Watch Celebrity Bowling

Celebrity Bowling was a television show that ran from 1971 to 1977, featuring celebrity guests competing in a game of bowling. The show was produced by PRO and hosted by Jack Klugman, who was also a celebrity contestant himself. The show garnered a large audience and was one of the most popular game shows of the 1970s.

The format of Celebrity Bowling was simple but effective. Each week, two teams of celebrity bowlers competed against each other in a ten-frame match. The teams were usually made up of three celebrities each, although sometimes there were two or four members. These celebrities came from a variety of different fields, including television, film, sports, and music.

Before the show, the celebrities were given a brief training session to acclimate to the bowling alley and to get some pointers from the professionals. Each team was then introduced to the audience, and the bowling began. Throughout the show, the audience was able to see the scores of both teams on a large scoreboard on the set, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the match.

While the show was primarily focused on the bowling, there were also some entertaining features that made it a hit with audiences. For example, fans were able to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities in a more natural setting, as they chatted and joked around between frames. Klugman was also an engaging host, keeping the energy level high and providing commentary and humor throughout the show.

The show's popularity among viewers can be attributed to its ability to capture the public's fascination with celebrity culture. The show featured a wide variety of A-listers, from Hollywood royalty like Lucille Ball and Bob Hope, to musical legends like Johnny Cash and Tina Turner. Other notable guests included sports stars like Muhammad Ali and Arthur Ashe, and comedians like Don Rickles and George Carlin.

Another factor in the show's success was its accessibility. Bowling was a popular activity for people of all ages and backgrounds in the 1970s, and Celebrity Bowling tapped into that interest in a fun and entertaining way. The format of the show was simple enough that anyone could understand it, but the addition of celebrity guests added an exciting element that kept audiences tuning in week after week.

Overall, Celebrity Bowling was a beloved game show that captured the hearts of audiences across America. Its combination of celebrity guests, straightforward format, and engaging host made it a winner among viewers of all ages. While the show may have ended its run in 1977, its legacy lives on, as it remains a beloved part of television history.

Celebrity Bowling is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (113 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 1971.