The Red Skelton Show

The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for almost two decades, from the early 1950s through the early 1970s. It was second to Gunsmoke (1955–1975) and third to The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971) in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion picture as well. Although his television series is largely associated with CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1960.

Origins: 1950s

Red Skelton's network television program began at the start of the 1951 fall season on NBC (for sponsor Procter & Gamble). After his first CBS season the program was moved to Wednesday night and expanded to an hour for the summer of 1954 only; it was then...
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