Jonathan Winters Show, The (1956-57)


The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

From Wikipedia:

The Jonathan Winters Show is the first of two American television network Variety show television programs to be hosted by comedian Jonathan Winters. The television series was broadcast from October 1956 to June 1957 on NBC.

This Jonathan Winters Show was aired at the beginning of prime time, from 7:30 to 7:45 PM Eastern time on Tuesday nights, to round out the half hour containing NBC's evening newscast, which was at the time, like all similar programs, likewise only 15 minutes long. This program replaced the Tuesday night broadcast of The Dinah Shore Show, which had since 1951 been broadcast on both Tuesday and Thursday night but was reduced in October 1956 to Thursday nights only. Although network evening newscasts were not expanded to a half hour until 1963, the 1956-57 season was the last one in which the American networks aired 15 minute long entertainment programs to complete filling the time slot.

This early Jonathan Winters Show consisted of an opening monologue by Winters, a musical number by a guest star, and a closing comedy sketch by Winters, which might also include the guest star.

In addition to host Winters, announcer Don Pardo was also on the program through March 1957, frequently appearing with Winters in the sketches also. In that month, he was replaced by Wayne Howell in this role. Regular musical support was provided by the Eddie Safranski Orchestra.

Highlights
Jonathan Winters on the format of his first show, the 15-minute Jonathan Winters Show on NBC - which introduced his famous characters "Maude Frickert" and "Elwood P. Suggins"
08:54
Jonathan Winters on putting together the characters for the first Jonathan Winters Show on NBC which was just 15 minutes long; on how his improvisation style worked on live TV
01:50
Jonathan Winters on his "Maude Frickert" character
03:33
Jonathan Winters on advice for creating characters
02:44
Who talked about this show

Florence Henderson

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Florence Henderson on appearing on The Jonathan Winters Show
01:06

Skitch Henderson

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Lyle "Skitch" Henderson on working on The Jonathan Winters Show
02:33

Jonathan Winters

View Interview
Jonathan Winters on the format of his first show, the 15-minute Jonathan Winters Show on NBC - which introduced his famous characters "Maude Frickert" and "Elwood P. Suggins"
08:54
Jonathan Winters on putting together the characters for the first Jonathan Winters Show on NBC which was just 15 minutes long; on how his improvisation style worked on live TV
01:50

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