TRhett lbliss314 - I just read a short interview with Carol Burnett in which she discussed the unbelievable amount of work that went into this legendary show, and the utter impossibility of doing something like this on a weekly basis today. The cast of 6-ish, the full orchestra (Nelson Riddle, if I'm not mistaken), the 50 fabulous costumes per week (by, of course, Bob Mackie), the 6 - 8 sketches/numbers per week that had to be written, rehearsed, set to music, and performed live - WITH guest stars . . . it just went on and on and on. The bottom line: No, this could NOT be pulled off today - it would be prohibitively expensive, and require a small army of people. But boy, I'm so glad we had this time together. This came along during my childhood, so I had to beg to stay up late, too. When I was a child, I spent most Saturday nights with my grandparents, and I was trying to remember that fantastic Saturday night lineup. I remember Mary Tyler Moore throwing that beret in the air (of course, back then I had no idea the HUGE cultural shift that represented); I remember Bob Newhart walking past the "Picasso horse" in Chicago to work; and I remember Carol, but I couldn't put it all together. I knew this would be the place to come. You're right . . . CBS on Saturday Night was "Must See TV" WAY before NBC thought of it. I always wondered why Carol was never able to reignite that spark . . . it seemed like her "light" was dimmed before its time. I think the loss of Harvey Korman, together with Carol's personal "issues" (I seem to remember big trouble with her daughter, husband, AND parents . . . remember the "National Enquirer" debacle?) sent her into retirement way before her time. Like several others here said, I really wish they would collect the FULL show on DVD, not just edited-for-syndication snippets. But what a ride it was for 11 years . . . of course, everyone remembers "Went With the Wind" and "Mildred Fierce" (I can't even watch the original movies, because I think of Carol Burnett the entire time), "Missus Awhiggins" . . . and my personal favorite, "Mama and Eunice," which was just brilliant at times (esp. with guest stars like Ken Berry, Betty White, and Jim Neighbors). I remember an episode of Mama and Eunice where Eunice tried out for (and was cut from) a "reality TV" show, and it was as moving as anything "serious" on TV. This show worked on so many levels, it truly deserves the moniker "LEGENDARY."

hfan77 The Carol Burnett Show (whose initials are the same as the network it aired on) was a very funny variety show that was so successful thanks to Carol Burnett and her supporting cast of Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman and Lyle Waggoner. When Tim Conway became a regular, the show became more hilarious. Guest stars also were a part of the festivities each week, including Jim Nabors, who was the show's first guest, and continued in the same role at the start of each season. Of all the sketches that aired, my all-time favorite was "Went With the Wind." I saw it on a retrospective and it was still extremely funny, especially the outfits used. What also made the show's successful was the way Carol interacted with the studio audience, treating them as a participant by taking questions in the opening segment. She also showed her versatility in playing different roles, including the washerwoman who closed down the show at season's end. If you haven't bought the DVD'S or seen the reruns under the title "Carol Burnett and Friends", it's highly recommended to see Carol and company in action as well as to see the sketches that spawned the sitcom "Mama's Family." You'll be glad you had that time together.

sallydes I agree. Carol Burnett was one of a kind. I personally like her the best of all the comedians I have ever seen. I don't understand why they keep replaying "I love Lucy", and not "The Carol Burnett Show". There's no contest Carol is best hands down! There was one episode with Tim Conway I really liked. He was at a pulpit, and after each sentence he said, "cause it don't matter". I laughed so hard. I wish I could see it again. The only other comedian (impressionist) that made me laugh so hard,is the up and coming, Gordy Brown, but I still love Carol. I don't however like the show stopper DVD's, because they don't show the whole skits. Neither does the Carol Burnett reunion tape. I hope they bring the shows out on DVD, so I can purchase them. I really want to see the original shows before "Carol Burnett & Friends". The one's with just Carol, Vickie, Harvey, and Lyle. When Tim joined I think the show lost something, as he wouldn't stick to his lines, and it became very unprofessional with them cracking up, and messing up their lines, but I still want to see them again, especially the one with Tim at the pulpit. He was alone, so he played it straight!

elijahbailey The Carol Burnett Show was the last great stand of the variety show format and what a stand it was! One of the best comedy talent line-ups ever to grace a sound stage, enhanced by wardrobe genius Bob Mackie's fabulous costuming, gave the country a weekly joy ride.One of the funniest moments in the history of American television came during the show's send up of Margaret Mitchell's epic Civil War story retitled "Went With The Wind." The moment that "Miss Starlett" (Burnett in the Vivien Leigh role) appears at the top of the staircase in the green velvet dress made from curtains, complete with rods, ranks as one of television's most exuberantly hilarious sight gags. And one of the longest sustained laughs. This sketch alone fully justifies the Carol Burnett Show being remembered as one of the most entertaining comedy programs ever. And there were so MANY other skits as well!