Watch The David Steinberg Show

The David Steinberg Show, produced by Proven Entertainment, was a comedy talk show that aired in 1972 on the CBS network. Hosted by Canadian comedian David Steinberg, the show was a hit with audiences for its irreverent humor, edgy sketches, and insightful interviews.

The David Steinberg Show was part of a new wave of television programming that pushed boundaries and challenged traditional norms. From mocking the Establishment to exploring taboo subjects, the show tackled topics that most other programs of its time avoided.

The show had an impressive lineup of guests, including such luminaries as Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, and Muhammad Ali. But it was the chemistry between Steinberg and his regulars, Martin Short and Joe Flaherty, that really made the show unique.

Short and Flaherty were both members of The Second City comedy troupe in Toronto, and they brought that improvisational expertise to the show. They often appeared in sketches with Steinberg, portraying a range of outrageous characters and satirizing everything from politics to pop culture.

One of the most memorable sketches from the show was "The Preacher," in which Steinberg played an over-the-top televangelist who ranted and raved about sinners and salvation. Short and Flaherty played his hapless assistants, who struggled to keep up with his frenetic preaching.

Another fan favorite was "The Uncles," a recurring sketch in which Short and Flaherty played two bumbling relatives who would visit Steinberg and get into all sorts of comedic hijinks. The sketch was characterized by its absurd humor and off-the-wall references, and it showcased the trio's chemistry and improvisational skills.

In addition to sketches, The David Steinberg Show featured interviews with a variety of guests, ranging from entertainers to political figures. Steinberg was known for his insightful and probing questions, and his interviews often revealed a side of his guests that was rarely seen on other talk shows.

Despite its popularity, The David Steinberg Show was not without controversy. Some of its sketches and jokes pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for television, and there were several instances where the show was censored or pulled from the air.

One of the most infamous incidents involved a sketch called "The Committee," in which Steinberg played a hapless member of a group that was tasked with inventing a new catchphrase. The sketch featured several hilarious ideas, including "Ruh-roh!" and "Up your nose with a rubber hose." But it was the final catchphrase, "The Devil made me do it," that caused a stir. Some religious groups felt that the phrase was blasphemous, and the network received a flood of complaints. The sketch was subsequently edited and rerun without the controversial line.

Despite its occasional brushes with censorship, The David Steinberg Show remains a beloved classic of 1970s television. Its mix of irreverent humor, insightful interviews, and absurd sketches made it a groundbreaking program that paved the way for future comedians and talk shows.