The Flip Wilson Show
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!".
Cast: Flip Wilson
27 episodes
- 1. Episode 1Guests stars David Frost, James Brown and The Muppets.CCSep 17, 1970
- 2. Episode 2Guests stars Roy Clark, Bobby Darin, Stanley Myron and Denise NicholasCCSep 24, 1970
- 3. Episode 3Guests stars Lily Tomlin, Redd Foxx, The Tempatations and Roger MillerCCOct 1, 1970
- 4. Episode 4Guests stars Perry Como, Charlie Callas, Denise Nicholas and Lola Falana. Flip becomes his Freddie character, trying to juggle simultaneous dates with Lola Falana and Denise Nicholas. Then he is Geraldine going to psychiatrist Perry Como, which turns into an extended funny sequence.CCOct 8, 1970
- 5. Episode 5Guests stars Raymond Burr, Stanley Myron, The Muppets, Loretta Long and Sunday's Child. Raymond Burr joins host Flip as Colonel Chicken in a comedy bit. Then the muppets join Burr in "The Counting and Alphabet Songs." Loretta Long performs "Happy Talk." Sunday's Child sing "Freedom Blues."CCOct 15, 1970
- 6. Episode 6Guests stars Louis Armstrong, Charlie Callas, Laura Greene, Pat Morita. Flip brings out Louis Armstrong and shows his administration for the great trumpeter. Then Flip is Reverend Leroy telling a gambling experience at the horse track. Flip and Louis close with a medley.CCOct 22, 1970
- 7. Episode 7Guests stars Bill Cosby and Gina Lolabrigida.CCOct 29, 1970
- 8. Episode 8Guests stars Robert Goulet, Lola Falana, Robert Klein and Dean Martin. Dean Martin wanders across the hall to chat with Flip. Robert Goulet and Flip debate whether comedians or singers have more sex appeal. Lola Falana works at an unemployment office trying to find Flip a job.CCNov 6, 1970
- 9. Episode 9Guests stars Moms Mabley, Marcel Marceau, Arte Johnson and Doug Kershaw. Flip and Marcel chat a bit then do a mime competition. Flip as Geraldine is now a beautician, intent on giving Moms Mabley a new look. Arte Johnson is a nervous bandit trying to get $20 from Flip.CCNov 13, 1970
- 10. Episode 10Guests stars Bobby Darin, Charlie Pride and Ella Fitzgerald. Flip is Reverend Leroy preaching against sin when Bobby Darin as the devil gives an opposing viewpoint. Ella Fitzgerald shows off her incredible vocal talents. Flip, Bobby, and Charley perform "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke, (That Cigarette)."CCNov 20, 1970
- 11. Episode 11Guests stars Stevie Wonder, Connie Stevens, John Byner and Johnny Brown. Flip and Johnny Brown parodies Holmes and Watson with Connie Stevens and John Byner. Stevie Wonder accompanies himself on the piano. Johnny does his impressions of Billie Holliday and Louis Armstrong.CCDec 3, 1970
- 12. Episode 12Guests stars Lena Horne and Tony Randall. Flip and Tony Randall are prisoners sharing a cell with Flip annoyed by Tony's fastidious ways. Flip becomes Geraldine as a meter maid trying to give Tony a ticket. Lena Horne interpets The Beatles "Rocky Raccoon."CCDec 10, 1970
- 13. Episode 13Guests stars Sid Caesar, Bobby Darin and B.B. King. Flip welcomes Sid Caesar as a hip saxophonist. Then Sid and Flip are a destitute father and his child in a comedic pantomime. B.B. King is introduced to sing his hit "Sweet Sixteen."CCDec 17, 1970
- 14. Episode 14Guests stars Burl Ives, Slim Gaillard and Sha-Na-Na. Sha-Na-Na opens with a rendition of "Blue Moon." Burl Ives recites Twas the Night Before Christmas while Flip does a silent recreation in the background while wearing footie pajamas.CCDec 24, 1970
- 15. Episode 15Guests stars Bing Crosby, The Supremes and David Steinberg. Flip shops for a lady friend's gift at a store staffed by David Steinberg and The Supremes. Flip and Bing duet a comedic medley of cowboy songs. Flip is Geraldine who's the entertainment at a New Year's party where Bing is the only guest.CCJan 7, 1971
- 16. Episode 16Guests stars Steve Lawrence, Zero Mostel and Roberta Flack. Zero Mostel is a crazed street artist who paints Flip in an interesting fashion. Flip and Steve Lawrence are prospective grooms sharing their experiences. Roberta Flack entertains with one of her hits.CCJan 17, 1971
- 17. Episode 17Guests stars Muhammed Ali, Lily Tomlin and Bobby Darin.CCJan 21, 1971
- 18. Episode 18Guests stars Bill Cosby, Nancy Wilson and Claudine Langet.CCJan 28, 1971
- 19. Episode 19Guests stars Joe Namath, George Carlin and Johnny Mathis. Flip and Johnny Mathis sing about animals while their dogs steal the show. Flip's Geraldine character breaks up Joe Namath as a prospective employee at his gym. George and Flip resurrect their news anchor routine.CCFeb 4, 1971
- 20. Episode 20Guests stars Art Carney and Barbara Feldon.CCFeb 11, 1971
- 21. Episode 21Guests stars Aretha Franklin, David Frostand and Charlie Callas. Flip welcomes guest Aretha Franklin who sings "Someday" and "Mixed-up Girl." The comedy David Frost tries to ferret out a spy as head of espionage. Then the Britisher dreams of being a waiter at Charley's Diner.CCFeb 18, 1971
- 22. Episode 22Guests stars Don Rickles, Leslie Uggams and Ray Charles.CCFeb 25, 1971
- 23. Episode 23Guests stars Diahann Carroll, Tim Conway and Robert Klein. Flip and Tim engage in a high stakes poker game, then Flip as Freddie bartender at a society party attended by Diahann and Robert. Diahann sings "Until It's Time for You to Go."CCMar 4, 1971
- 24. Episode 24Guests stars Lena Horne and George Carlin. Flip sings, then does a Q & A with the audience. Flip and George are hip radio personalities in a sketch. Flip, as Reverend Leroy, visits a nightclub run by Lena Horne engaging in friendly banter.CCMar 11, 1971
- 25. Episode 25Guests stars Lily Tomlin, Hamid Hamilton Camp and Gaylord & Holiday. Flip invites all his guests to do a little dance at the beginning of the show. Lily Tomlin does her Ernestine the operator, taking a call from J. Edgar Hoover. Flip fixes up lonely co-workers Hamilton and Lily.CCMar 18, 1971
- 26. Episode 26Guests stars Tim Conway, Sandy Duncan and Johnny Brown.CCApr 1, 1971
- 27. Episode 27Guests stars Tim Conway, Sandy Duncan and Johnny Brown.CCApr 8, 1971
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The Flip Wilson Show
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!".
Creators and cast
- Cast
- Flip Wilson
- Studio
- Bob Henry Productions Inc., Clerow Productions, NBC
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
