Ep 5. Carol Burnett & the Funny Ladies
- April 9, 2013
Pioneers of Television is a series that delves deep into the lives and careers of some of the most influential people in television history. In season 3, episode 5, the focus is on the incredible women who paved the way for female comedians on television.
The episode entitled "Carol Burnett & the Funny Ladies" is a fascinating look at the rise of female comedians in a male-dominated industry. From the groundbreaking work of Carol Burnett to the innovative humor of Lucille Ball and beyond, the episode showcases the trailblazing women who proved that funny is not a gender.
The episode begins by exploring the early days of Carol Burnett's career, as a struggling performer in New York City. We learn about her partnership with fellow comedian Julie Andrews, and how their work together led to Burnett's eventual breakthrough on The Gary Moore Show.
From there, the episode highlights some of Burnett's most iconic moments on television, including her hilarious skits with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman on The Carol Burnett Show. We see clips from classic sketches like "The Family," "Mrs. Wiggins," and "The Old Folks," all of which are still beloved by fans today.
But the episode isn't just a retrospective of Burnett's work - it also shines a light on the other funny ladies who paved the way for her success. Lucille Ball, for example, is given her due as a true pioneer of television comedy. We learn about her groundbreaking work on I Love Lucy, including her willingness to break down barriers by showing a mixed-race couple on TV.
Other women who are highlighted in the episode include Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and Mary Tyler Moore. Each of these women played an important role in expanding the role of women in comedy, and the episode pays tribute to their contributions with reverence and respect.
Overall, "Carol Burnett & the Funny Ladies" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of television comedy. It's a loving tribute to the women who paved the way for the comedians of today, and a reminder of just how far we've come since the early days of television. Whether you're a fan of Carol Burnett's classic comedy or just curious about the history of women in television, this episode is a true delight.
