The Red Skelton Show (1951)
A landmark American variety comedy that entertained families for two decades across NBC and CBS, earning three Emmy Awards and 672 unforgettable episodes.
The Red Skelton Show - Series Information
- Original Title: The Red Skelton Show
- First Air Year: 1951
- Last Air Year: 1971
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Talk, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 20
- Number of Episodes: 672
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 30, 1951 (United States - TV-G), September 30, 1951 (Germany - 6), September 30, 1951 (Italy - T), September 30, 1951 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: NBC, CBS
- Alternative Titles: The Red Skelton Hour (US)
- Production Companies: Van Bernard Productions, CBS, Sursum Corporation, NBC
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Red Skelton Show - Plot
The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as well. Although his television series is largely associated with CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961.
The Red Skelton Show - Trailer
Preview a classic clip and see Red Skelton's timeless comedic genius in action.
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The Red Skelton Show - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Red Skelton
- Art Gilmore
- Milton Frome
- Kathryn Card
- George Gobel
- Dorothy Neumann
- Buddy Lewis
- Ed Wynn
- Marjorie Bennett
- Eve Arden
Writers
- Red Skelton
- John Fenton Murray
- Jack Douglas
- Ben Freedman
The Red Skelton Show - FAQs
Where can you stream The Red Skelton Show?
The Red Skelton Show is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Tubi TV, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads. Episodes can also be purchased or rented through Amazon Video, making it accessible across a variety of free and subscription platforms.
How many seasons and episodes does the show have?
The Red Skelton Show ran for 20 seasons and a total of 672 episodes, airing from September 30, 1951 to 1971. Season lengths ranged from 25 to 39 episodes, reflecting its remarkable longevity as one of American television's longest-running variety comedy programs.
Did The Red Skelton Show win any Emmy Awards?
Yes. The Red Skelton Show earned three Emmy Awards: one recognizing Red Skelton as best comedian, another for best comedy show during its debut season, and a third for outstanding comedy writing in 1961. These honors cemented its reputation as one of television's premier variety comedy programs.
What network aired The Red Skelton Show?
The Red Skelton Show aired on both NBC and CBS. It launched on NBC in 1951, moved to CBS where it spent the majority of its run — more than fifteen years — and then returned to NBC for its final season before concluding in 1971.
What is The Red Skelton Show about?
The Red Skelton Show is an American variety program built around comedian Red Skelton's signature blend of pantomime, sketch comedy, and physical humor. Skelton portrayed a rotating gallery of beloved characters while also welcoming guest performers, delivering wholesome, family-friendly entertainment that resonated with audiences for two full decades.
Who were the main cast members of the show?
The series starred Red Skelton as host, supported by Art Gilmore, Milton Frome, Kathryn Card, George Gobel, Dorothy Neumann, Buddy Lewis, Ed Wynn, Marjorie Bennett, and Eve Arden. Each performer contributed to the show's rotating roster of recurring sketches and comedic characters.
What was The Red Skelton Show's content rating?
The Red Skelton Show carries a TV-G rating, reflecting its wholesome, family-friendly content. The program was designed to entertain audiences of all ages, relying on clean physical comedy, pantomime, and character-driven sketches rather than edgy or adult-oriented material.
How did critics and audiences receive The Red Skelton Show?
The show was a ratings powerhouse, ranking second only to Gunsmoke and third behind The Ed Sullivan Show during its peak years. Critics praised Skelton's versatile comedic talent, and its three Emmy Awards reflect the industry's recognition of its quality writing and performance over two decades.
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