Variety -
pioneers of television

The origins of the variety genre are traced, from Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town and Milton Berle's Texaco Star Theater, to The Carol Burnett Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and Laugh-In, among others. Tim Conway and Jonathan Winters tell hilarious stories about their experiences as variety players, and Tommy Smothers shares the compelling behind-the-scenes story of his landmark show. Interviews featured: Carol Burnett, Pat Boone, Tony Orlando, Sid Caesar, Florence Henderson, Jim Nabors, Jerry Stiller, Andy Williams, Red Skelton and Milton Berle.

Episode Duration: 54 minutes and 13 seconds

Episode Number: 106

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About Pioneers of Television:

The four-part series examines the people who left their imprint on sitcoms, late-night, variety and game shows in the early days of the medium.

The program features interviews with legendary stars, including Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Art Linkletter, Andy Griffith, Betty White, Phyllis Diller, Jim Nabors, Marlo Thomas, Jonathan Winters, Ed McMahon and Merv Griffin.

Using never-before-seen images and showcasing timeless clips, the documentary examines the entertainers that provided the classic scenes that still amuse us today.