The cancellation of *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour* in 1969 marked a pivotal moment in American television history, highlighting the tension between creative expression and corporate censorship.

This article explores the events leading to the abrupt end of the show, its impact on the television landscape, and its lasting legacy.

Premiering on February 5, 1967, *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour* was initially conceived as a light-hearted variety show.

Tom and Dick Smothers, with their contrasting comedic styles—Tom as the smart brother and Dick as the naive one—quickly gained popularity.

CBS, seeking to compete with NBC’s *Bonanza*, saw the Smothers Brothers as a safe bet.

However, Tom Smothers had other plans; he wanted to infuse the show with social commentary and political satire.

 

As the show progressed, it began to feature politically charged performances and guests like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Jefferson Airplane, who brought anti-war and counterculture messages to a mainstream audience.

This shift resonated particularly with younger viewers, especially college students, who found their voices represented on national television.

 

Despite the show’s rising popularity, tensions between the Smothers brothers and CBS began to escalate.

The network, traditionally cautious about content that could alienate conservative viewers, started to feel the pressure as complaints poured in from local affiliates and parents.

CBS executives were concerned about the split in their audience and feared losing advertisers.

 

As Tom Smothers pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable for television, CBS imposed stricter censorship regulations.

Scripts were required to be submitted for review ten days in advance, and the network began closely monitoring every episode.

Despite these challenges, Tom remained resolute in his commitment to maintain the show’s original message, leading to frequent conflicts with CBS executives.

 

The tipping point came in early April 1969, when comedian David Steinberg was invited back to perform a segment that was particularly controversial.

In a skit that parodied religious figures and mixed political commentary with biblical references, Steinberg’s sermonette took a sharp turn.

He portrayed Moses addressing a modern-day anti-war sentiment, directly challenging the Nixon administration with lines like, “Take your army and go.

I will not help you any longer.”

 

This segment, which aired in front of a studio audience that applauded the message, was deemed unacceptable by CBS.

The network claimed that the episode had violated its production agreement, citing that it had missed its deadline for review.

However, Tom Smothers insisted that the tape had been submitted on time, arguing that the real issue lay with the New York headquarters, where the review process had been unusually delayed.

 

On April 4, 1969, CBS abruptly terminated its contract with *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour*.

The cancellation was executed without a formal press conference or notice to viewers, and the show’s time slot was quickly replaced with *Hee Haw*, a more conventional rural comedy.

The episode containing the controversial Steinberg segment never aired in the United States, although it was broadcast in Canada, where CBS’s censorship did not apply.

 

The fallout from the cancellation was immediate.

The Smothers brothers faced a significant blow to their careers, with many networks shying away from associating with them due to the controversy.

Tom Smothers became increasingly difficult to hire, while Dick Smothers, despite being more cautious, was also viewed through the lens of their controversial partnership.

 

In the ensuing years, the brothers engaged in a legal battle against CBS for breach of contract.

After nearly four years, they won a court ruling in their favor, receiving over $770,000 for the network’s violation of their co-production agreement.

However, this victory did little to restore their television careers or reputation.

 

Despite its short run, *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour* left a profound impact on the television industry.

It became a symbol of the struggle for creative freedom in a medium often constrained by corporate interests.

The show’s approach to mixing comedy with political commentary paved the way for future programs, influencing the likes of *Saturday Night Live* and other late-night comedy shows.

 

As the years passed, the perception of the Smothers brothers and their show evolved.

In 2008, Tom Smothers received an honorary Emmy Award, and both brothers were inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2010.

Their inclusion on Nixon’s enemies list further cemented their status as cultural icons who dared to challenge the status quo.

 

In recent years, the show’s archive has been digitized and made available for research, allowing a new generation to discover the significance of its content.

Clips from the show have resurfaced on platforms like YouTube, sparking renewed interest and appreciation for its boldness.

 

The cancellation of *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour* was not just a loss for the brothers but a critical moment in the history of American television.

It illustrated the ongoing battle between artistic expression and censorship, a struggle that continues to resonate today.

As contemporary comedians draw inspiration from the Smothers brothers’ legacy, their story serves as a reminder of the power of comedy as a tool for social commentary and the importance of standing up for creative freedom.

The echoes of their groundbreaking work continue to inspire new generations of artists, ensuring that the spirit of dissent remains alive in American media.

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