10 Fantastic Variety Shows We Wish Were Still On TV. #8 Was My Mom’s Favorite!

4) The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

With help from amazing writers like Albert Brooks and Steve Martin, the comedy and folk duo of the Dick and Tom Smothers were unbeatable. The younger crowd loved The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, though it was a bit of stretch for the older folks. From their good-natured arguments over Mom to the elaborate sketches to the far out musical guests, this was a great show that we wish could have been on the air longer. But, the subversive nature of their jokes eventually led the show to be cancelled. So sad to think about, especially when you consider all the truly controversial subjects that would broached on TV just a few years later.

3) Flip

Commonly referred to as “The Flip Wilson Show,” Flip was one of the funniest variety shows on TV. With amazing guest stars like Ella Fitzgerald and Phyllis Diller, the show had a carefree air about it that some of the other variety shows did not. Running from 1970-1974 and winning two Emmy’s, Flip was a show that could always make you laugh! Check out this hilarious clip of Ray Charles doing a bit of comedy before playing a song with Flip Wilson.

2) The Jack Benny Program

One of the few radio shows to make a successful transition to television, The Jack Benny Program had a flavor all its own. Benny had this way of acting in sarcastic disbelief that just cracked us up every time. His violin playing, the funny sketches, and the incomparable guests were why this show was such a hit on the radio and on TV. Also known as The Lucky Strike Hour and The Jack Benny Show, this amazing program was on TV for an astounding 15 years! And, it was on the radio for 17 years before that, under various sponsors names! With actors like Mel Blanc and Jimmy Stewart on board, this show was bound to be a hit. It was, after all, where Marilyn Monroe made her TV debut. Remaining in the top ten shows in the U.S. for a number of years, the show was also popular around the world. And for very good reason!

1) The Ed Sullivan Show

Is there any other variety show that could match this one? The debut of the Beatles, of Elvis Presley, of Bill Hailey & His Comets…We could go on and on! Ed Sullivan had a knack for predicting what the next big thing would be, even if it wasn’t his taste. Sullivan was notorious for toning down rock ‘n’ roll acts he felt were too racy or suggestive as he was an old-fashioned sort of man. That did not stop him from making television history time and again with his excellent picks for performers. This show changed the face of television forever and gave teens and adults alike plenty of reasons to tune in on Sunday nights. Here is an appearance by Joan Rivers on the show doing stand up about what it’s like to be a modern woman.

We hope you’ve had as much fun as we’ve had looking back on some of the greatest variety shows from TV. We remember these shows and skits so well. It’s the kind of TV that they just don’t make anymore. It’s just for laughs, but there was so much talent! What was your favorite variety show from back in the day? Let us know in the comments!