Popular Sketch Comedy Shows of the 60s and 70s

Sketch comedy shows have been a staple of television programming for decades, and the 60s and 70s were no exception. During this time, a number of popular shows emerged that have since become classics. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at three of the most beloved sketch comedy shows from this era: Laugh-In, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and The Carol Burnett Show.

Laugh-In

Laugh-In was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show that aired from 1968 to 1973. The show was known for its fast-paced, irreverent humor, and featured a rotating cast of comedians and actors. Some of the most memorable sketches from Laugh-In included the Sock it to Me segment, where guests would be doused with water after saying the phrase, and the News of the Future” which presented absurd predictions of what the world would be like in years to come.

Monty Python’s Flying Circus

Monty Python’s Flying Circus was a British sketch comedy show that aired from 1969 to 1974. The show was known for its surreal humor and absurdist sketches, which often featured bizarre characters and situations. Some of the most famous sketches from Monty Python’s Flying Circus included The Ministry of Silly Walks, which featured John Cleese as a bureaucrat with an absurd walk, and The Dead Parrot Sketch, which featured Cleese and Michael Palin as a pet shop owner and customer arguing over a dead parrot.

The Carol Burnett Show

The Carol Burnett Show was a variety show that aired from 1967 to 1978. While the show featured a mix of musical performances, comedy sketches were a major part of its appeal. The show featured a regular cast of comedians, including Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway, who performed a mix of original and parody sketches. Some of the most beloved sketches from The Carol Burnett Show included Went with the Wind, a parody of Gone with the Wind, and The Family, which featured Burnett and Korman as a bickering married couple.

These three shows were just a few of the many classic sketch comedy programs that aired during the 60s and 70s. Each show had its own unique style and approach to comedy, but all shared a commitment to making audiences laugh. Whether you were a fan of the irreverent humor of Laugh-In, the surreal absurdity of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, or the classic sketch comedy of The Carol Burnett Show, there was something for everyone on television during this era.

Notable Sketch Comedians of the 60s and 70s

If you’re a fan of classic sketch comedy, then you know that the 60s and 70s were a golden era for the genre. From Flip Wilson to Mad Magazine to Jim Henson, there were countless comedians and publications that made audiences laugh with their witty humor and clever skits.

Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson was one of the most popular comedians of the 60s and 70s, known for his hilarious impersonations and catchphrases. His variety show, The Flip Wilson Show, ran from 1970 to 1974 and featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity guests. Wilson’s most famous character was Geraldine Jones, a sassy woman who always had a witty comeback. The character became so popular that Wilson released an album featuring skits and songs from Geraldine’s perspective.

Jim Henson

Jim Henson is best known for creating The Muppets, but he also had a hand in sketch comedy. Henson’s variety show, The Muppet Show, aired from 1976 to 1981 and featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and puppetry. The show was a hit with audiences of all ages and helped solidify Henson’s place in the pantheon of great comedians and entertainers.

In conclusion, the 60s and 70s were a time of great innovation and creativity in sketch comedy. From Flip Wilson’s iconic characters to Mad Magazine’s biting satire to Jim Henson’s beloved Muppets, there was no shortage of talent and humor in this era. Whether you’re a fan of classic comedy or just looking to discover something new, these comedians and publications are well worth checking out.

Notable Sketch Publications of the 60s and 70s

One of the most iconic sketch publications of the time was Mad Magazine. Mad Magazine was a staple of 60s and 70s humor. The satirical publication was known for its parodies of popular culture and political figures, as well as its iconic mascot, Alfred E. Neuman. Mad Magazine’s influence on sketch comedy can’t be overstated, as many comedians and writers drew inspiration from its irreverent humor and biting satire.

Another notable publication was National Lampoon, which was founded in 1970. This magazine was known for its raunchy humor and its willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream media. The magazine’s writers and contributors included some of the biggest names in comedy at the time, including John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray.

But the sketch publications of the 60s and 70s weren’t just limited to magazines. The era also saw the rise of underground comics, which were often more subversive and countercultural than their mainstream counterparts. One of the most famous underground comics of the time was Zap Comix, which featured the work of artists like Robert Crumb and S. Clay Wilson.

Of course, we can’t talk about sketch publications of the 60s and 70s without mentioning the iconic comic strip, Peanuts. Created by Charles M. Schulz in 1950, Peanuts became a cultural phenomenon in the 60s and 70s. The strip’s lovable characters, including Charlie Brown and Snoopy, captured the hearts of readers young and old and the strip’s influence can still be seen in popular culture today.

The sketch publications of the 60s and 70s were a testament to the enduring power of comedy. These publications pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream media and paved the way for future generations of comedians and writers. So, let us raise a glass to the Mad Magazines, National Lampoons, and Peanuts of the world – may their legacy continue to inspire and entertain us for generations to come.

 Legacy of Classic Sketch Comedy Shows

Classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s have left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. They have inspired countless comedians and writers over the years, and their influence can still be seen in the sketch comedy of today. Here are some of the ways in which these classic shows have left their mark:

• Sketches that still resonate: Classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s produced some of the most memorable and enduring sketches in the history of comedy. From Monty Python’s “Dead Parrot” to Saturday Night Live’s “More Cowbell,” these sketches have become part of the cultural lexicon and are still referenced and parodied today.
• A new style of comedy: Classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s introduced a new style of comedy that was irreverent, satirical, and often surreal. They pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on television and paved the way for future generations of comedians to do the same.
• A breeding ground for talent: Classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s were a breeding ground for some of the most talented comedians and writers of their time. Many of these performers went on to have successful careers in television, film, and theater, and their influence can still be seen in the work of younger generations.
• A reflection of the times: Classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s were often a reflection of the social and political issues of their time. They tackled topics like race, gender, and politics in a way that was both humorous and thought-provoking, and helped to shape the cultural conversation of the era.

The legacy of classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s is one of innovation, talent, and cultural significance. They continue to inspire and entertain audiences today, and their influence can be seen in the work of comedians and writers around the world.

Influence on Modern Sketch Comedy Shows

If you’re a fan of sketch comedy, you’re in luck! There are plenty of talented comedians out there today who are keeping the tradition alive. Here are a few notable names to keep an eye on:

Shane Gillis

Shane Gillis is a true artist who has made a name for himself in the world of comedy. He first gained widespread recognition with his sketch comedy show Gilly and Keeves, which he co-created with fellow comedian Matt McCusker. The show is a testament to Gillis’ comedic genius, featuring an eclectic cast of characters and sketches that are both cleverly written and delightfully offbeat. It is no surprise that Gilly and Keeves has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following, cementing Gillis’ reputation as one of the most exciting voices in modern comedy.

Sarah Sherman

Sarah Sherman, also known by her stage name Sarah Squirm, is a comedian, writer, and performance artist who is known for her surreal and often grotesque humor. She has gained a following with her unique brand of comedy, which often involves body horror and other unsettling themes. She is also a regular performer at the popular comedy venue The Hideout in Chicago.

Trevor Wallace

Trevor Wallace is a comedian and writer who is known for his energetic style. He has gained a following with his viral videos and social media presence, which often feature him riffing on popular culture and current events. He has also appeared on a number of comedy shows and podcasts, including Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and he recently hosted the roast of Bert Kreischer.

Jeremiah Watkins

Jeremiah Watkins is a comedian and actor who is known for his many sketch characters and his ability to turn ad reads into hilarious sketches. He is a regular performer at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, and has appeared on a number of popular podcasts, including The Fighter and The Kid. He is also the co-host of the podcast Scissor Bros, which he co-hosts with fellow comedian Steebee Weebee (who is also hilarious).

Jeremiah just released a brand new special on YouTube. Check it out:

While these comedians are all unique in their own way, they all share a passion for sketch comedy and a dedication to making audiences laugh. Whether you’re a fan of irreverent humor, surrealism, or just good old-fashioned jokes, there’s something for everyone in the world of sketch comedy today.

Final Thoughts

As you reflect on the classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. These shows paved the way for modern comedy and continue to influence the industry today. From The Carol Burnett Show to Monty Python’s Flying Circus, these shows brought laughter and joy to millions of viewers across the globe.

One of the most remarkable things about these shows is their ability to remain relevant decades later. Their humor is timeless, and their impact on the industry is immeasurable. They were groundbreaking in their time and continue to inspire new generations of comedians.

While the world has changed significantly since the 60s and 70s, the humor and wit of these shows remain as fresh and entertaining as ever. They remind us of a simpler time when laughter was the best medicine, and comedy was an art form.

As we conclude our journey through the world of classic sketch comedy shows, take a moment to ponder the power of humor and the enduring legacy of some of the greatest comedians of all time. These shows are a testament to the fact that even in a rapidly changing world, comedy remains a constant source of entertainment and comfort.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the classic sketch comedy shows from the 60s and 70s, and let them transport you to a time of simpler pleasures and endless laughter.