I'm surprised to see Decades is airing the final season of Laugh-In (72/73). From what I have heard, the creator of the show George Schlater held the rights to the final season. He was so displeased with how the final season went, that he held the copy write and refused it to be shown. About 13 years ago, a Canadian network call Trio aired some of the early episodes. It appears that Decades has acquired the full catalog of show completely re-mastered in digital format.
As far as the quality of the show goes, it's hard to watch these last episodes. Aside from Ruth Buzzi, the whole cast has changed and not for the better. Seasons 4 & 5 were still okay with some interesting guests like William F. Buckley, and Truman Capote. You could tell the show was reaching and starting to become a parody of itself. I think that when Arte Johnson left the show at the end of season 4 (70/71), it was never the same and may have been a good point to end it.
As far as the quality of the show goes, it's hard to watch these last episodes. Aside from Ruth Buzzi, the whole cast has changed and not for the better. Seasons 4 & 5 were still okay with some interesting guests like William F. Buckley, and Truman Capote. You could tell the show was reaching and starting to become a parody of itself. I think that when Arte Johnson left the show at the end of season 4 (70/71), it was never the same and may have been a good point to end it.