The Red Skelton Show is an American
variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to
Gunsmoke (1955–1975) and third to
The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971) in the
ratings during that time. The host of the show,
Richard Bernard "Red" Skelton, who had previously been a
radio star, had appeared in several
motion pictures as well. Although his
television series is largely associated with
CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on
NBC. During its run, the program received three
Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961. In 1959 Skelton also received a
Golden Globe for Best TV Show.