Variety Shows

THE FRANK SINATRA SHOW, from left: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, 'Happy Holidays with Bing and Frank', (Season 1, ep. 110, aired December 20, 1957), 1957-60.

A Gifted Variety Pack: A Look Back at TV’s Classic Christmas Variety Specials

Do you remember gathering around the TV with family to watch these classic holiday variety shows?
HEE HAW, Buck Owens, Roy Clark, 1969-1993

When Country Music Variety Shows Were a Mainstay of TV

Porter Wagoner, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Dean and Glen Campbell were some of the hottest country stars to host a variety show.
THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB, Annette Funicello, 1955-59

Get Out Your Mouse Ears, ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ Premiered Almost 70 Years Ago!

Many of the versions sparked the careers of many huge stars.
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, Johnny Carson, 1960s. 1962-92

Who All Hosted ‘The Tonight Show’? The Long History of the Beloved Nighttime Talk Show

It premiered today, 70 years ago!
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, from left: Joan Rivers, Johnny Carson, 1966, (19621992).

What Made Joan Rivers & Johnny Carson Never Speak Again?

She was permanently banned from ‘The Tonight Show.’
Backstage at the 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' American singer and musician Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) (center) glances out of the corner of his eye at a smiling nurse while a doctor injects him with a polio vaccine, New York, New York, October 28, 1956. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

Why Was Elvis Vaccinated Against Polio at ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’?

Not many people know that Elvis had an impact on American health.
The Honeymooners Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, Art Carney, Joyce Randolph, 1955-56

Jackie Gleason Almost Sued ‘The Flintstones?!’ & Other Fun Facts About ‘The Honeymooners’

Although it only lasted one season, its effects on TV history are huge.
The Star-Spangled Revue R-SPANGLED REVUE, Bob Hope, host, (aired April 9, 1950).

Remembering When Comedian Bob Hope Made This Huge Career Choice in 1950

While he was hesitant to star on TV, it turned out to be a good choice.
THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW, from left, Steve Lawrence, Carol Burnett, episode aired April 9, 1977, 1967-78,

Carol Burnett Pays Touching Tribute to Long-Time Friend Steve Lawrence

Singer and ‘Blues Brothers’ actor was a regular guest on her TV show.
DONNY AND MARIE, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, 1976-1979.

Favorite 70s Idols: Brother & Sister Duo Donny & Marie Sparkled in the Spotlight

Donny & Marie Osmond scored big with their family friendly ’70s variety show
25th November 1963: Liverpudlian beat combo The Beatles, from left to right Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), and George Harrison (1943 - 2001), performing in front of a camera-shaped drum kit on Granada TV's Late Scene Extra television show filmed in Manchester, England on November 25, 1963.

Ladies And Gentlemen … The Beatles! Celebrating 60 years of Beatlemania

“I Want to Hold Your Hand” was racing up the charts as fast as American girls’ hearts were pumping for the Fab Four.
THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE, 1964-70, Bing Crosby, 1969 premiere season episode

You’ll Never Believe Who Got Their First TV Appearance on ‘The Hollywood Palace’

The show celebrates its 60th anniversary and many of the biggest stars were on it.
SIGMUND AND THE SEA MONSTERS, Sigmund Ooze (the Sea Monster), Johnny Whitaker, 1973-1975

Catching Up With … TV Pioneer Marty Krofft

In the world of children’s television, few have amassed careers as prolific as producers Sid and Marty Krofft.
an image from an early 1960s episode of

‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ Became a Long-Running Sunday Night Tradition 75 Years Ago

Look back at some memorable pictures and performances from the iconic variety show that ran from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971.

Watch Donny & Marie Channel Luke & Leia in a 1977 ‘Star Wars’ Spoof

Plus Kris Kristofferson as Han Solo! Redd Foxx as Obi-Wan! Artoo, Threepio and Chewbacca! Paul Lynde, dancing stormtroopers and more in a September 1977 episode of the Osmonds’ variety show.