Classic Variety Shows
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'?
ARed SkeltonBMilton BerleCJackie GleasonDEd Sullivan - 2.
What was the name of Carol Burnett's signature closing gesture on her variety show?
AA curtsyBBlowing a kissCPulling her earDWaving with both hands - 3.
Which comedian was known as 'Mr. Television' and hosted one of the first major TV variety shows?
ASid CaesarBBob HopeCMilton BerleDDanny Thomas - 4.
On which variety show did The Beatles make their famous American TV debut in 1964?
AThe Dean Martin ShowBThe Andy Williams ShowCThe Hollywood PalaceDThe Ed Sullivan Show - 5.
Which variety show featured the comedy team of Dan Rowan and Dick Martin?
ALaugh-InBHee HawCThe Smothers Brothers Comedy HourDThe Flip Wilson Show - 6.
Which recurring character did Tim Conway play opposite Harvey Korman on The Carol Burnett Show?
AMr. TudballBThe Oldest ManCAll of the aboveDEd the Horse - 7.
What was the name of Dean Martin's variety show that ran from 1965 to 1974?
AThe Dean Martin Variety HourBDean's PlaceCThe Dean Martin ShowDThe Dean Martin Comedy Hour - 8.
Which country music-themed variety show premiered in 1969 and ran until 1993?
AThe Johnny Cash ShowBThe Glen Campbell Goodtime HourCHee HawDThe Porter Wagoner Show - 9.
Who was the first Black person to host a network television variety show?
ANat King ColeBFlip WilsonCSammy Davis Jr.DBill 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?
AThe Jackie Gleason ShowBLaugh-InCThe Flip Wilson ShowDThe Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour - 12.
What was Sid Caesar's groundbreaking 1950s variety show called?
AThe Sid Caesar HourBCaesar's PalaceCComedy TonightDYour Show of Shows - 13.
Which British variety show, hosted by Lew Grade's ATV company, brought many American stars to UK audiences?
AThe Morecambe & Wise ShowBThe Benny Hill ShowCSunday Night at the London PalladiumDThe Two Ronnies - 14.
Which comedian hosted a variety show known for his pantomime routines and the character of Freddie the Freeloader?
ARed SkeltonBJonathan WintersCDanny KayeDJackie Gleason - 15.
What was unique about The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour's premiere in 1971?
AIt was the first variety show on cable TVBIt was broadcast live every weekCIt was the first hosted by a married couple in prime time since the 1950sDIt was the first variety show in color
Answer Key
Ed Sullivan was famous for his introduction 'We've got a really big show tonight!' The Ed Sullivan Show ran from 1948 to 1971 and featured everything from The Beatles to plate spinners.
Carol Burnett always tugged her ear at the end of every show as a secret signal to her grandmother who had raised her. The Carol Burnett Show ran from 1967 to 1978.
Milton Berle earned the nickname 'Mr. Television' for his wildly popular Texaco Star Theater, which premiered in 1948 and is credited with driving early television set sales.
The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, drawing an estimated 73 million viewers — the largest TV audience at that time.
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In aired from 1968 to 1973 on NBC. It was revolutionary for its fast-paced comedy style and launched careers of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin.
Tim Conway played multiple beloved recurring characters on The Carol Burnett Show, including Mr. Tudball, The Oldest Man, and Ed the horse. He was famous for making Harvey Korman break character laughing.
The Dean Martin Show ran on NBC from 1965 to 1974. Dean was famous for his relaxed, seemingly tipsy persona on the show, though much of it was an act.
Hee Haw premiered in 1969 on CBS and was hosted by Buck Owens and Roy Clark. After CBS cancelled it in 1971, it continued in syndication until 1993, becoming one of the longest-running variety shows.
Nat King Cole hosted The Nat King Cole Show on NBC from 1956 to 1957. Despite critical acclaim, the show struggled to find a national sponsor due to racial prejudice and was cancelled after one season.
'Sock it to me!' was one of the most famous catchphrases from Laugh-In. Even Richard Nixon appeared on the show saying the line during the 1968 presidential campaign.
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was cancelled by CBS in 1969. Tom and Dick Smothers frequently clashed with network censors over anti-Vietnam War content and political humor.
Your Show of Shows aired on NBC from 1950 to 1954. Its writing staff included future legends Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, and Woody Allen.
Sunday Night at the London Palladium ran from 1955 to 1967 and again from 1973 to 1974. It was one of the most-watched shows in the UK and featured major American and British entertainers.
Red Skelton hosted The Red Skelton Show from 1951 to 1971. Freddie the Freeloader was his most beloved character — a kind-hearted hobo who appeared in many sketches.
The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, premiering in 1971, brought back the husband-and-wife hosting format that hadn't been seen in prime time since the days of Burns and Allen. Their playful bickering became the show's trademark.