CNN election coverage through the years

Back in 1980 this was probably considered futuristic. Lou Dobbs and Bella Abzug host CNN's first US election coverage, five months after the news network's launch. Any similarity between the central section of the set behind them and the interior of Doctor Who's Tardis is entirely coincidental Photograph: CNN

You don’t need snazzy graphics or breaking news alerts to understand what’s going on here. It says it on the front of the desk. Pictured are Mary Alice Williams and Bernard Shaw, also from 1980. In the election, Ronald Reagan went on to win an overwhelming victory against Jimmy Carter Photograph: CNN

Lou Dobbs and Mary Alice Williams look on in 1984 as Ronald and Nancy Reagan appear on their monitor. Reagan was re-elected in an overwhelming win over Walter Mondale Photograph: CNN

This just in ... Bernard Shaw and Mary Alice Williams in 1984. Williams went on to win an Emmy for her work on NBC Nightly News Photograph: CNN

Check out those shoulder pads. Is this a news channel or an American football match? It's 1988 and it's Lou Waters and Mary Ann Loughlin. That chap in the background really should be wearing braces Photograph: CNN

Not long before this, live two-ways featured a still photograph of a chap holding a phone to his ear. But this is 1988, with Lou Waters talking live to Gene Randall, all the way from Bush HQ, Houston. In the election, Reagan's vice-president, George Bush, scored a convincing victory over Michael Dukakis Photograph: CNN

Into the 90s now, and a debate hosted by Bernard Shaw and Catherine Crier from the 1992 poll. In the election, Bill Clinton unseated George Bush thanks to an economic recession and dissatisfaction with tax hikes Photograph: CNN

'And a big shout out to everyone watching this in a hotel room.' It's 1996, it's CNN, and it's Bernard Shaw anchoring. In the election, Clinton held on to the presidency in a battle with Republican senator Bob Dole Photograph: CNN

The 'news wall' without which no TV news studio is complete these days, begins to take shape. But Frank Sesno's effort from 1996 is the equivalent of a black and white portable TV compared with today's virtual reality efforts Photograph: CNN

Wolf Blitzer in front of a model of the Capitol that appears to be made out of ice or is possibly a giant cake. Chances are it is neither. The year? 2000 Photograph: CNN

It's that man Bernard Shaw again, this time with Judy Woodruff, in 2000. A year later, Shaw retired as the network’s chief anchor Photograph: CNN

Spot the anchors. Bernard Shaw and Judy Woodruff just about visible to the left of the CNN set in 2000. On the right, the US turns red. Not surprising, given that year’s result - George W Bush won a narrow and controversial victory over Al Gore Photograph: CNN

Into 2004 now and the onscreen graphics are beginning to look a little more up to date. Here Wolf Blitzer comes third in a David Puttnam lookalike contest Photograph: CNN

'Quick! Everyone! Look thoughtful!' Larry King and co at the 2004 election coverage, with Wolf Blitzer standing up on the right. George W Bush was comfortably re-elected ahead of John Kerry Photograph: CNN

'Which one of you jokers swapped my hand ointment for superglue?' John King and Wolf Blitzer up to date in 2008 Photograph: CNN

Hands successfully unclasped, CNN’s John King readies himself for the 2008 results Photograph: CNN

'I haven't seen this many pies since I opened Homer Simpson's refrigerator.' John King and Wolf Blitzer, 2008 Photograph: CNN