Flip (1970–1974)

When I was a kid, my brothers and I never missed Flip Wilson's show. We didn't know it was pioneering. We didn't know Flip Wilson was breaking through barriers. We just knew it was funny funny funny. Flip's catch phrases were frequently quoted in our all-white household. I was surprised on viewing the show all these years later just how brilliant it was, and just how many times I still laughed out loud. The theater in the round was such a fantastic idea, one that no shows dare to try now. This may be the best of all those variety shows from the 70s, per its hilarious (and sometimes even touching) skits, great LIVE (no Pro Tools!) musical performances (Flip was never afraid to sing a duet with anyone, including country music standards) and amazing lineup of guest stars (his friendship with Bobby Darin is oh-so-evident on the show - they adored each other). And this final note: many years later, when Flip Wilson came to our tiny town to do a charity golf event, we were beside ourselves! It was like royalty was coming to town.