Back when Variety Shows had Summer Replacements

In the 1960's and early 70's, TV Variety Shows were as prevalent as Prime Time Soaps Operas were to become in the 80's, and "Reality" Shows are in the first decade of the 21st Century. It was also common in the 60's to bring in a summer host for a Variety Show, instead of showing reruns all summer as was the tradition with dramas and comedies.

One of the most popular Variety Shows in 1966 (#14 in it's first year) was Dean Martin's, first airing in the Fall of 1965. By the summer of 1966 Dan Rowan and Dick Martin (no relation to Dean) were chosen to host the Dean Martin Summer Show.

The comedy team of "Rowan and Martin", with Rowan as the set-up straight man and Martin as the daft one, did well enough that summer for NBC to develop their own show for them 2 years later: " Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In".

My favorite joke from the Dean Martin Summer Show (I was 10 years old at the time): 

Dan Rowan: "Did you read the papers saying that somewhere in the world, there's a baby born every second?" 

Dick Martin: "Every Second? Wow! We've got to find that woman and stop her!"

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The music genre features stories showcasing musical performances, music-related documentaries and recordings of live concerts and music festivals.

Prince and Apollonia Kotero in Purple Rain (1984)

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

The Dean Martin Summer Show Starring Your Host Vic Damone

NBC Studios - 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, California, USA

Dean Martin in The Dean Martin Show (1965)

Dick Martin and Dan Rowan in The Dean Martin Summer Show (1966)

The Dean Martin Summer Show

Episodes13

Photos1

Top Cast31

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed