A variety show is a show with a variety of acts, often including music and comedy skits. Variety shows are arguably developed from the vaudeville musical comedy which flourished in North America from the 1880s through the 1920s.
The format really took off with the advent of television. Shows featuring Milton Berle, Bob Hope and Dean Martin helped to make the Golden Age Of Television successful.
But one man did help to define the variety show format for all time: Ed Sullivan. From 1948 to 1971, his show was one of CBS's most popular series'. Using his no-nonsense approach, he allowed every known act possible from every known medium to get their "fifteen minutes of fame." Sullivan was also partially responsible for bringing Elvis Presley and The Beatles to U.S. prominence.
It reached its peak during the period of the 1960s and 1970s. With a turn of the television dial you would have seen shows featuring Andy Williams, Julie Andrews, Sonny and Cher, Carol Burnett, Flip Wilson, Lawrence Welk, Glen Campbell, Donny & Marie and The Muppets.
But when Dolly Parton's 1980s variety show on ABC was canceled after a short run, it was clear that the variety show format had almost come crashing down due to changing times and viewing habits—especially with the rise of music video channels such as MTV and VH1.
Only one true show of that kind still remains: NBC's Saturday Night Live, which made its debut in 1975 and is still airing today, with its combination of comedy sketches and musical performances.
In 2004, however, ABC's The Nick and Jessica Variety Hour attempted to revive the prime-time variety hour for today's generation. The first show was a ratings success, and it was followed by Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas in early December of that year.
