The Best of The Ed Sullivan Show

I agree. "The Ed Sullivan Show" was a true variety program, not just about singing or even just about music, even though music and singing were definitely a big part of Ed's weekly talent showcase.And unlike such TV programs as "The Carol Burnett Show," "The Danny Kaye Show," "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show," "The Garry Moore Show," "The Perry Como Show," "The Red Skelton Hour," "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," "Texaco Star Theatre," "Your Show Of Shows" and others that were falsely purported to be "variety shows," but were, in fact, either sketch comedy shows with musical guests, or musical revue shows with some comedy, "The Ed Sullivan Show" (called "Talk Of The Town" its first seven years) was a true variety program, showcasing professional acts from the worlds of circus, comedy, dance, drama, and music; including the genres of ballet, Broadway, classical music, jazz, opera, popular music, rock & roll, and stand-up. The only other, relatively long-lasting TV program that could be compared to Sullivan's was ABC's "The Hollywood Palace," which lasted only six years (one year short of the seven it took CBS to even change the title of Sullivan's quarter century-running talent showcase to its host's name) and was much more focused on popular entertainment and less a forum for introducing new/undiscovered or esoteric entertainment as was Ed's show.While it was true Sullivan was essentially a newspaper columnist, with no demonstrable performing talents himself, he nevertheless became an institution welcome in the homes of millions of Americans each week, offering his greatest talent--as television's premier booking agent!Bravo to Hulu and Andrew Solt's SOFA Entertainment for making some programming available here online. Now please give us more unedited episodes of the Sullivan program, as well more of SOFA's thematic Sullivan packages. The public needs to be able to see what a landmark program the Sullivan show really was.   See 3 other replies

I agree as well.   See 3 other replies

I agree. Most programming nowadays is about the shock value. How many shows can an entire family watch together anymore?   See 3 other replies