The Flip Wilson Show (1970)
The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience. Specifically, it was the first successful network variety series starring an African American. During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation's second most watched show. The show consisted of many skits over an hour. It also broke new ground in American television by using a 'Theatre-in-the-Round' stage format, with the audience seated on all sides of a circular performance area. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer. Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist. Wilson popularized such catchphrases as "What you see is what you get", and "The devil made me do it!".
-
Episode 1 - Pearl Bailey, The Muppets, Jack Benny
Release Date: 1972-09-14 -
Episode 2 - The 5th Dimension, Tim Conway
Release Date: 1972-09-21 -
Episode 3 - Melba Moore, Don Knotts, Dan Hicks & Hot Licks
Release Date: 1972-09-28 -
Episode 4 - Burns & Schreiber, Ruth Buzzi, The Supremes
Release Date: 1972-10-05 -
Episode 5 - Stiller & Meara, Bill Russell, Paul McCartney & Wings (video)
Release Date: 1972-10-12 -
Episode 6 - Diana Sands, David Steinberg, The Jackson 5
Release Date: 1972-10-26 -
Episode 7 - Carol Channing, Ed Asner, Donny Hathaway
Release Date: 1972-11-02Flip is a stowaway on a ship with Edward Asner and Carol Channing on board. Miss Channing sings "Calypso Pete." Donny Hathaway performs "For All We Know" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand."
-
Episode 8 - Don Adams, The Staple Singers, Roscoe Lee Brown
Release Date: 1972-11-09 -
Episode 9 - Burt Reynolds, Roberta Flack, Tim Conway
Release Date: 1972-11-16 -
Episode 10 - Joan Rivers, The Temptations, Frank Gorshin
Release Date: 1972-11-23Flip's guest Frank Gorshin first impersonates Marlon Brando as The Godfather, then Peter Falk as Columbo. Joan Rivers discusses how terrible it is to be female. Flip becomes Reverend Leroy who speaks about the evils of sin.
-
Episode 11 - Raymond Burr, Dom Deluise, Gladys Knight & The Pips
Release Date: 1972-11-30 -
Episode 12 - Dionne Warwick, Tony Randall, Burns & Schreiber
Release Date: 1972-12-07Window washer Flip joins a meeting of big businessmen portrayed by Randall, Burns, and Schreiber. Dionne Warwick sings "Anyone Who Has a Heart." Burns and Schreiber plays a psychiatrist and a patient who thinks he's a balloon.
-
Episode 13 - Johnny Cash, June Carter, Jim Brown
Release Date: 1972-12-14Featuring Albert Brooks, Bill Russell, Johnny Cash & June Carter Opening Doze Off Commercial "Any Ole Wind That Blows" Dave & Danny "Ballad Of Moby Dick" Chess "The Loving Gift" National Anthem Square Dance
-
Episode 14 - Tim Conway, Slappy White, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson
Release Date: 1972-12-12 -
Episode 15 - Jim Nabors, James Coco, Barbara McNair
Release Date: 1973-01-04 -
Episode 16 - Roscoe Lee Brown, Andy Griffith, Curtis Mayfield
Release Date: 1973-01-11 -
Episode 17 - Marty Feldman, Taj Mahal, Howard Cosell, Sandy Duncan
Release Date: 1973-01-18 -
Episode 18 - Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Michaels, Ed Sullivan
Release Date: 1973-01-25 -
Episode 19 - Ray Charles, Phyllis Diller, The Committee
Release Date: 1973-02-01 -
Episode 20 - Dom Deluise, Helen Reddy, Diana Sands & Kreskin
Release Date: 1973-02-08Flip portrays Geraldine as she works at a supermarket checkout. Diana Sands bring psychic Kreskin with her so she can know what her date really thinks. Dom DeLuise is Diana's bodyguard when she eats at a diner.
-
Episode 21 - Roy Clark, George Carlin, Della Reese
Release Date: 1973-02-15 -
Episode 22 - Ed McMahon, Rich Little, Cicely Tyson, Bill Withers
Release Date: 1973-02-22 -
Episode 23 - Tim Conway, Joe Namath, Papa John Creach
Release Date: 1973-03-01 -
Episode 24 - Don Knotts, Richard Pryor
Release Date: 1973-03-15Flip and guests are in a silent movie sketch. Oscar Brown Jr. and wife Jane sing "The Snake," "Dat Dere," and "Afro Blues." Flip and Richard Pryor are producers thought to be planning a murder by eavesdropping waiter Don Knotts.