A look back
Some top TV variety shows of the past:
The Ed Sullivan Show (1948-71): The longestrunning variety show in U.S. broadcast history, the “really big shew” presented comedy, Broadway and vaudeville acts — not to mention Elvis Presley — and, in 1964, the first U.S. appearance by the Beatles.
Your Show of Shows (1950-54): Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner and others performed immortal sketches on the 90-minute variety show.
The Jackie Gleason Show (1952-70): The big comedian delivered an opening monologue and recurring characters such as Ralph Kramden, later featured in the sitcom The Honeymooners. Art Carney showed up, too.
The Lawrence Welk Show (1955-71): Hosted by the “wunnerful” big-band leader, the program highlighted pop standards; patriotic, religious and country music; and ballroom dancing — a formula especially appealing to older audiences.
The Dean Martin Show (1965-74): In various incarnations of his show, the Hollywood/Las Vegas entertainer capitalized on his persona as a tippling playboy and presided over a blend of music and comedy — with no retakes for flubbed lines.
The Carol Burnett Show (1967-79 and 1991): Performing sketch comedy with her quartet of regulars — Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner — Burnett won 25 Emmy Awards for her memorable show.
Rowan & Martin’s LaughIn (1968-73): Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin were among the talents who got their start performing sketch comedy on the show, whose title and spirit reflected the “love-ins” and “be-ins” of hippie culture.
Hee Haw (1969-93): Country music, corn-pone humor, scantily clad women and rural Southern culture were the focus in fictional rural Kornfield Kounty, presided over by country stars Buck Owens and Roy Clark.
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1971-77): Cher sang, acted in sketches and verbally sparred with her husband, Sonny Bono. Guest stars included Teri Garr and Steve Martin.
The Muppet Show (197681): Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, Scooter, Animal, Fozzie Bear and the rest, popularized on Sesame Street, kept busy with recurring sketches and many guest stars.