This new year, a familiar tug of the ear will grace TV sets once again as The Carol Burnett Show: Carol’s Favorites airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS.
Known as one of the most popular and beloved shows in television history, The Carol Burnett Show brought viewers eleven years of laughter, beginning with its premiere in 1967. Though Burnett was the star, her ensemble of funny friends added to the uproarious entertainment that the show provided. Included in her cast were Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner, who joined Burnett in memorable musical numbers and parody sketches.
From her iconic cast to larger-than-life guest stars, music, acting, and of course, comedy — Burnett’s variety show contained comedic gold for all ages and generations.
Now, with The Carol Burnett Show: Carol’s Favorites, revisit fifteen of the best episodes, handpicked by Carol Burnett herself. Episodes air on Fridays at 1 p.m., beginning January 8, with encores on Saturdays at 7 p.m. The fifteen episodes are listed below.
Episode #101 - Original Show #107, Original Air Date: November 11, 1968
Guest Stars: Don Rickles, Mel Tormé, Nanette Fabray
Highlights include "Doctor’s Office," "Take a Letter Miss Jones," "The Shoe Store," and " The Tin Pan Alley Story"
Episode #102 - Original Show #120, Original Air Date: March 3, 1969
Guest Star: Ethel Merman
Highlights include the classic sketch "The Dentist," a backstage sketch about an understudy attempting to sabotage the star before a performance; Ethel singing "Elusive Butterfly/ Gentle On My Mind;" and, a duet with Carol in a medley which includes "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "I Get a Kick Out of You."
Episode #103 - Original Show #510, Original Air Date: November 3, 1971
Guest Stars: Bing Crosby, Paul Lynde
Highlights include"The Old Folks," "Love Thy Neighbor/Put a Little Love in Your Heart" sung by Bing Crosby, and the sketch "As the Stomach Turns."
Episode #104 - Original Show #522, Original Air Date: March 1, 1972
Guest Star: Eydie Gorme
Highlights include a James Bond parody, "Doctor Nose," featuring two cops in drag trying to catch muggers; Carol as a child who's jealous of a new baby; and, Eydie Gormé singing "A House Is Not a Home."
Episode #105 - Original Show #611, Original Air Date: October 25, 1972
Guest Star: Pearl Bailey
Highlights include"The Oldest Man: Galley Slaves" and "Where Is Love," sung by Pearl Bailey, and a salute to 20th Century Fox: "Do-Re-Mi," "You’ve Gotta See Mama Ev’ry Night (Or You Can’t See Mama at All)," "Hound Dog," "I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much)."
Episode #106 - Original Show #620, Original Air Date: February 17, 1973
Guest Star: Valerie Harper
Highlights of this show include a sketch about two couples going out on a blind date, Tim as the world's oldest living fireman attempting a heroic rescue, and another chapter of “As The Stomach Turns.”
Episode #107 - Original Show #722, Original Air Date: March 16, 1974
Guest Stars: The Jackson 5, Roddy McDowall
Highlights include McDowall in the makeup chair for Planet of the Apes; "The Reunion" sketch; and, "Dancing Machine" performed by The Jackson 5. The finale is "This Old Man/ABC" with Carol, The Jackson 5, dancers and singers.
Episode #108 - Original Show #809, Original Air Date: November 9, 1974
Guest Stars: Helen Reddy, John Byner
Highlights of this show include a sketch set in a singles bar; Eunice, Ed and Mama playing the board game "Sorry;" and, a musical salute to women songwriters with Helen Reddy singing "Angie Baby."
Episode #109 - Original Show #810, Original Air Date: November 23, 1974
Guest Star: Maggie Smith(Downton Abbey)
Highlights include a Q&A where Carol intros Alice Ghostley in the audience and does Tarzan yell, a duet of "You’re So London" with Carol and Maggie Smith, and the "My Buddy" sketch.
Episode #110 - Original Show #908, Original Air Date: October 25, 1975
Guest Stars: The Pointer Sisters
Highlights include a sketch about a rock music disc jockey; Mickey Hart (Tim) joins Eunice, Ed and Mama in a game of charades; a bartender makes jokes of a broken-hearted customer's every remark; and, The Pointer Sisters sing "How Long?"
Episode #111 - Original show #1004, Original Air Date: October 16, 1976.
Guest Star: Madeline Kahn
Highlights include: The Family "The Rehearsal"; Mr. Tudball is vexed by "The Vending Machine"; Carol and Madeline duet about friendship; and the cast does a musical spoof "That's Entertainment 86" (50 years later)
Episode #112 - Original Show #1007, Original Air Date: October 30, 1976
Guest Star: Roddy McDowall
Highlights include "Mrs. Wiggins: Buzz Off," "The Lift," "The Morning After," and a Finale: Salute to Silent Movies.
Episode #113 - Original Show #1009, Original Air Date: November 20, 1976
Guest Star: Ken Berry
Highlights include "Mildred Fierce" (a takeoff on the 1945 Joan Crawford film Mildred Pierce); Ken Berry sings and dances to "Love Stolen;" a couple spends one last night together on the eve of their divorce; and, the world's oldest hot dog stand vendor.
Episode #114 - Original Show #1022, Original Air Date: March 26, 1977
Guest Star: Ken Berry
Highlights include sketches called "The Fire Drill" and "Harry’s Mirage and Grill;" "I Got Rhythm" featuring Ken Berry and Dancers; and a salute to MGM Musicals.
Episode #115 - Original Show #1121, Original Air Date: March 5, 1978
Guest Stars: Steve Martin, Betty White
Highlights include "As the Stomach Turns: Close Encounters;" "A Comedy Act for Dogs;" "Bird Lady: The Escape;" and "The Late, Late Movie: Beach Blanket Boo-Boo."
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air in high definition on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD in MA; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36.