The Critical History of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: A Cultural Phenomenon from 1968-1973

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show that aired on NBC from 1968 to 1973. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and spawning several spin-offs. Laugh-In was also a major cultural phenomenon, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

"From Beautiful Downtown Burbank": A Critical History of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, 1968-1973

by Hal Erickson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	704 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	507 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Origins and Development

Laugh-In was created by Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, two comedians who had previously worked together on The Dean Martin Show. Rowan and Martin wanted to create a sketch comedy show that was both topical and irreverent. They were inspired by the success of other sketch comedy shows, such as The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Laugh-In was developed with the help of a team of writers, including George Schlatter, Allan Blye, and Burt Shevelove. The show's format was unique, with sketches that were often short and fast-paced. The show also featured a number of recurring characters, such as Arte Johnson's "German Soldier" and Lily Tomlin's "Ernestine, the Telephone Operator."

Critical Reception

Laugh-In was an immediate critical success. The show was praised for its originality, wit, and topical humor. Critics also praised the show's cast, which included a number of talented comedians, such as Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, and Ruth Buzzi.

Laugh-In was also a commercial success. The show was one of the most popular shows on television during its run. The show's success led to the creation of several spin-offs, including The Flip Wilson Show and The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.

Cultural Impact

Laugh-In was a major cultural phenomenon. The show's humor was often topical and irreverent, and it reflected the changing social and political landscape of the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The show also helped to popularize a number of new comedians, such as Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin.

Laugh-In has been credited with helping to break down racial and social barriers. The show featured a number of black and female comedians, and it was one of the first shows to feature openly gay characters. Laugh-In also helped to popularize the use of satire and parody in political humor.

Decline and Cancellation

Laugh-In's popularity began to decline in the early 1970s. The show's humor was becoming less topical and more repetitive. The show also lost a number of its original cast members, including Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin.

Laugh-In was canceled in 1973. The show's cancellation was due to a number of factors, including the show's declining popularity and the deaths of two of its cast members, Ruth Buzzi and Tim Conway.

Legacy

Laugh-In is considered one of the most important and influential sketch comedy shows of all time. The show's humor was often topical and irreverent, and it helped to break down racial and social barriers. Laugh-In also helped to popularize a number of new comedians, such as Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin.

Laugh-In has been parodied and imitated by numerous other sketch comedy shows. The show's influence can still be seen in modern sketch comedy shows, such as Saturday Night Live and Key & Peele.

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show that aired on NBC from 1968 to 1973. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and spawning several spin-offs. Laugh-In was also a major cultural phenomenon, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

"From Beautiful Downtown Burbank": A Critical History of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, 1968-1973

by Hal Erickson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	704 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	507 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE