The Ed Sullivan Show

The Ed Sullivan Show was an American television variety show that ran from June 20, 1948, to June 6, 1971, and was hosted by Ed Sullivan. It ran on CBS every Sunday night at 8:00. Virtually every type of entertainment appeared on the show; opera singers, rock stars, comedians, ballet dancers, and circus acts were regularly featured.

Related Topics:
American - Television - Variety show - June 20 - 1948 - June 6 - 1971 - Ed Sullivan - CBS - Opera - Rock - Ballet - Circus

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The format was essentially the same as vaudeville, and Sullivan presented many vaudevillians on his show. Vaudevillians in theatres were accustomed to presenting a single, highly polished, unchanging act for decades. A single performance on television reached an audience of millions—but almost eliminated any demand for any repeat performances. Thus, ironically, the Ed Sullivan show (along with other television shows) became a cause of the decline of vaudeville.

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The show was originally entitled Toast of the Town, but was universally referred to as The Ed Sullivan Show for years before 1955, when that became its official name. In its debut, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed along with Broadway composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II previewing the score to South Pacific.

Related Topics:
1955 - Dean Martin - Jerry Lewis - Richard Rodgers - Oscar Hammerstein II - South Pacific

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The show was broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, which is now the home of The Late Show with David Letterman.

Related Topics:
Ed Sullivan Theater - New York City - The Late Show with David Letterman

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