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The Uncensored Story Behind the Groundbreaking Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

Jayden Cox

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Published in Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story Of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

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A Black And White Photo Of The Smothers Brothers, Tommy And Dick, In Their Signature Suits And Ties. Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story Of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a groundbreaking television show that aired from 1967 to 1969. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and political satire. It was hosted by brothers Tommy and Dick Smothers, who were known for their sharp wit and irreverent humor.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a huge success, but it was also controversial. The show's political satire often angered CBS executives, who tried to censor the show on several occasions. The Smothers Brothers refused to be censored, and they eventually left CBS in 1969.

Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"

by David Bianculli

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2941 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	420 pages

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a landmark moment in television history. It was one of the first shows to feature political satire, and it helped to pave the way for other shows like Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.

The Early Years

Tommy and Dick Smothers were born in New York City in the 1930s. They began performing together as children, and they eventually became a successful comedy team in the 1960s.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was the brainchild of Tommy Smothers. He wanted to create a show that would be both funny and thought-provoking. He pitched the idea to CBS in 1967, and the network agreed to produce the show.

The Show's Success

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was an instant success. The show's mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and political satire appealed to a wide range of viewers. The Smothers Brothers were also known for their sharp wit and irreverent humor.

The show's success was due in part to the Smothers Brothers' unique chemistry. Tommy was the more serious of the two brothers, while Dick was the more playful. Together, they created a comedy duo that was both funny and thought-provoking.

The Controversy

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was also controversial. The show's political satire often angered CBS executives, who tried to censor the show on several occasions.

One of the most famous examples of censorship occurred in 1968, when CBS executives Free Downloaded the Smothers Brothers to remove a sketch about the Vietnam War from the show. The Smothers Brothers refused, and they were eventually fired by CBS.

The Smothers Brothers' firing sparked a public outcry. Many people felt that CBS was trying to suppress free speech. The controversy helped to raise the Smothers Brothers' profile, and they eventually found a new home on PBS.

The Legacy

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour also helped to break down barriers between comedy and politics. The show proved that comedy could be used to address serious issues, and it inspired a new generation of comedians to use their voices to speak out about what they believe in.

The Uncensored Story

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour has been the subject of much speculation and myth over the years. In their new book, The Uncensored Story of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Tommy and Dick Smothers tell the real story of their groundbreaking show.

The book is a fascinating account of the show's creation, success, and controversy. The Smothers Brothers share their memories of the show's most memorable moments, and they also provide their insights into the political and social climate of the 1960s.

The Uncensored Story of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour is a must-read for fans of the show and anyone interested in the history of television. It is a funny, informative, and inspiring book that tells the story of how two brothers used comedy to change the world.

Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"

by David Bianculli

4.6 out of 5