Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
Thu Mar 22, 2012, 03:30 PM Mar 2012

Remember this show, Boomers?????

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

This is the ONLY show in American TV history (until Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect in 2001) to be fired instead of canceled.
Originally picked up as a CBS sacrificial goat to go up against powerhouse “Bonanza” in 1967, in quickly found a place in the hearts of younger viewers and won its timeslot. At first ignored by the CBS Network, the show began to feature political aspects and guest stars reflecting the leftwing views of the Smothers Brothers. This led to increased (and fairly silly) censorship on the part of the Network, until CBS found a technical excuse to dump the show in 1969, despite high ratings. Today, it is seen as one of the most memorable examples of the 1960-70s era fights for free speech (Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, et al)

And I am now walking down nostalgia lane watching The Best of Season 3 dvd!!!!!
Which includes the infamous, censored, Harry Belfonte song.

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Remember this show, Boomers????? (Original Post) dixiegrrrrl Mar 2012 OP
Remember it very well. I wish there was something as political as that like it today. canoeist52 Mar 2012 #1
Do you remember Mason Williams? schmice Sep 2012 #2
Name is familiar.... dixiegrrrrl Sep 2012 #3
"Classical Gas" + also a writer on the Smothers Brothers Show. schmice Sep 2012 #4
ahhh! I knew Classical Gas but not that he was a writer. dixiegrrrrl Sep 2012 #6
He lives in Oregon--impressive resume, he has. MADem Feb 2013 #15
Classical Gas is awesome... haikugal Feb 2013 #14
I remember it well. SheilaT Sep 2012 #5
pat paulsen johnsolaris Oct 2012 #7
Thanks for that tidbit about Williams. dixiegrrrrl Oct 2012 #8
mason website johnsolaris Oct 2012 #9
On the bookshelf right by me HeiressofBickworth Oct 2012 #10
Boomers skiptaylor Oct 2012 #11
Oh yeah - codjh9 Nov 2012 #12
Let's not forget John Hartford BarbaRosa Jan 2013 #13
I remember Bonanza - Lorne Greene, Little Joe, Hoss . . . ConcernedCanuk Mar 2013 #16
Ask me about test patterns on tv dixiegrrrrl Mar 2013 #17
That boring looking dart board (we only had a b/w TV) ConcernedCanuk Mar 2013 #18

canoeist52

(2,282 posts)
1. Remember it very well. I wish there was something as political as that like it today.
Thu Mar 22, 2012, 07:39 PM
Mar 2012

The Daily Show and Colbert come close, but try to balance it too much. Smothers Bros. were definitely cutting-edge liberals.
Dang, now the theme song, which I didn't know I still knew, is stuck in my head.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
5. I remember it well.
Tue Sep 25, 2012, 02:18 PM
Sep 2012

Excellent show. I don't understand why the entire run is not on DVD. Or is it, and I managed to miss that piece of information.

My favorite segment was always the Tea with Goldie one.

johnsolaris

(220 posts)
7. pat paulsen
Tue Oct 9, 2012, 01:29 AM
Oct 2012

Hi,

Mason Williams was the guy that came up the Pat Paulsen for President idea. Williams went on to write for other shows including
Saturday night live. He still performs today.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
8. Thanks for that tidbit about Williams.
Tue Oct 9, 2012, 08:36 AM
Oct 2012

He could retire on a golden cloud for the Paulson for Pres. idea alone.

The disc I have has many if not all of the clips of Paulson for President! They hold up surprisingly well.

johnsolaris

(220 posts)
9. mason website
Tue Oct 9, 2012, 04:18 PM
Oct 2012

Hi,

Thanks,

Mason Williams has a great website with a lot of fun stuff including a link to the Smothers Brothers website. There are plenty of clips & episodes to watch including a link to the late Pat Paulsen's website.

A great way to have a good laugh visiting all 3 sites.

HeiressofBickworth

(2,682 posts)
10. On the bookshelf right by me
Fri Oct 19, 2012, 02:17 AM
Oct 2012

I still have my Pat Paulson for President book. To tell the truth, I haven't looked at it for years, but this may be the time to get it down and take another look.

 

ConcernedCanuk

(13,509 posts)
16. I remember Bonanza - Lorne Greene, Little Joe, Hoss . . .
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 02:13 PM
Mar 2013

.
.
.

Maher's Politically Incorrect(luved that show) - George Carlin (Either one of them as Presidents woulda made the World respect the USA instead of fearing/despising it)

Luved the Smother's Brother's too - always made me laugh.

I've Heard Belafonte, but couldn't name one song . .

Ask me about the Beatles, Stones, Sly, Cat Stevens, Dave Clarke Five, Janis Joplin, Sonny and Cher etc.,

I'll have a better answer . . .

yeah, I'm that old!

Woodstock I remember - THAT was awesome!!

(USA's government censors their taxpayers! - I'm so surprised!!! - - NOT!)

CC



dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
17. Ask me about test patterns on tv
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 04:35 PM
Mar 2013

and Sky King and even radio shows.
Yeah, I am THAT old.

We actually did not see tv on a regular basis till about 1960, for various reasons.
But I do remember watching the Wizard of Oz on tv, I think it was as far back as '58.

 

ConcernedCanuk

(13,509 posts)
18. That boring looking dart board (we only had a b/w TV)
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 08:05 PM
Mar 2013

.
.
.

And "Gunsmoke" on the radio show.

We didn't own a TV until '62 (I was 11) - and the only reason we got one was because my aunt died, and we were the only ones in the family without a tv.

AND - we were only allowed to watch ONE show per week at first -

that's right yunguns -

1 show per WEEK-

OK now a question for my fellow old farts, or anyone, really

What show was it???

1962 it was . . .



Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Baby Boomers»Remember this show, Boome...