How many episodes of The Carol Burnett Show were produced?
The original run produced 279 one‑hour episodes, and an additional nine episodes aired in 1991. The full series is now available for streaming in both its original and half‑hour formats. 【6†L47-L49】
Where can I watch The Carol Burnett Show?
Episodes are currently streaming on Shout! Factory, MeTV’s Catchy Comedy channel, and Amazon Prime Video. Earlier releases include DVD collections by Columbia House and later by Shout! Factory. 【6†L83-L86】
What time slot did the show originally air?
The show premiered on Mondays at 10 p.m. Eastern and later moved to Saturday nights during the 1970s, before concluding in 1978. 【6†L273-L280】
Who were the main cast members?
Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner were the original stars. Tim Conway joined as a regular in 1975, and Dick Van Dyke appeared for a short period in 1977. 【6†L4-L10】
When did Tim Conway become a regular cast member?
Conway was promoted from guest to regular in 1975, adding his signature improv to the ensemble. 【6†L52-L55】
Why did Dick Van Dyke only appear for 10 episodes?
Van Dyke replaced Harvey Korman in 1977 but was considered a poor fit for the format and left after ten appearances. 【6†L51-L54】
What were the most famous sketches?
Notable recurring sketches include "Mrs. Wiggins," "The Family," and the parody "Went with the Wind," which remains a beloved segment. 【6†L351-L360】【6†L362-L365】
How did the Q&A segment work?
At the start of each episode, Burnett would randomly pick studio audience members and answer their questions, often ad‑libbing for humor. 【6†L211-L217】
Why did the show end after 1978?
Carol Burnett chose to end the series after 11 seasons, feeling the variety format was out of step with changing television trends. The final episode aired on March 29, 1978. 【6†L328-L333】
When were the first five seasons made available for syndication?
The initial five seasons were finally released for syndication in 2019, after a long hold due to rights clearance. 【6†L464-L466】
How many Emmy awards did the show win?
The series earned 25 Primetime Emmy awards, a record for variety shows of its era. 【6†L57-L60】
Were there any spin‑offs from the show?
Yes. The Family sitcom and the 1982 TV film “Eunice” were directly derived from the show’s popular sketches. 【6†L372-L375】
How long was each episode?
Each episode ran approximately 54 minutes, a full hour with opening and closing segments. 【6†L22-L23】
Was the show filmed live?
It was produced live in Studio 33 with a multi‑camera setup, allowing immediate audience feedback and spontaneous moments. 【6†L20-L22】
What music was featured on the show?
The original opening theme, "Carol's Theme," was composed by Joe Hamilton, with various musical numbers performed by the cast and guest artists. 【6†L15-L18】
Are there DVD releases of the show?
Yes, several DVD collections have been released, including the 2002 Ultimate Collection and the 2015 Lost Episodes set, featuring selected episodes and bonus material. 【6†L787-L791】
What is the show’s legacy in television history?
The series ranks in TV Guide’s top 20 and Time’s 100 Best TV Shows lists, and it continues to influence modern sketch and variety programming. 【6†L58-L62】
Did Jim Nabors appear on the show?
Nabors appeared as a recurring guest at every season premiere, serving as a lucky charm for the cast. 【6†L180-L182】
When did the show transition to a half‑hour format?
After 1972, the series was condensed into a half‑hour version known as "Carol Burnett and Friends" while maintaining core sketches. 【6†L64-L65】
What behind‑the‑scenes details are known about the show?
The program’s Q&A and improv style stemmed from the host’s spontaneous interaction with the live audience, often creating memorable moments on the fly. 【6†L210-L217】
Who was the announcer on the show?
Lyle Waggoner served as both the on‑screen announcer and a regular cast member in the early seasons. 【6†L13-L15】
Who wrote the scripts for the show?
Executive producer Bob Banner oversaw production, while scripts were written by a team of writers, including Burnett and her collaborators. 【6†L18-L20】
Is the show suitable for children?
The series is family‑friendly, with mild language and humor appropriate for most audiences, though some references reflect its 1960s context. 【6†L21-L23】
What was the audience reception like during its run?
The show consistently ranked in the top 30 of Nielsen ratings, peaking at number 13 in the 1969–70 season, and was celebrated for its high‑energy performances. 【6†L276-L280】
Did the show parody movies?
Yes, the program regularly spoofed popular films, with memorable parodies such as "Went with the Wind" and other movie takes‑offs. 【6†L365-L366】