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The Ed Sullivan Show 1948

★ 6.8/10 · 23 votes NR ComedyTalk 24 seasons · 1068 eps Ended
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Quick answer

What is The Ed Sullivan Show?

The Ed Sullivan Show was an American television variety series that aired on CBS from June 20, 1948, to June 6, 1971. Hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan, the program featured a wide array of performers including musicians, comedians, dancers, and actors.

Type
TV series
Year
1948
Status
Ended
Episodes
1,068
Runtime
60 minutes
First aired
Jun 20, 1948
Last aired
May 30, 1971
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
CBS
Genres
Comedy, Talk
Updated
Availability by region

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Overview

The Ed Sullivan Show was an American television variety series that aired on CBS from June 20, 1948, to June 6, 1971. Hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan, the program featured a wide array of performers including musicians, comedians, dancers, and actors. Known for its broad appeal and family-friendly content, the show became a staple of Sunday night television. It was eventually replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which lasted only one season before being succeeded by other programming. In 2002, the show was recognized as one of the greatest in television history, ranking fifteenth on TV Guide's list of the 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

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Should you watch it?

“Ed Sullivan hosts a long-running variety program featuring diverse entertainment acts on Sunday nights.”

Reasons to watch
  • historic variety performances
  • iconic television legacy
Keep in mind
  • long-running broadcast format
  • dated production style

Watch it if you enjoy classic American variety television history.

The show consists of standard variety entertainment suitable for general audiences.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 12 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 53 episodes
Season 3 · 52 episodes
Season 4 · 51 episodes
Season 5 · 53 episodes

Frequently asked questions

When did the show air?

The show originally ran on CBS from June 20, 1948, to June 6, 1971.

Who hosted the program?

The show was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan.

What replaced the show?

The program was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie.

How is the show ranked?

In 2002, TV Guide ranked the show as number 15 on its list of the 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

What type of show is it?

It is an American television variety show.