Besides introducing legendary music acts like The Beatles and Elvis Presley, The Ed Sullivan Show is also remembered for being a launching pad for many great comedians.

If you were a new comedian trying to make a name for yourself in the 1950’s, 1960’s or 1970’s, then going to The Ed Sullivan Show was smart move (if you could get an invite).  Being on the show meant that you were about to become a big star.   Some of the most renowned comedians that appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show during this time included Richard Pryor, Joan Rivers, Flip Wilson, Alan King, Phyllis Diller, Jackie Gleason, Jackie Mason, Bob Hope, Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin and Carol Burnett.

To celebrate these and other legendary comedians, SOFA Entertainment has put together “The Ed Sullivan All Star Comedy Special” to air on PBS throughout the month of August. From standup to slapstick, this program features some of the funniest and most famous comedy routines that appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.  Viewers will also enjoy contemporary comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Lewis, George Lopez and Lisa Lampanelli reflecting on the impact these Ed Sullivan Show performances had on their careers.

Though times have changed, many of these artists who appeared on Ed Sullivan continue to have thriving careers to this day. Whether or not these comedians are still active, thanks to “The Ed Sullivan All Star Comedy Special” they can continue to make us laugh.