The Best of Laugh-In | Behind the Scenes Interview #2 | PBS

Stars from Laugh-In and its producer talk about the show. THE BEST OF LAUGH-IN is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning March 5, 2011 and airing throughout the month (check local listings). Before Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show or The Colbert Report, there was Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in, one of the most revolutionary television shows of all time. From 1968 until 1973, Laugh-in frequently was seen by 50 million viewers, capturing the zeitgeist of the era with its anarchic energy and pop aesthetic. Combining the blackout comedy of the vaudeville tradition with a 1960s-style "happening," psychedelic costumes, graphics, graffiti, outrageous characters, and a new political awareness, Laugh-in became one of the most popular shows in history. THE BEST OF LAUGH-IN is a delightful tribute to the comedy-variety program, which not only transformed television but became an important training ground for an entire generation of young writers and comic talent.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Laugh-In
• Ruth Buzzi
• Jo Anne Worley
• PBS
• Best of Laugh-In

[ensconse]

The political stuff was the best stuff they did. Especially in the early seasons, a good percentage of content was foolish claptrap leftover from Vaudeville. I always thought they under-used Judy Carne, a brilliant mime, song & dancer, and super sex symbol.

[carlsetzer]

I think the silliness served two purposes: it provided relief from all of the seriousness at the time, and it was a cute cover for the provocative jokes ("And that one is for Cambodia").

[OmegaLara685]

Grab the audio from this tune at speedyconversion doht cohm.

[RuthBuzzi1]

Oh, George... you history making big ol pussy cat you.

[anmoose]

An absolute must see!

[blackHawkMW92]

lol