The Jonathan Winters Show (1956 TV series)

"The Jonathan Winters Show" of 1956 was the first of two American network television variety programs to be hosted by comedian Jonathan Winters.

This "Jonathan Winters Show" was aired at the beginning of prime time, from 7:30 to 7:45 PM Eastern time on Tuesday nights, to round out the half hour containing NBC's evening newscast, which was at the time, like all similar programs, likewise only 15 minutes long. This program replaced the Tuesday night broadcast of "The Dinah Shore Show", which had since 1951 been broadcast on both Tuesday and Thursday night but was reduced in October 1956 to Thursday nights only. This version of "The Jonathan Winters Show" was broadcast only from October 1956 to June 1957. Although network evening newscasts were not expanded to a half hour until 1963, the 1956-57 season was the last one in which the American networks aired 15 minute long entertainment programs to complete filling the time slot.

Format

This early "Jonathan Winters Show" consisted of an opening monologue by Winters, a musical number by a guest star, and a closing comedy sketch by Winters, which might also include the guest star.

Cast

In addition to host Winters, announcer Don Pardo was also on the program through March 1957, frequently appearing with Winters in the sketches also. In that month, he was replaced by Wayne Howell in this role. Regular musical support was provided by the Eddie Safranski Orchestra.

References

Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle, "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows"