The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1971)
The beloved CBS variety series that made Sonny Bono and Cher household names, blending music, sketch comedy, and star-studded guests across four seasons.
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour - Series Information
- Original Title: The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour
- First Air Year: 1971
- Last Air Year: 1974
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 90
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (US)
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour - Plot
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour is an American variety show starring American pop-singer Cher and her husband, Sonny Bono. The show ran on CBS in the United States, when it premiered in August 1971. The show was canceled May 1974, due to the couple's divorce, though the duo would reunite in 1976 for the identically-formatted The Sonny & Cher Show, which ran until 1977.
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour - Trailer
See the magic of Sonny and Cher's iconic chemistry come to life in this classic clip:
Where to Watch The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour
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The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Sonny Bono
- Cher
- Peter Cullen
- Ted Zeigler
- William Conrad
- Danny Thomas
- Ken Berry
- Merv Griffin
- Ed McMahon
- Jim Nabors
Writers
- Paul Wayne
- Allan Blye
- Jim Mulligan
- Chris Bearde
- Coslough Johnson
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour - FAQs
Why was The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour cancelled?
The show was cancelled in May 1974 following Sonny and Cher's highly publicized divorce. Without the central dynamic of the married couple at the heart of the format, CBS pulled the plug. The duo later reconciled professionally and reunited for The Sonny & Cher Show in 1976.
What made The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour so popular?
The show's charm came from the playful, bickering chemistry between Sonny and Cher — he the lovable underdog, she the sharp-tongued wit. Their genuine rapport made the comedy feel spontaneous, and Cher's glamorous costumes and powerful voice kept audiences tuning in week after week.
Where can you watch The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour today?
Streaming availability for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour is limited due to its age and licensing complexities. Your best options are checking specialty classic TV platforms, DVD collections, or browsing JustWatch to compare any current regional viewing options available to you.
Who were some notable guest stars on the show?
The show attracted a remarkable roster of guests, including Phyllis Diller, Ricardo Montalban, Telly Savalas, Joe Namath, and O.J. Simpson. Regular supporting players like Peter Cullen and Ted Zeigler rounded out the ensemble, giving the series a consistent comedic backbone alongside the celebrity drop-ins.
Did The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour win any awards?
The series earned Emmy Award nominations during its run, reflecting its standing as one of the premier variety shows of the early 1970s. Cher in particular received recognition for her performances, and the show is widely credited with reviving the variety format's popularity on American network television.
How many seasons and episodes does the show have?
The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour ran for four seasons and 90 episodes on CBS. Season 1 featured 19 episodes, while Seasons 2, 3, and 4 each expanded to 23 or 24 episodes, reflecting the show's growing popularity through its run from 1971 to 1974.
Did Steve Martin write for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour?
Yes — before his legendary stand-up and film career took off, Steve Martin was one of the writers on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. He was part of a talented writing room that also included Bob Einstein, who later found fame as Super Dave Osborne, and future comedy figures like Phil Hahn.
What shows are similar to The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour?
Fans of classic variety comedy may enjoy The Larry Sanders Show, French & Saunders, and Second City Television for their sharp ensemble humor. For modern late-night variety, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Celebrity Juice offer a similar blend of comedy, music, and celebrity interaction.
More About The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour
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