The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 10 Episode 10 Family Show

The Carol Burnett Show was a popular comedy variety series that aired from 1967 to 1978. It was known for its inventive skits, talented cast, and guest appearances from notable celebrities. Season 10, episode 10, entitled "Family Show," aired on December 15, 1976.

The episode opens with the classic opening sequence, featuring Carol Burnett performing her signature ear tug while the theme song plays. The first sketch features Carol playing a mother who is interrupted by her children while she's trying to read a book. She attempts to get them to sit down and behave, but chaos ensues as they run amok around the house. The sketch is a typical satire of suburban family life, with Carol's exaggerated facial expressions and physical comedy drawing laughs from the audience.

Next up is a spoof of the TV show "Family Feud," with two families competing against each other for a cash prize. The contestants include a stereotypical redneck family and an upper-crust, snobbish family. As the game progresses, the insults fly and tensions rise, leading to a hilarious and unexpected conclusion. This sketch is a classic example of the show's ability to make fun of societal norms and stereotypes while also providing genuine laughter.

The third sketch is a parody of the then-popular melodrama "Rich Man, Poor Man." Carol plays a wealthy heiress who falls in love with a poor stable boy played by guest star David Birney. The two engage in over-the-top declarations of love, but the sketch takes a surprising turn when it's revealed that Birney's character is actually the secret heir to a fortune. This sketch showcases the show's ability to take familiar tropes and turn them on their head, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

Following this is a musical skit featuring Burnett and regulars Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway. They perform a medley of songs related to family, including "Nobody's Sweetheart Now" and "We're a Family." The trio's chemistry and comedic timing is on full display during this skit, which features them singing and dancing energetically.

The fifth sketch involves a family reunion at a house where the patriarch has recently passed away. The family members bicker and argue over the will, creating an increasingly absurd situation. Ultimately, it's revealed that the entire scenario was a setup orchestrated by the deceased family member, leading to a bizarre and hilarious conclusion. This sketch is another example of the show's ability to take mundane situations and turn them into something truly memorable.

The final sketch of the night is a musical number featuring Burnett, Lawrence, and guest star John Davidson. They perform a song called "Everything Old is New Again," which celebrates the cyclical nature of pop culture and how trends from the past always seem to come back around. The skit serves as a fun and light-hearted way to end the episode on a high note.

Overall, "Family Show" is a classic example of what made the Carol Burnett Show so beloved during its run. It features a solid mix of comedy, satire, and musical numbers, all performed by a talented cast of comedic actors. Whether you're a fan of classic television or just looking for a good laugh, "Family Show" is definitely worth checking out.