TV series
The Red Skelton Show
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 7 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 8
Bolivar the Repairman
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Lola Albright
Episode 14
Appleby and the Ape
Episode credits
Guest stars Art Gilmore, Lon Chaney Jr.
Episode 17
Bolivar's Beauty Salon
Impressed with Bolivar's hair-styling talents, his girlfriend and her mother decide to set him up in business. But business goes badly for Bolivar's beauty salon until movie star Valerie Venton visits. Valerie is so pleased with his work that she takes Bolivar back to Hollywood to open a shop.
Episode credits
Guest stars Nancy Walker, Hope Emerson
Episode 19
Appleby's Garage
George Appleby, a bumbling but well-meaning garage owner, as he becomes involved in capturing a killer
Episode credits
Directed by Seymour BernsGuest stars Jackie Coogan
Episode 22
Appleby and the Ape II
Episode credits
Guest stars Art Gilmore, Cedric Hardwicke
Episode 23
Cauliflower's Hamburger Stand
Episode credits
Written by Red SkeltonGuest stars Art Gilmore, Marshall Reed, Ben Welden
Episode 28
The Kadiddlehopper Mural or Clem the Artist
Clem Kadiddlehopper paints what he considers a masterpiece, and wants to exhibit it in New York.
Where to watch The Red Skelton ShowEpisode 31
Friends of Red Skelton Variety Show
Episode credits
Guest stars Art Gilmore, Milton Berle, James Arness, Sidney Miller, Donald O'Connor, Vincent Price, Jimmie Rodgers, Jo Stafford
Episode 35
Bolivar and the Lost Patrol
Three U.S. Navy men have been marooned on a small South Pacific island since World War II and don't know whether or not the war is over. On the other side of the island is a group of Japanese soldiers that is in the same predicament. Eventually, the two confused groups meet.
Episode credits
Guest stars Art Gilmore, Lon Chaney Jr., Sam Flint, George O'Hanlon
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