Airing twelve plays over the course of its run, the series won ten Primetime Emmy Awards and featured many noteworthy actors and playwrights.

CBS was specifically looking to "encourage authors to write original and significant dramas for television," and offered $25,000 per optioned script.

[2] The first program aired in 1967, called The Final War of Olly Winter starring Ivan Dixon and written by noted playwright Ronald Ribman.

[3] Twelve broadcasts ultimately occurred before production stopped due to lack of sponsorship funding.

[citation needed] The CBS Playhouse series of broadcasts were nominated for a number of awards over the course of its run.