The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 4 Episode 23 Bob Newhart

The Carol Burnett Show was a beloved variety series that ran from 1967-1978, featuring a comedic ensemble led by the eponymous Carol Burnett. For season 4 episode 23, the show featured guest star Bob Newhart, a famous comedian and actor who had his own successful variety show at the time.

The episode began with a musical number, as was customary for the series, with Carol and the other regulars performing a song and dance routine. Bob Newhart then appeared on stage, drawing thunderous applause from the audience. He and Carol engaged in some playful banter, with Bob joking that he was there to "fill in for the regular guy" (presumably referring to Burnett's co-star Harvey Korman). The two stars then launched into a sketch featuring Bob as a hapless insurance salesman, trying to sell Carol on a policy for her expensive jewelry. The sketch was filled with Newhart's signature deadpan humor and Carol's manic energy, and the two had great chemistry together.

In between sketches, the show featured some standout musical performances. One featured singer-dancer Gwen Verdon, who was a Broadway legend and had won four Tony Awards at that point in her career. She dazzled the audience with a lively, high-energy number that had the crowd clapping and cheering along. Another musical act featured the harmonizing group The Lettermen, who sang a selection of pop hits from the time, including "Going Out of My Head" and "Hurt So Bad." The group's smooth, polished sound earned them a standing ovation.

The show also featured a recurring sketch in which Carol played a little girl named Charwoman, who flew around with a broomstick and sang chatty songs about everyday life. In this episode, Charwoman sang a tune about "the birds and the bees," with a decidedly humorous take on the subject matter. The segment was both playful and cheeky, with Carol hitting all the right notes of innocent-yet-knowing humor.

In another memorable sketch, Carol and Bob played a neurotic married couple, bickering over the most mundane issues (such as who was going to take out the garbage). Newhart's dry wit and understated delivery meshed perfectly with Burnett's over-the-top energy, and the two created a hilarious caricature of a dysfunctional marriage. The sketch was filled with rapid-fire dialogue and clever quips, showcasing both performers' impeccable comedic timing.

The episode's closing segment featured a musical send-off, with Carol and the rest of the cast performing a medley of popular songs from the era. The stage was filled with colorful costumes, lively choreography, and infectious enthusiasm, as the show bid farewell to its viewers for another week.

Overall, season 4 episode 23 of The Carol Burnett Show was a delightful showcase of top-notch comedy and entertainment. With Bob Newhart as the special guest, the episode was filled with clever sketches, memorable musical performances, and more than a few laughs. The chemistry between Carol and Bob was undeniable, making for a memorable collaboration that fans of both comedians will surely relish.