The 1970s was a wild time for television. You had bell-bottoms, disco balls, and a whole lot of psychedelic colors. But amidst all that, one genre truly stood out: the variety show. They were the perfect blend of music, comedy, and sometimes downright absurdity. You just couldn’t look away! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit three of the most ridiculous yet beloved variety shows from that era.
The Carol Burnett Show
If you’ve never seen an episode of “The Carol Burnett Show,” you’re seriously missing out. This show was a brilliant mix of sketch comedy and musical performances, hosted by the incomparable Carol Burnett. She had this incredible ability to make you laugh until you cried, often by simply pulling a funny face or cracking a one-liner. Remember the iconic Tarzan yell? It’s pure gold!
What made “The Carol Burnett Show” so endearing was its unpredictability. You never knew what was going to happen next, from hilarious skits like “The Family” to the laugh-out-loud “Gone With the Wind” parody, where Carol wore that famous curtain dress. The chemistry among the cast, including Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, was electric. They were like that group of friends you wish you could hang out with every week.
Even the show’s closing number, where Carol would chat with the audience and occasionally let them in on behind-the-scenes secrets, felt like a cozy catch-up session with a friend. It was ridiculous in the best way possible, and it reminded everyone that laughter is a universal language.
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
<p“Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” was the kind of show that made you wonder if the writers had been sipping on something a little stronger than coffee. It was a fast-paced variety show filled with rapid-fire jokes, outrageous costumes, and celebrity guests dropping in like it was no big deal. If you ever wanted to see a 30-second skit that made absolutely no sense, this was your jam!
With its iconic catchphrases like “Sock it to me!” and “Here comes the judge,” “Laugh-In” was both a cultural phenomenon and a time capsule of the ‘70s. The humor was often cheeky and sometimes even a tad risqué, but that only added to its charm. You’d have Judy Carne in a miniskirt and a whole lot of wigs, and then, boom! There’s a random skit with a giant chicken. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see that?
The show was a delightful mix of political satire and pure silliness, making it a favorite among audiences who appreciated a good laugh with their politics. Plus, it was one of the first shows to feature a diverse cast, showcasing talents like Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin. It made you feel like anything could happen, and it often did! You just had to be ready for the absurdity of it all.
The Brady Bunch Variety Hour
<p“Brady Bunch” fans, rejoice! After the original sitcom wrapped up, the Brady family made a comeback with “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.” Now, let’s be real here. This show was delightfully bizarre. Imagine the beloved Brady kids, all grown up, attempting to sing and dance their way into your hearts with questionable choreography and outfits that looked like they were borrowed from a thrift shop explosion.
What really made this show stand out, aside from the occasional cringe-worthy musical number, was the sheer joyfulness of it all. You had the original cast, along with some new faces, trying to recreate the magic of the sitcom while tackling variety show formats. They had guest stars like Davy Jones and even the Partridge Family, which made for some interesting crossovers. Who knew the Brady kids could jam with the Partridge Family?
The show was a delightful mess; if you squinted at it just right, you might even find a bit of charm in the chaos. The skits were often silly, and the musical numbers ranged from catchy to downright questionable, but it was ultimately a celebration of family, friendship, and a time when things felt a bit simpler.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—three ‘70s variety shows that were utterly ridiculous, yet somehow, we couldn’t get enough. From Carol Burnett’s infectious laughter to the unapologetic absurdity of “Laugh-In” and the nostalgic charm of “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour,” these shows brought us joy, laughter
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