Red Skelton hosted a comedy-themed variety show from 1951 to 1971 without interruption. The show's head writer, Sherwood Schwartz, was responsible for the content from 1956 to 1962, having previously worked on Bob Hope's radio show. The program featured a regular cast of singers and dancers, as well as guest appearances by popular bands like the Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Supremes. By the early 1970s, the show primarily appealed to older audiences and rural residents, leading to its cancellation as the network sought to attract an urban audience.
Aired: Sep 30, 1951
