By the time “The Midnight Special” went to series, it already had competition from ABC, which debuted “In Concert” as part of its late-night lineup in September 1972.

Home TV News New ‘Midnight Special’ YouTube Channel Resurrects Iconic ’70s Performances Of David Bowie, Tina Turner, Elton John And Many Others ...

Around 6 million viewers tuned in to the pilot and NBC picked up “The Midnight Special” as a 90-minute weekly series, launching on Feb. 2, 1973, in the 1 a.m. time slot.

Now after more than 50 years, the show is back — this time on a brand new YouTube channel, ‘The Midnight Special.’ L.A. Times television reporter Stephen Battaglio shares a preview.