The Red Skelton Show poster

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 19 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 18

Episode 6

John Wayne’s 40th Anniversary or Hominy and True Grits

Episode credits

Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, John Wayne

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 7

The Emergency Case or See Your Doctor Once a Year Even If It Kills You

Episode credits

Guest stars Art Gilmore, Edgar Bergen, Audrey Meadows

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 9

Singing Waiters, Hillbilly Songwriters

Episode credits

Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, George Gobel, Elaine Joyce, Lou Rawls, Peggy Rea, Billy Beck, Bess Flowers

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 12

He Wanted to Be a Square Shooter But He Found That his Barrel was Round

Episode credits

Guest stars Art Gilmore, Agnes Moorehead

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 14

Episode 14

Barbara Bain plays a journalist who is hired by a newspaper to locate and expose the infamous San Fernando Red, operating at a nearby carnival. In "The Silent Spot," Red "helps" his wife prepare for a New Year's eve party and causes nothing but trouble.

Episode credits

Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Barbara Bain, Buddy Lewis

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 18

There’s No Business Like Show Business, But When There’s No Business, Show Business Goes Out of Business Just Like Any Other Business

Episode credits

Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Dorothy Neumann

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 25

Blood Is Thicker Than Water and Harder to Shave With

Episode credits

Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Dorothy Neumann, Frank Wilcox

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 26

He Died with His Boots on Cause He Had Cold Feet to Start or He Died with His Boots Off, That’s Why He Stubbed His Toe

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode 28

Be It Ever So Crumbled, There Is No Place Like Home

Episode credits

Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, George Gobel

Where to watch The Red Skelton Show

Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026

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 Freeloader

Credits

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