On Sunday, November 27, witf has a great lineup of comedy specials that will take you on a trip down memory lane, laughing all the way.

Starting at 3 p.m. is Laugh-in. Before Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show or The Colbert Report, there was Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in, one of the most revolutionary television shows of all time. From 1968 until 1973, Laugh-in frequently was seen by 50 million viewers, capturing the zeitgeist of the era with its anarchic energy and pop aesthetic. Combining the blackout comedy of the vaudeville tradition with a 1960s-style “happening,” psychedelic costumes, graphics, graffiti, outrageous characters, and a new political awareness, Laugh-in became one of the most popular shows in history. THE BEST OF LAUGH-IN is a delightful tribute to the comedy-variety program, which not only transformed television but became an important training ground for an entire generation of young writers and comic talent.

Then at 4 p.m., we'll air The Ed Sullivan Comedy Special. For 23 years, "The Ed Sullivan Show" featured America's premiere comedy legends performing their acts for millions of Americans every week. This special from the Sullivan archives brings back the original stars that defined the history of comedy, in their prime doing their original acts. The talent line-up includes classic bits from Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Flip Wilson, Joan Rivers, Alan King, Jack Paar, Jackie Gleason, Victor Borge and many more.

Rounding out the lineup at 6:30 p.m. is Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy. When I Love Lucy debuted October 15, 1951, the show became an instant sensation, defining the situation comedy format, driving thousands of viewers to television for the first time, and turning its unlikely star, Lucille Ball, into a legend. The humble road to that success began under the watchful eyes of studio heads like Samuel Goldwyn and Louis B. Mayer. Ball underwent many metamorphoses (and hair colors) while honing her skill for comedy, eventually making her a reliable – if not bankable – movie star. But it was the small screen and her ability to “make ’em laugh” that turned her into an influential icon who still reverberates in the entertainment industry today. American Masters explores the incredible life of Lucille Ball – the first female television superstar and first female head of a major studio – in Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy.

witf is airing these shows as part of our TV pledge drive. Contributing to witf helps everyone in your community benefit from award-winning news, programs and articles that open us up to exciting new ideas and worlds. Donate online now!