The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950)
A landmark live NBC variety series that brought the biggest comedy names of the early television era to Sunday-night audiences across America.
The Colgate Comedy Hour - Series Information
- Original Title: The Colgate Comedy Hour
- First Air Year: 1950
- Last Air Year: 1955
- Created by: Fred Hamilton
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 55 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 208
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 10, 1950 (United States - NR), September 10, 1950 (Canada - PG), September 10, 1950 (Germany - 6), September 10, 1950 (Australia - G), September 10, 1950 (Mexico - B), September 10, 1950 (Italy - T), September 10, 1950 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Comedy Hour (US)
- Production Companies: Colgate-Palmolive-Peet, NBC
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Colgate Comedy Hour - Plot
The Colgate Comedy Hour is an American comedy-musical variety series that aired live on the NBC network from 1950 to 1955. The show starred many notable comedians and entertainers of the era, including Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Fred Allen, Donald O'Connor, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Ray Bolger, Gordon MacRae, Ben Blue, Robert Paige, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Broadway dancer Wayne Lamb and Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
Where to Watch The Colgate Comedy Hour
Looking for where to watch The Colgate Comedy Hour?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Colgate Comedy Hour - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Fred Hamilton
Main Cast
- Eddie Cantor
- Dean Martin
- Jerry Lewis
- Bob Hope
- Donald O'Connor
- Bud Abbott
- Sidney Miller
- Lou Costello
- Gordon MacRae
- Jimmy Durante
Writers
- Sidney Miller
- Herbert Baker
- John Grant
- Norman Lear
The Colgate Comedy Hour - FAQs
Who were the main stars of The Colgate Comedy Hour?
The show rotated among several headline acts, most notably Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, Donald O'Connor, and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. These performers served as rotating hosts, each bringing their own distinct comedic style to the live Sunday-night broadcast.
Why was The Colgate Comedy Hour historically significant?
The Colgate Comedy Hour was one of early American television's most ambitious live variety programs. It helped establish the Sunday prime-time variety format, introduced millions of viewers to top-tier comedians, and played a pivotal role in transitioning vaudeville and radio talent to the new medium of television.
Where can you stream The Colgate Comedy Hour?
The Colgate Comedy Hour is available to watch on several platforms, including Tubi TV and The Roku Channel for free with ads, and Pure Flix via subscription. Episodes can also be purchased through Amazon Video. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your region.
When did The Colgate Comedy Hour first air?
The Colgate Comedy Hour premiered on September 10, 1950, on NBC. It ran for six seasons and 208 episodes before concluding in 1955, making it one of the defining variety programs of early American television's golden age.
How many seasons and episodes does the show have?
The Colgate Comedy Hour ran for six seasons and a total of 208 episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 42 episodes, Season 3 had 39, Season 4 had 34, Season 5 had 39, and the final Season 6 consisted of 12 episodes before the series concluded in 1955.
Is The Colgate Comedy Hour based on a true story?
No, The Colgate Comedy Hour was not based on a true story. It was a live comedy-musical variety series featuring real-life entertainers performing sketches, songs, and comedy routines. The performers appeared as themselves, making the show a showcase of genuine mid-century American entertainment talent.
Who wrote The Colgate Comedy Hour?
The series featured writing contributions from several notable figures, including Sidney Miller, Herbert Baker, John Grant, and Norman Lear. Norman Lear, who would later become one of television's most celebrated producers and writers, got some of his earliest professional experience writing for this show.
What network aired The Colgate Comedy Hour?
The Colgate Comedy Hour aired on NBC and was sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive-Peet. It broadcast live every Sunday evening, competing directly with The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS. The series was produced in partnership with NBC and Colgate-Palmolive-Peet throughout its five-year run.
More About The Colgate Comedy Hour
Explore further details about The Colgate Comedy Hour on these authoritative resources.