The Smothers Brothers

Though only on television for three seasons, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was profoundly groundbreaking and influential. Tom and Dick Smothers, with their tight folk harmonies and impeccable comedic timing, struck CBS executives as ideal variety show hosts. However, in the politically charged late 60s, the show began to offer viewers political humor that had never been seen on a network show. The brothers’ battles with network censors resulted in them being fired in 1969 despite still being a top-rated program. This presentation will recount the evolution of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour while playing many of the show’s outstanding musical performances and unforgettable sketches.