Episode 1
For Better or Worse Like George Appleby Got
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Robert Stack, A.G. Vitanza, Eve Arden
TV series
The Red Skelton Show
1951TV-G20 seasons7.4 / 10
The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as well. Although his television series is largely associated with CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
The Red Skelton Show premiered September 30, 1951. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as well. Although his television series is largely associated with CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961.
Season 17 episodes
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Where to watch The Red Skelton Show
Episode 2
The Seven Ages of Man
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Florence Lake, Len Lesser, Doris Singleton
Episode 4
The Spy with the Leaky Mouth
Episode credits
Guest stars Art Gilmore, Harold Gould, Janis Paige
Episode 7
Clothes Make the Bum
Skelton as Freddie the Freeloader is a surprise participant in a fashion show to the exasperation of Emcee Terry-Thomas and Store Detective Nancy Wilson.
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Milton Frome, Buddy Lewis
Episode 8
A New York Stripper Is Not Always a Steak
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, John Forsythe, Michele Lee
Episode 9
Hippie Days Are Here Again
A love-in finds Freddie the Freeloader interacting with hippies. Tim finds a bizarre growth on his head courtesy of Nancy and Red. Jackie overeats at a restaurant.
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Tim Conway, Jackie Coogan, Robert Easton, Buddy Lewis
Episode 12
Red’s Relatives
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Polly Bergen, Pat Carroll, Reta Shaw
Episode 14
He Who Steals My Dump Steals Trash
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, George Gobel, Frankie Valli
Episode 19
Dial M for Moron
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Phyllis Diller, Milton Frome
Episode 21
Love Is an Itch You Can’t Scratch
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Herschel Bernardi, Art Linkletter
Episode 29
The Love Bug’ll Getcha If You Don’t Use DDT
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Jack Jones, Dorothy Neumann
Episode 31
Rings on Her Fingers Also Go Through Your Nose
finale
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Joseph Mell, Nipsey Russell
Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about The Red Skelton Show
Cast
Red SkeltonHost
Herb VigranGuest
Lon Chaney Jr.George
Art GilmoreAnnouncer (voice)
Kathryn CardMaw Kadiddlehopper
Marshall ReedKid Jackson
Maudie PrickettWoman from PTA
Ed WynnColonel Jungle-Rot FreeloaderCredits
- Written by
- Red Skelton, Pat McCormick, Dave O'Brien, John Fenton Murray, Rick Mittleman, Bob Weiskopf, Bob Schiller, Jack Douglas, Mort Greene, Bruce Howard, Ben Freedman
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 672
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
NBCUnited States
CBSUnited States- Van Bernard Productions
CBSUnited States- Sursum Corporation
NBCUnited States
Themes
pantomimesketch comedyvariety show