The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience. Specifically, it was the first successful network variety series starring an African American. During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation's second most watched show. The show consisted of many skits over an hour. It also broke new ground in American television by using a 'Theatre-in-the-Round' stage format, with the audience seated on all sides of a circular performance area. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer. Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist. Wilson popularized such catchphrases as "What you see is what you get", and "The devil made me do it!".
The Flip Wilson Show (Season 3)
Pearl Bailey, The Muppets, Jack Benny (Episode 1)
Air date: 1972-09-14
The 5th Dimension, Tim Conway (Episode 2)
Air date: 1972-09-21
Melba Moore, Don Knotts, Dan Hicks & Hot Licks (Episode 3)
Air date: 1972-09-28
Burns & Schreiber, Ruth Buzzi, The Supremes (Episode 4)
Air date: 1972-10-05
Stiller & Meara, Bill Russell, Paul McCartney & Wings (video) (Episode 5)
Air date: 1972-10-12
Diana Sands, David Steinberg, The Jackson 5 (Episode 6)
Air date: 1972-10-26
Carol Channing, Ed Asner, Donny Hathaway (Episode 7)
Air date: 1972-11-02
Overview: Flip is a stowaway on a ship with Edward Asner and Carol Channing on board. Miss Channing sings "Calypso Pete." Donny Hathaway performs "For All We Know" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand."
Don Adams, The Staple Singers, Roscoe Lee Brown (Episode 8)
Air date: 1972-11-09
Burt Reynolds, Roberta Flack, Tim Conway (Episode 9)
Air date: 1972-11-16
Joan Rivers, The Temptations, Frank Gorshin (Episode 10)
Air date: 1972-11-23
Overview: Flip's guest Frank Gorshin first impersonates Marlon Brando as The Godfather, then Peter Falk as Columbo. Joan Rivers discusses how terrible it is to be female. Flip becomes Reverend Leroy who speaks about the evils of sin.
Raymond Burr, Dom Deluise, Gladys Knight & The Pips (Episode 11)
Air date: 1972-11-30
Dionne Warwick, Tony Randall, Burns & Schreiber (Episode 12)
Air date: 1972-12-07
Overview: Window washer Flip joins a meeting of big businessmen portrayed by Randall, Burns, and Schreiber. Dionne Warwick sings "Anyone Who Has a Heart." Burns and Schreiber plays a psychiatrist and a patient who thinks he's a balloon.
Johnny Cash, June Carter, Jim Brown (Episode 13)
Writer: Herbert Baker
Air date: 1972-12-14
Overview: Featuring Albert Brooks, Bill Russell, Johnny Cash & June Carter Opening Doze Off Commercial "Any Ole Wind That Blows" Dave & Danny "Ballad Of Moby Dick" Chess "The Loving Gift" National Anthem Square Dance
Tim Conway, Slappy White, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson (Episode 14)
Air date: 1972-12-12
Jim Nabors, James Coco, Barbara McNair (Episode 15)
Air date: 1973-01-04
Roscoe Lee Brown, Andy Griffith, Curtis Mayfield (Episode 16)
Air date: 1973-01-11
Marty Feldman, Taj Mahal, Howard Cosell, Sandy Duncan (Episode 17)
Air date: 1973-01-18
Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Michaels, Ed Sullivan (Episode 18)
Air date: 1973-01-25
Ray Charles, Phyllis Diller, The Committee (Episode 19)
Air date: 1973-02-01
Dom Deluise, Helen Reddy, Diana Sands & Kreskin (Episode 20)
Air date: 1973-02-08
Overview: Flip portrays Geraldine as she works at a supermarket checkout. Diana Sands bring psychic Kreskin with her so she can know what her date really thinks. Dom DeLuise is Diana's bodyguard when she eats at a diner.
Roy Clark, George Carlin, Della Reese (Episode 21)
Air date: 1973-02-15
Ed McMahon, Rich Little, Cicely Tyson, Bill Withers (Episode 22)
Air date: 1973-02-22
Tim Conway, Joe Namath, Papa John Creach (Episode 23)
Air date: 1973-03-01
Don Knotts, Richard Pryor (Episode 24)
Air date: 1973-03-15
Overview: Flip and guests are in a silent movie sketch. Oscar Brown Jr. and wife Jane sing "The Snake," "Dat Dere," and "Afro Blues." Flip and Richard Pryor are producers thought to be planning a murder by eavesdropping waiter Don Knotts.
Buddy Hackett, Ruth Buzzi, Richard Pryor, William Attmore II (Episode 25)
