Donny & Marie (1976)
The classic ABC variety series that made sibling duo Donny and Marie Osmond the youngest hosts in television history.
Donny & Marie - Series Information
- Original Title: Donny & Marie
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Created by: Marty Krofft
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Talk
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (53 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 71
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 23, 1976 (United States - NR)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: The Osmonds (UK)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Donny & Marie - Plot
Donny & Marie is an American variety show which aired on ABC from January 1976 to January 1979. The show stars brother and sister pop duo Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond. Donny had first become popular singing in a music group with his brothers, The Osmonds, and Marie was one of the youngest singers to reach #1 on the Billboard Country Music charts. The siblings were offered a weekly show by ABC-TV President Fred Silverman after he saw the duo co-host a week on The Mike Douglas Show which followed their series of popular remakes of oldies, such as "I'm Leaving It Up To You", "Morning Side Of The Mountain", "Deep Purple" and "Make The World Go Away". Donny and Marie were the youngest entertainers in TV history to host their own variety show. A year later, The Keane Brothers would break this record.
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Donny & Marie - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Marty Krofft
Main Cast
- Donny Osmond
- Marie Osmond
- Paul Lynde
- Ruth Buzzi
- Charo
- Johnny Dark
- Bob Hope
- McLean Stevenson
- Roy Clark
- Milton Berle
Donny & Marie - FAQs
How did Donny and Marie get their own TV show?
ABC-TV President Fred Silverman offered the siblings a weekly series after watching them co-host a week on The Mike Douglas Show. Their chemistry on screen, combined with a string of popular duet remakes, convinced Silverman they could carry a prime-time variety hour on their own.
What made Donny & Marie historically significant in television?
Donny and Marie Osmond became the youngest entertainers in TV history to host their own variety show when the series launched in 1976. That record stood for about a year before The Keane Brothers claimed it, but the Osmonds' achievement remains a remarkable milestone in broadcast history.
What type of show was Donny & Marie?
Donny & Marie was a classic American variety show blending music, comedy sketches, and celebrity guest appearances. Each episode featured the Osmond siblings performing songs, trading jokes, and welcoming a roster of well-known entertainers, making it a warm, family-friendly staple of ABC's Friday night lineup.
Who were some notable guest stars on Donny & Marie?
The show attracted an impressive parade of comedy and entertainment legends, including Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Paul Lynde, Ruth Buzzi, Roy Clark, and McLean Stevenson. Their appearances gave the series a lively, star-studded atmosphere that appealed to viewers of all ages throughout its four-season run.
How many seasons and episodes does Donny & Marie have?
The series ran for four seasons on ABC, producing 71 episodes between January 1976 and January 1979. Season 1 featured 14 episodes, while Seasons 2 and 3 each expanded to 22 episodes. The final Season 4 wrapped up with 13 episodes, plus a collection of specials.
Where can you watch Donny & Marie today?
Streaming availability for Donny & Marie varies by region and platform. For the most up-to-date viewing options, including any streaming, rental, or purchase options currently available near you, check JustWatch, which aggregates all regional availability in one convenient place.
What music did Donny and Marie Osmond perform on the show?
The duo drew heavily from their hit catalog of pop and country duets, including covers like "I'm Leaving It Up To You," "Morning Side of the Mountain," "Deep Purple," and "Make the World Go Away." These chart-topping remakes of classic oldies had already made them household names before the show launched.
What are some shows similar to Donny & Marie?
Fans of Donny & Marie's variety format tend to enjoy The Ed Sullivan Show, The Two Ronnies, and The Amanda Show for their mix of music, comedy, and guest performances. Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine offers a similar mid-century variety feel for those who love classic television entertainment.
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