NBC Studios turned back the hands of time on Monday morning as Julien’s own Catherine Williamson joined TODAY hosts Carson Daly and Savannah Guthrie. The topic? A treasure trove of television history hitting the auction block, remarkably sourced from a single, dedicated collector. Dubbed "Channel Surfing: A Broadcast to Binge" auction, this collection offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own tangible pieces of broadcast legend, with several highlights featured on the show tracing their roots directly back to the heart of New York City's television production landscape, and others mentioned that are directly pulled from the myriad of Hollywood productions that have graced millions of TVs over the span of 70 years.

Williamson provided fascinating insights into artifacts that evoke the very essence of New York-based television. Perhaps most resonant for viewers watching from the home of Saturday Night Live were the incredible pieces from the show's groundbreaking early years. Imagine holding the actual "Beldar Conehead" appliance worn by Dan Aykroyd himself. As Williamson detailed, this specific fleshtone latex cone, marked internally with "Dan" and the date "4/16/77," is believed to be only the second one Aykroyd ever wore as the patriarch from Remulak. Its appearance on that date, in a sketch featuring host Elliott Gould, cemented the Coneheads as recurring fan favorites. Hailing from SNL's second season and representing perhaps the earliest surviving example, this piece is more than a prop; it's a relic from the formative moments of a comedy institution currently celebrating its landmark 50th season.

Equally evocative of SNL's chaotic brilliance is an original "Killer Bee" head appliance, complete with its signature spring-mounted, glittering orbs, worn by the incomparable John Belushi. This instantly recognizable piece of absurdist costuming dates back to sketches like the 1976 "Home Invasion" with Belushi, Elliott Gould, and Garrett Morris. Williamson noted the construction of the appliance and Belushi's preference for wearing the antennae dangling forward, adding a personal touch to this artifact from one of the "Not Ready for Primetime Players" who revolutionized late-night television from Studio 8H.

'SNL'

'Wonder Woman'

While not filmed in NYC, the enduring legacy of the 1966 Batman series, set in the archetypal Gotham City (long considered a parallel to New York), was also represented. Williamson discussed the vibrant green Riddler suit jacket and vest worn by the legendary Frank Gorshin. This specific costume, bearing an Ernie Tarzia Custom Tailors label, wasn't just any Riddler suit; it was the one with stenciled questions marks that Gorshin donned in the series pilot ("Hi Diddle Riddle") and the subsequent feature film, marking the character's unforgettable introduction. Alongside it, a hero "Bat-O-Rang" prop, forged from aluminum and signed by Robin himself, Burt Ward, represents the kind of high-quality prop work essential to the Dynamic Duo's adventures in Gotham.

'Batman'

'Mad Men'

Shifting from sketch comedy to prestige drama, the auction also delves into the meticulously crafted world of Mad Men. Williamson showcased a grouping that included a screen-worn necktie belonging to Jon Hamm's enigmatic Don Draper, paired with a fascinating collection of prop business cards. These cards aren't just generic props; they represent the evolving landscape of Sterling Cooper, Sterling Cooper & Partners, and even Draper's brief foray into fur sales. Featuring names and titles like Roger Sterling, Joan Harris, Peter Campbell, and Draper himself as Creative Director, these items offer a tangible connection to the show's iconic portrayal of the advertising world headquartered on Madison Avenue.

As Seen on TV

Julien's appearance on TODAY masterfully highlighted how this single-owner collection captures lightning in a bottle – preserving not just props and costumes, but the spirit of groundbreaking television, much of it born right here in New York City. From the hallowed halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza to the fictionalized streets of Madison Avenue and Gotham, the "Channel Surfing" auction curated by Julien's Auctions offers an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of broadcast history.

For collectors and fans alike, it’s a vivid reminder of television's power to shape culture, presented through artifacts handled by the very icons who brought these NYC-centric stories to life. Check out these and hundreds more rare and unique TV artifacts in “Channel Surfing: A Broadcast to Binge” auction, taking place on May 7 – 8 at 10:00 AM PDT, live from Julien’s Studios in Los Angeles and online.