Classic Variety Shows

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Date:

Instructions: Test your knowledge of the great TV variety shows!

1.
Which host famously introduced acts on his variety show by saying 'a really big show'?
A
Red Skelton
B
Milton Berle
C
Jackie Gleason
D
Ed Sullivan
2.
What was the name of Carol Burnett's signature closing gesture on her variety show?
A
A curtsy
B
Blowing a kiss
C
Pulling her ear
D
Waving with both hands
3.
Which comedian was known as 'Mr. Television' and hosted one of the first major TV variety shows?
A
Sid Caesar
B
Bob Hope
C
Milton Berle
D
Danny Thomas
4.
On which variety show did The Beatles make their famous American TV debut in 1964?
A
The Dean Martin Show
B
The Andy Williams Show
C
The Hollywood Palace
D
The Ed Sullivan Show
5.
Which variety show featured the comedy team of Dan Rowan and Dick Martin?
A
Laugh-In
B
Hee Haw
C
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
D
The Flip Wilson Show
6.
Which recurring character did Tim Conway play opposite Harvey Korman on The Carol Burnett Show?
A
Mr. Tudball
B
The Oldest Man
C
All of the above
D
Ed the Horse
7.
What was the name of Dean Martin's variety show that ran from 1965 to 1974?
A
The Dean Martin Variety Hour
B
Dean's Place
C
The Dean Martin Show
D
The Dean Martin Comedy Hour
8.
Which country music-themed variety show premiered in 1969 and ran until 1993?
A
The Johnny Cash Show
B
The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour
C
Hee Haw
D
The Porter Wagoner Show
9.
Who was the first Black person to host a network television variety show?
A
Nat King Cole
B
Flip Wilson
C
Sammy Davis Jr.
D
Bill Cosby
10.
What was the famous catchphrase from Laugh-In that Flip Wilson's character Geraldine also used?
A
'You bet your bippy!'
B
'Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!'
C
'Here come da judge!'
D
'Sock it to me!'
11.
Which variety show was cancelled by CBS in 1969 despite high ratings, allegedly for being too politically controversial?
A
The Jackie Gleason Show
B
Laugh-In
C
The Flip Wilson Show
D
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
12.
What was Sid Caesar's groundbreaking 1950s variety show called?
A
The Sid Caesar Hour
B
Caesar's Palace
C
Comedy Tonight
D
Your Show of Shows
13.
Which British variety show, hosted by Lew Grade's ATV company, brought many American stars to UK audiences?
A
The Morecambe & Wise Show
B
The Benny Hill Show
C
Sunday Night at the London Palladium
D
The Two Ronnies
14.
Which comedian hosted a variety show known for his pantomime routines and the character of Freddie the Freeloader?
A
Red Skelton
B
Jonathan Winters
C
Danny Kaye
D
Jackie Gleason
15.
What was unique about The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour's premiere in 1971?
A
It was the first variety show on cable TV
B
It was broadcast live every week
C
It was the first hosted by a married couple in prime time since the 1950s
D
It was the first variety show in color

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