Watch The Comedy Shop

The Comedy Shop was a hilarious and riotous show that premiered in 1978 and ran until 1983. It featured three master comedians at the top of their game, Norm Crosby, Rip Taylor, and Henny Youngman. The DMGI production was a half-hour comedy show that aired on Saturdays at 10:00pm on NBC.

Each episode of The Comedy Shop showcased the unique and sharp humor of the three comedians. They took turns performing their stand-up routines, filling the stage with laughter and energy. The three comics had completely different styles of comedy, but their chemistry on stage was electric.

Norm Crosby was known for his malapropisms and wordplay. His humor was a bit surreal, and he would often twist words and phrases in unexpected ways, leaving the audience in stitches. Rip Taylor was a madcap funnyman who ruled the stage with his flamboyant style and colorful outfits. He amused the audiences with his comedic acts and props, which included confetti and wigs. Henny Youngman, on the other hand, was more of a traditional stand-up comic, delivering a barrage of one-liners one after the other. He was famous for his rapid-fire delivery of jokes, and he ended each show with his signature line, “Take my wife, please!”

The Comedy Shop was hosted by Charlie O'Donnell, who introduced each comedian and provided a little background on their careers. The show also had a live studio audience, and the laughter from the crowd added to the lively atmosphere. The set was relatively simple but decorated with a few props that perfectly suited the comedy acts.

One of the unique features of The Comedy Shop was its inclusion of guest comedians. Occasionally, other comic legends and up-and-coming comedians would join the show to perform their routines, adding to the variety of the show.

The show was not without controversy, however. In one episode, Norm Crosby made a joke about the then-president Jimmy Carter, which was not well-received by the audience. As a result, the show faced criticism, and some viewers boycotted it.

Despite the backlash, The Comedy Shop continued to entertain audiences, and the three comedians became beloved fixtures on the show. Their on-stage banter and chemistry were infectious, and their humor was enjoyed by millions of viewers across America.

As time went on, the show's ratings declined, and in 1983, it came to an end. Nevertheless, The Comedy Shop remains a timeless classic, and its stars have continued to be staples in the entertainment industry over the years. The show provided a platform for the three comedians to showcase their talents and made them household names.

In conclusion, The Comedy Shop was an extraordinary show that showcased the best of comedy talent in a half-hour show. It was a perfect blend of humor, wit, and entertainment that kept the audience engaged and laughing through each episode. Its legacy remains alive today, inspiring a new generation of comedians to follow in the footsteps of Crosby, Taylor, and Youngman.

The Comedy Shop is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (76 episodes). The series first aired on September 8, 1978.