The Ernie Kovacs Show

Starring: Ernie Kovacs, Edie Adams, Jolene Brand, Boris Karloff, Bill Wendell
First Aired: April 1953
Number of Seasons: 1
Estimated Production Cost: $15 per week (for props)*

The Ernie Kovacs show starred not only Ernie Kovacs, but also Boris Karloff, Bill Wendell, Jolene Brand and Edie Adams. This show is part of an elite group of shows that were broadcast on all four U.S. networks during TV’s golden age. It appeared in various formats in several time slots. The show was in the format of a late-night talk show, combined with Saturday Night Live. This show was insanely popular; people even sent in homemade props! Reportedly, the prop budget was a lowly $15 a week as a consequence.

The Ernie Kovacs Show

Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In

Starring: Dan Rowan, Ruth Buzzi, Dick Martin, Arte Johnson, Goldie Hawn
First Aired: September 9, 1967
Number of Seasons: 6
Estimated Production Cost: $100,000 per episode* This show came about during a volatile period, and provided some much-needed comic relief. The idea of a ‘Laugh-In’ was to spoof a sit-in or die-in, a couple of forms of protest during the Vietnam era. It featured comedy bits, recurring sketches and pre-taped segments. Starring Dick Martin and Dan Rowan, it pumped out 140 episodes across six seasons. Each show ran for between 45-48 minutes and had a very recognizable theme tune.

Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In