Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

[Refugee 7]

Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour is a documentary that explores the history of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and real story of how and why CBS had it cancelled.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour started in 1967 as a traditional yet hip variety show starring the clean cut, all American comedy duo, Tom and Dick Smothers. Reflecting the turbulence of the times, it soon evolved in to one of the first political comedies on television -- using satirical humor and irreverent digs about key issues of the day, including: organized religion, the presidency, racism, the Vietnam War and more.

The show became so controversial, that CBS ultimately cancelled it despite its popularity after only three years.

The film includes interviews and performances with Tom and Dick Smothers, Rob Reiner, Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez and more.

Released January 2003

Total Running Time: 92 minutes

Saw this tonight on my local PBS station, KCET. Great show! If you get the chance to watch it, do so.

[Echosoftom 3]

They've been running this show a few times on our local PBS station. I've seen it a couple of times. It's so funny to see the type of things they were censoring back then. Thanks for posting this Ref. It is a great show.

[WildflowerNJ 136]

I have been meaning to watch this, too. Thanks for posting this, Linda...

[agirl 0]

I loved the Smothers Brothers! I'll have to watch for this. Thanks for the heads up, Ref.

[angelic_22 0]

I had no idea.... I guess I was too young to pick up on that at the time, but I remember the show and always wondered where it went.

I would like to see this documentary - I wonder if its on Netflix?

[edit: yes it is]