The Flip Wilson Show

30min

Comedy

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!".

Production Companies

Bob Henry Productions Inc.

Clerow Productions

NBC

Episodes

Cast

Episode 1

1. Episode 1

17th Sep 1970

Guests stars David Frost, James Brown and The Muppets.

Episode 2

2. Episode 2

24th Sep 1970

Guests stars Roy Clark, Bobby Darin, Stanley Myron and Denise Nicholas

Episode 3

3. Episode 3

1st Oct 1970

Guests stars Lily Tomlin, Redd Foxx, The Tempatations and Roger Miller

Episode 4

4. Episode 4

8th Oct 1970

Guests 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.

Episode 5

5. Episode 5

15th Oct 1970

Guests 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."

Episode 6

6. Episode 6

22nd Oct 1970

Guests 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.

Episode 7

7. Episode 7

29th Oct 1970

Guests stars Bill Cosby and Gina Lolabrigida.

Episode 8

8. Episode 8

6th Nov 1970

Guests 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.

Episode 9

9. Episode 9

13th Nov 1970

Guests 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.

Episode 10

10. Episode 10

20th Nov 1970

Guests 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)."

Episode 11

11. Episode 11

3rd Dec 1970

Guests 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.

Episode 12

12. Episode 12

10th Dec 1970

Guests 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."

Episode 13

13. Episode 13

17th Dec 1970

Guests 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."

Episode 14

14. Episode 14

24th Dec 1970

Guests 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.

Episode 15

15. Episode 15

7th Jan 1971

Guests 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.

Episode 16

16. Episode 16

17th Jan 1971

Guests 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.

Episode 17

17. Episode 17

21st Jan 1971

Guests stars Muhammed Ali, Lily Tomlin and Bobby Darin.

Episode 18

18. Episode 18

28th Jan 1971

Guests stars Bill Cosby, Nancy Wilson and Claudine Langet.

Episode 19

19. Episode 19

4th Feb 1971

Guests 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.

Episode 20

20. Episode 20

11th Feb 1971

Guests stars Art Carney and Barbara Feldon.

Episode 21

21. Episode 21

18th Feb 1971

Guests 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.

Episode 22

22. Episode 22

25th Feb 1971

Guests stars Don Rickles, Leslie Uggams and Ray Charles.

Episode 23

23. Episode 23

4th Mar 1971

Guests 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."

Episode 24

24. Episode 24

11th Mar 1971

Guests 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.

Episode 25

25. Episode 25

18th Mar 1971

Guests 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.

Episode 26

26. Episode 26

1st Apr 1971

Guests stars Tim Conway, Sandy Duncan and Johnny Brown.

Episode 27

27. Episode 27

8th Apr 1971

Guests stars Tim Conway, Sandy Duncan and Johnny Brown.

First air date

17th Sep 1970

Last air date

28th Feb 1974

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks