of content to viewers.