Variety Shows & Old Talk/Late Night
by dainamariebradley | created - 9 months ago | updated - 9 months ago | PublicOld shows with old stars
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1. The Jackie Gleason Show (1952–1973)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy
Live variety show with Jackie Gleason.
Stars: Jack Lescoulie, The June Taylor Dancers, Ray Bloch, Jackie Gleason
Votes: 522
2. Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon (1966– )
Not Rated | 1,290 min | News
The MDA Labor Day Telethon was an annual telethon held on Labor Day in the United States to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which was founded in 1950 with hopes of gaining the American public's interest.
Stars: Jerry Lewis, Ed McMahon, Jack Jacobson, Tony Orlando
Votes: 135
3. The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971)
TV-G | 60 min | Music, Talk-Show
The classic prime time variety show most famous for its vaudeville acts and rock music performances.
Stars: Ed Sullivan, The Ray Bloch Orchestra, Ray Bloch, Johnny Wayne
Votes: 1,561
4. The Red Skelton Hour (1951–1971)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy
A comedy-themed variety show, hosted by the popular comedian Red Skelton. It run with no interruption from 1951 to 1971. From 1956 to 1962, the show's head writer was Sherwood Schwartz, who... See full summary »
Stars: Red Skelton, David Rose and His Orchestra, Art Gilmore, Tom Hansen Dancers
Votes: 1,391
5. The Danny Thomas Hour (1967–1968)
60 min | Musical, Comedy, Drama
Thomas starred in the musical-variety and comedy episodes (many drawn from his earlier Make Room for Daddy (1953)) and hosted the more dramatic offerings.
Stars: Danny Thomas, Hans Conried, Van Johnson, Joe Besser
Votes: 111
6. The Jerry Lewis Show (1967–1969)
60 min | Comedy, Music
Jerry Lewis hosted the variety show that primarily consisted of skits often featuring characters he made known in his movies. Occasionally guests like the Osmond Brothers worked musical numbers into the show's stories.
Stars: Jerry Lewis, Bill Richmond, Henry Corden, Kaye Ballard
Votes: 75
7. The New March of Dimes Presents: The Scene Stealers (1962 TV Special)
60 min | Comedy
Directors: Michael Caffey, Jack Shea | Stars: Ed Wynn, Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante, Jim Ameche
8. Bulova Watch Time with Pat Boone (1961 TV Special)
60 min | Comedy, Music
Director: Norman Jewison | Stars: Pat Boone, Fabian, Dorothy Provine, Johnny Mercer
9. The Bob Hope Show (1950– )
60 min | Comedy, Family, Talk-Show
The Bob Hope Show hosted by Bob Hope.
Stars: Bob Hope, Les Brown, Les Brown and His Band of Renown, Peter Leeds
Votes: 263
10. Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium (1955–1967)
60 min | Comedy, Music
A revival of the British variety show Tonight at the London Palladium, it ran from 28 October 1973 to 28 October 1974.
Stars: Bruce Forsyth, Tommy Trinder, Norman Vaughan, Don Arroll
Votes: 48
11. Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall (1948–1967)
60 min | Music
Perry Como was an American Singer, who got his start on NBC Radio. In 1948, Because of his popularity, The cameras were simply brought into the radio studio to televise the radio broadcast ... See full summary »
Stars: Perry Como, Mitchell Ayres Orchestra, The Ray Charles Singers, Mitchell Ayres
Votes: 120
12. The Garry Moore Show (1958–1967)
60 min | Comedy, Family
Variety show hosted by Garry Moore with famous guests.
Stars: Garry Moore, The George Becker Singers, The Ernie Flatt Dancers, Durward Kirby
Votes: 144
13. The Dean Martin Show (1965–1974)
TV-PG | Comedy, Music
Dean Martin hosts, with several celebrities as guests. There are musical acts and comedy sketches that break down comedy, racial, and sexual barriers all at the same time.
Stars: Dean Martin, The Dingaling Sisters, Ken Lane, Lou Jacobi
Votes: 1,429
14. The Steve Allen Plymouth Show (1956–1960)
60 min | Comedy
The Steve Allen Show was an American variety show hosted by Steve Allen.
Stars: Steve Allen, Gene Rayburn, Louis Nye, Skitch Henderson
Votes: 258
15. Laugh-In (1967–1973)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Music
The original rapid fire sketch comedy show.
Stars: Dan Rowan, Dick Martin, Gary Owens, Ruth Buzzi
Votes: 3,656
16. Jackie Gleason: American Scene Magazine (1962–1966)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy, Music
Jackie Gleason returns to the variety show format with his "American Scene Magazine". The official title of the show was, again, "The Jackie Gleason Show". Initially taped in New York City, after two seasons in 1964 moved to Miami Beach.
Stars: Jackie Gleason, The June Taylor Dancers, Johnny Olson, Sammy Spear and His Orchestra
Votes: 95
17. The Linkletter Show (1952–1970)
TV-G | 30 min | Family
Daytime variety show starring Art Linkletter.
Stars: Art Linkletter, Jack Slattery, Edith Head, Jack Linkletter
Votes: 201
18. Star of the Family (1950–1952)
30 min | Comedy, Music, Talk-Show
During the first year, the theme of this variety show as to interview people who were related to famous celebrities without divulging who the celebrity was. After a period of time, the ... See full summary »
Stars: Carl Hoff Orchestra, The Beatrice Kraft Dancers, Frank Waldecker, Morton Downey
19. Cavalcade of Stars (1949–1952)
60 min | Family, Comedy, Music
An hour of live variety, in the classic sense of television's Golden Age.
Stars: Sammy Spear and His Orchestra, Jackie Gleason, Jack Lescoulie, The June Taylor Dancers
Votes: 64
20. Your Chevrolet Showroom (1953–1954)
60 min | Comedy, Family, Music
Music and comedy performed by various guest artists.
Stars: Cesar Romero, Frank Waldecker, Morey Amsterdam, Connee Boswell
21. Your Hit Parade (1950–1959)
30 min | Family, Music
The format was to sing the seven top rated popular songs for the week; the songs were sung by the regular cast of vocalists. An attempt was made to revive the show in 1974 with songs from ... See full summary »
Stars: Dorothy Collins, Snooky Lanson, Raymond Scott, Russell Arms
Votes: 83
22. The Stork Club (1950–1955)
Talk-Show
The Stork Club was televised live from a specially-constructed room at the Manhattan club. Celebrity guests would perform and be interviewed at tables. It was broadcast on a UHF channel.
Stars: Sherman Billingsley, Mary Healy, Peter Lind Hayes, Virginia Pine
23. Frankie Laine Time (1955–1956)
60 min | Music
Summer replacement show for "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends". It was a variety series. Frankie Laine sang songs, and had a wide range of guest performers.
Stars: Frankie Laine, Jack E. Leonard, Tony Marvin, Duke Ellington
Votes: 13
24. The Jackie Rae Show (1955–1957)
30 min | Music, Comedy
Stars: Frank Peppiatt, Peggy Karfilis, Margaret Whiting, Dorothy Collins
25. Arthur Godfrey and His Friends (1949–1959)
60 min | Music
Arthur Godfrey and his Friends entertained the audience with many skits and Musical numbers. The show was live, and Godfrey often did away with the script and improvised. He refused to ... See full summary »
Stars: Arthur Godfrey, Tony Marvin, Janette Davis, Frank Parker
Votes: 42
26. Bob Hope's World of Comedy (1976 TV Special)
120 min | Comedy, Music
Director: Jack Haley Jr. | Stars: Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Neil Simon, Don Rickles
Votes: 17
27. The Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis Double (1982 Video)
180 min | Comedy, Music, Musical
Stars: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Billy Barty
28. The Johnny Carson Show (1953–1956)
30 min | Comedy, Music
Comedy routines, featuring Johnny Carson and guests, and singing were the theme of this program.
Stars: Johnny Carson, Jill Corey, Jack Prince, Glen Turnbull
Votes: 159
29. The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (1957–1960)
60 min | Comedy, Family
Follow-up to I Love Lucy (1951), Lucy Ricardo continues her wacky schemes as she travels with her husband, Ricky and their friends Ethel and Fred to various locations and meeting celebrities.
Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley
Votes: 1,268
30. Hollywood on Parade No. A-6 (I) (1933)
8 min | Short, Comedy, Musical
A promotional film featuring movie stars at play.
Director: Louis Lewyn | Stars: Richard Arlen, Tallulah Bankhead, Lew Cody, Heinie Conklin
Votes: 17
31. All Star Revue (1950– )
60 min | Comedy
This early comedy program started off with a rotating cast of four famous comedians, each of whom would take turns hosting the show. The program format was similar to that of a Vaudeville ... See full summary »
Stars: Jimmy Durante, Eddie Jackson, Jack Roth, Danny Thomas
Votes: 169
32. The Martha Raye Show (1954–1956)
60 min | Comedy
Hour-long comedy/variety show which aired live on NBC. It actually began in 1951,under the umbrella title All-Star Revue. Raye began as a monthly replacement for its Host Sid Caesar. Hosted by Martha Raye.
Stars: Martha Raye, Rocky Graziano, Cesar Romero, Paul Lynde
Votes: 21
33. Shower of Stars (1954–1958)
60 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
A CBS variety show that ran monthly from 1954-1958, broadcast in color. Stars appearing included Betty Grable, Mario Lanza, Jack Benny, Basil Rathbone, Fredric March, Shirley MacLaine, and ... See full summary »
Stars: William Lundigan, Jack Benny, Art Gilmore, Mary Costa
Votes: 84
34. The George Gobel Show (1954–1960)
30 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
For Gobel's half-hour series, he used a successful comedy format of a monologue segment, followed by a story set up segment, then a musical interlude with the show's girl singer, then the main skit with the guest performers.
Stars: George Gobel, Jeff Donnell, John Scott Trotter, Peggy King
Votes: 84
35. The Arthur Murray Party (1950–1960)
30 min | Family, Music
Ballroom dancing, plus comedy, songs and dance contests on one of the few programs to air over all four major commercial networks. ABC premiered it on July 20, 1950 and it closed on NBC on ... See full summary »
Stars: William H. Vaux, Kathryn Murray, Arthur Murray, Ray Carter Orchestra
Votes: 28
36. The Big Party (1959– )
60 min | Music
Short lived variety show, sponsored by Revlon, with a different host each week. The premise had the guest host entertaining various celebrities in their penthouse, hotel suite, etc. This ... See full summary »
Stars: Mike Nichols, Barbara Britton, Elaine May, Danny Thomas
37. The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar (1957–1962)
105 min | Comedy, Family, Talk-Show
Originally airing during late-night, Tonight Starring Jack Paar was an American talk show hosted by Jack Paar under the Tonight Show franchise from 1957 to 1962. After 1959, it was officially known as The Jack Paar Show.
Stars: Hugh Downs, Jose Melis, Jack Paar, Cliff Arquette
Votes: 324
38. The Mike Douglas Show (1961–1982)
Comedy, Music, Talk-Show
Mike Douglas, aided by a different celebrity co-host every week, interviews a variety of figures from the world of entertainment.
Stars: Mike Douglas, Ellie Frankel, Ellie Frankel Sextet, Stan Kann
Votes: 579
39. 13 Stars for Channel 13 (1965– )
105 min | Comedy, Music
Fundraising TV special for WNDT (now WNET), then located in Newark, New Jersey.
Stars: Eli Wallach, Garry Moore, Tony Randall, Alan King
40. The Andy Williams Show (1962–1969)
60 min | Music
Having hosted summer programs for three seasons before this, Andy Williams' program finally became a regular, year-round show. In addition to Andy, the program also featured numbers by a ... See full summary »
Stars: Andy Williams, The Osmonds, Jay Osmond, Alan Osmond
Votes: 274
41. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967–1993)
60 min | Comedy
The Smothers Brothers host a comedy variety show that became notorious for its topical satirical humor.
Stars: Tom Smothers, Dick Smothers, Pat Paulsen, Peter Cullen
Votes: 1,639
42. The Merv Griffin Show (1962–1986)
TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy, Family, Music
Merv Griffin invites a series of actors, actresses, writers, and directors to discuss the progressive work they have done and current culture, arts, and entertainment surrounding the numerous projects.
Stars: Merv Griffin, Mort Lindsey, Mort Lindsey Orchestra, Arthur Treacher
Votes: 608
43. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992)
TV-14 | 105 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
Host Johnny Carson performs comedy routines and chats with various celebrities.
Stars: Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, Doc Severinsen, Skitch Henderson
Votes: 4,242
44. Producers' Showcase (1954–1957)
90 min | Drama, Musical, Comedy
This program aired once every fourth week, and was one of the most costly live shows of the 1950s. Many stars appeared on this show.
Stars: Cyril Ritchard, Claire Bloom, Mary Martin, David Wayne
Votes: 186
45. The Dinah Shore Chevy Show (1956–1963)
60 min | Music
Dinah hosted this hour-long weekly for seven years. It featured Dinah and guest stars in a variety of songs, skits, production numbers. Also featured: her "See the USA in your Chevrolet" song and her warm kiss to all in conclusion.
Stars: Dinah Shore, Joel Aldred, Janet Blair, John Raitt
Votes: 241
46. Great Performances (1971– )
TV-G | 180 min | Music, Musical
Filmed and televised versions of theater productions, such as plays, musicals, operas, ballets, and concerts from around the world.
Stars: Scott Yoo, Julie Andrews, Renée Fleming, Plácido Domingo
Votes: 896
47. The Tonight Show (1962)
TV-14 | 105 min | Talk-Show
Interim version of the talk show that aired between the departure of Jack Paar and the arrival of Johnny Carson.
Stars: Skitch Henderson, Hugh Downs, Ed Herlihy, Merv Griffin
Votes: 140
48. The Bell Telephone Hour (1959–1968)
60 min | Music
The long-running television version of the long-running NBC radio series devoted to classical music as well as Broadway composers.
Stars: The Bell Telephone Orchestra, Mel Brandt, Donald Voorhees, The Buster Davis Singers
Votes: 49
49. Girl Talk (1963–1970)
30 min | Talk-Show
Stars: Virginia Graham, Joan Crawford, Dody Goodman, Gloria Swanson
Votes: 164
50. Over Easy (1977–1982)
30 min | Talk-Show
A talk show with news, interviews, and entertainment aimed at the older viewer.
Stars: Hugh Downs, Frank Blair, Peter Ustinov, Eartha Kitt
Votes: 17
51. Des O'Connor Tonight (1977–2003)
50 min | Talk-Show
Music, comedy and celebrity interviews with singer and host Des O'Connor.
Stars: Des O'Connor, Jim Davidson, Freddie Starr, Jethro
Votes: 51
52. Oh Boy! (1958–1959)
25 min | Family, Music, Musical
Top musicians of the time perform on this 1950s variety show.
Stars: Cherry Wainer, The Vernons Girls, Red Price, The Dallas Boys
Votes: 16
53. Top of the Pops (1964–2023)
60 min | Music, News, Talk-Show
A rundown of the latest chart hits, featuring in-studio performances from popular music artists.
Stars: The Ladybirds, Pan's People, Jimmy Savile, Legs & Co
Votes: 1,125
54. The Alan Young Show (1950–1953)
30 min | Comedy
A dynamic combination of comedy vignettes and visually attractive musical numbers, hosted by Alan Young.
Stars: Alan Young, Polly Bergen, Tom Mahoney, Ben Wright
Votes: 33
55. The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950–1955)
60 min | Comedy, Romance
This was a Colgate-sponsored comedy hour that featured many notable comedians and entertainers of the era as guest stars.
Stars: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Al Goodman, Eddie Cantor
Votes: 588
56. The Jack Benny Program (1950–1965)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy
The comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.
Stars: Jack Benny, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Don Wilson, Dennis Day
Votes: 1,647
57. The Johnny Cash Show (1969–1971)
60 min | Music
Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, were hosts of this Country and Western themed variety show. Comedians Hope, Crosby, Minnie Pearl, and others perform skits. Musical acts as diverse as Louis Armstrong to The Monkees perform.
Stars: Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, The Statler Brothers, The Tennessee Three
Votes: 279
58. Floor Show (1948–1950)
30 min | Music
Weekly jazz music show, hosted by guitarist Eddie Condon, with guest jazz artists.
Stars: Eddie Condon, Carl Reiner, Billy Butterfield, Pee Wee Russell
59. The Ken Murray Show (1950–1953)
30 min | Comedy, Music
A 1950s variety show sponsored by Anheuser-Busch. The host was Ken Murray, who had previously hosted variety theatrical shows and variety radio programs. The show had a large regular cast ... See full summary »
Stars: Ken Murray, Jane Bergmeier, Darla Hood, Jack Mulhall
Votes: 35
60. General Motors 50th Anniversary Show (1957 TV Special)
120 min | Music
A celebration including drama, comedy and music highlights included, Pat Boone singing "Where Are You?" in a skit called the Sad Lover in a Mardi Gras scene. A comedy sketch with Eddie ... See full summary »
Director: Charles S. Dubin | Stars: Kirk Douglas, June Allyson, Don Ameche, Pat Boone
61. The Don Rickles Show (1968–1969)
30 min | Comedy
Comedy-variety featuring "insult humorist" Don Rickles.
Stars: Don Rickles, Pat McCormick, The Vic Mizzy Orchestra, Richard Harris
Votes: 38
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