I was too young for Ernie Kovacs and wasn't a fan of Carol Burnett then. My al time favorite show was Red Skelton, paws down.

remember Harvey Korman and Tim Conway as dentist and patient...

Well if we go back a little futher how about Jack Benny..1950-1965!!

MacTheWolf (imported) wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:14 am I was too young for Ernie Kovacs and wasn't a fan of Carol Burnett then. My al time favorite show was Red Skelton, paws down.

I put him at number 2, and 'may god bless.'

River

Since TV is not specifically mentioned here, Vaudeville is what started the comedy thing, most of us were not around for this era.

But there is some commendable comedy and variety that evolved from here,

Red skelton did Vaudeville in the '30's...radio in 40's and then TV '51-'71

Also Carol Burnett has roots in Vaudeville..

I think the nostalgia is worth at least an honorable mention into this mix!!

Carol Burnet does strike some great memories for me (watching with my parents while eating popcorn... wonderful times).

However... for really smart humor, fearlessness in risking losing their audience for being too weird/esoteric, for hitting the humor-nail directly on the head many many times and generally being the most varied of comedy skit-troupes, The Kids in the Hall win hands-down for me.

I mean.... just watch this and try not to laugh..:

Modern Day Frech-Canadian Fur-Trappers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zJTNOxV4Qg