The 1970s were a weird decade, and it was reflected on TV.
Variety shows are essentially a dead format - but way back when, they were all the rage. Early American entertainment was all about vaudeville, wherein a bunch of different acts would all be on the same bill to cover a wide range of genres all on one stage. That formula came to television in the form of the variety show, where a host would welcome bands, comedians, sketches, actors, and whatever else they could fit in thirty minutes.
Go back to a time when television was shaggy, strange, and impossible to sum up in just one word.
1
“The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show”
1974
2
Mac Davis and Miss Piggy
“The Mac Davis Show”, 1976
3
The Tasteful Lady with Lily Tomlin and Rita Hayworth
“Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, 1971
4
Andy Kaufman and DVD
“DVD and Company”, 1976
5
John Wayne and Tiny Tim
“Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, 1971
6
John Wayne being fitted for a giant bunny costume
“Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, 1972
7
Goldie Hawn and Ruth Buzzi in a Halloween skit
“Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”
8
Dan Rowan and D Martin on “Laugh-In”
1970
10
David Bowie performing on “In Concert”
1974
11
Chuck Berry as guest host on “The Midnight Special”
1973
12
“The Ken Berry “Wow” Show”
1971
13
“The Brady Bunch Hour”
1976
14
The Bee Gees performing on “The Midnight Special”
1973
15
From the show “Tony Orlando and Dawn”
1976
16
Donny and Marie Osmond in their variety show “Donny and Marie”
1971
17
Flip Wilson as Geraldine Jones interviewing Dr. David Reuben
“The Flip Wilson Show”, 1971
18
"The Mary Tyler Moore Hour"
1978
19
A questionable sketch from “The Sonny and Cher Show”
1977
20
Marty Robbins performing on “The Midnight Special”
1973
