The show first premiered on September 19, 1965, airing on Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. from 1965 to 1973 when it was moved up to 7:30 p.m. for the final season. "The F.B.I." was sponsored by the Ford Motor Company and the characters almost always drove Ford vehicles in the series. Alcoa and American Tobacco Company co-sponsored the first season only with Ford. On April 28, 1974, the show ended after 9 seasons and 241 episodes. An updated & revamped version of the series "Today's FBI" aired from October 1981 to April 1982.