what's funny on TV?

Funniest moments in TV History

The Desk got into a discussion about what it does see as funny on TV.

First off, it sees nothing funny with the Three's Company sexual innuendo type of humor, it's ok once in a while but not when you build a whole series around it. Nor does it find a constant celebration of ignorance as hilarious as some Network Executives do. The Desk also doesn't find every episode of a particular show funny, and some aren't even mildly amusing. Even shows like M*A*S*H and Cheers ran a dog out once in awhile that elicited more groans than laughs.

OK. Enough of that.

THE MEDIA DESK'S FUNNIEST MOMENTS IN TV HISTORY.

In No Particular Order, doesn't include everything, doesn't go all the way back to Your Show of Shows, includes only regular shows, not sports or news.

STAR TREK the Next Generation: Guest Star Joe Piscopo (from "Saturday Night Live") tries to teach Data (Brent Spiner) what is funny. Also- Worf's (Michael Dorn) guitar commentary in the 'Robin Hood' episode. (stolen from John Belushi's character in Animal House)
The Monty Python Dead Parrot bit. (And the Minstry of Funny Walks and other classic sketches.)
Johnny Carson's Tonight Show had a few truly inspired moments, some of which inspired lawsuits, which were funny as well.
Red Skelton sews his tongue to a sewing machine. And many many more.
One of the early practical joke episodes on M*A*S*H esp. when Frank ends up in a foxhole full of water.
Any of several Carol Burnett's ensemble cast skits with Tim Conway and company. Esp. Gone with the Wind and the rich people's suicide by butler.
WKRP's bombing of a parking lot with live turkeys. Mr Carlson's (Gordon Jump) line still makes people laugh: "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." And the pig painting the lobby setup gag.
Not a show, but a commercial. The Early Budweiser Frog commercials with the two lizards. Also the one in which the frog jumps into the Miss Budweiser unlimited hydroplane raceboat and lands on the 'Engine Start' button.
On the Lucille Ball show when she dresses up as Harpo Marx and the real one walks in. Has to be one of the overall funniest moments in TV History. Also- her vitamin commercial.

[NOTE: if readers will send in a selection of their favorites, we'll compile a list and post it too. Please put Funny TV in the subject line - Thank you ]

"You have mail" A reader writes in with a funny one. And asks for help identifying it!
Funnier TV

selah

Back to the Desk's Humor Page

Main Page

http://themediadesk.com