The Smothers Brothers On Getting Fired By CBS | Letterman

[@stevenjones9364]

I'm saddened by Tommy's passing, but I'm so thankful we had him in our lifetime.

[@DavidTa2]

Got to live through the Smothers Brothers AND David Letterman!! What a life 😊

[@susanmargolis6590]

​@@thesweeples3266b :

[@ArtCarter-fr4qo]

I just learned of his passing from your comment. I googled it because I didn't remember ever hearing about that. How long ago I wondered. Just yesterday.

[@DippyHippie]

I loved them in the 60’s! I didn’t know it yet but I knew there must be much more to the life I was living! They taught me to laugh!!!! Thanks,fellas!

[@DippyHippie]

@@thesweeples3266as a very serious hospice nurse you just CRACKED ME UP!😂😂😂😂👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@privatepenguin3137]

RIP Tommy....real pioneers in comedy and television.

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Thomas Bolyn Smothers lll, you will be missed

[@Trom5464]

Comedy legends

[@diane8937]

I absolutely adore these guys for years!

[@diane8937]

Still do.

[@tammileroux3329]

Thank you for giving me such entertainment in my young days

[@postatility9703]

Tommy's expressions were priceless.We are grateful for all the great moments from one of the greatest comedy teams ever.R.I.P. Tommy.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

42 years ago!!

[@robguttridge6591]

We all got a bonus: Tommy always gave us more than we knew how to ask for. Thank you sir, for everything.

[@Jezza819]

RIP Tommy. The Smothers Brothers did so much to shake things up back in the day. Absolute legends.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

42 years ago!!

[@russell3380]

Thank you Tommy, many loved you and Mom liked you best. RIP.

[@johnscar6754]

I still remember my disappointment and grief when their show was cancelled in 1969. I wrote a letter of protest to CBS but of course never got an answer. These were my teen years and I had the Beatles for my music inspiration and joy and I had the Smothers Brothers for comedy and progressive politics. These things shaped me for my entire life. Loved you Tom Smothers. RIP :-(

[@dmann1115]

I'm sure they got tons of letters protesting! Very true words.

[@adelaidemarie]

I remember too and am Still upset with cbs for this

[@pinkyhandle]

What a lovely tribute

[@bethjeans3780]

Ditto, John.

[@cinza6670]

So grateful to have been raised during the 60’s and witnessing the musical expressions of many artist. Smothers Brothers at the top !

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Oh no! Suspected what this post meant, and saddened that it's so. Tommy's "goofiness" was the perfect foil to his brother's "intellectualism", and together they were comedy and musical gold. RIP Tommy, you brought us so much joy.

[@jeannehall6546]

Rest In Peace Tommy. You and Dickie were pioneers in satire and political commentary on T.V. You even brought in guest stars that most other shows wouldn’t touch! True revolutionaries!

[@IlGattonero13]

Thanks so much for posting this funny, touching, and illuminating clip. These guys were quietly subversive and changed the direction of prime time TV. RIP, Tommy.

[@christophermiller3031]

I feel embarrassed to only be discovering them today in 2023... but yet again... I theorize this may be the simplicity of time travel, AND how to truly live forever. MAKE CONTENT >_< 😅 TBH plz inform me if there is a specific sketch or record? You could recommend? What are they famous for? Born in '86 you may understand my ignorance ? No pressure but this is the only comment I am making asking specifically for guidance. I freaking love the energy of these guys.

[@carlodave9]

I’m not quite old enough to know what on Earth they were doing that got them in trouble, but clearly they had rare integrity to stand up to the network. I’ve only seen The Who performance, which was genuine chaos that would never be tolerated even today.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

Yes, and being quietly subversive has gone out of style, unfortunately. Most now who are subversive are loudly so.

[@crosstiewalker803]

​@@christophermiller3031You don't need to feel "embarrassed" about being born when you were. I was born in 1953, so I wasn't able to understand my Mom and Dad's experiences during the Great Depression, or how my old Dad felt about what he experienced during World War Two. I was born when my old Dad was 39, and my Mom was 36, so I might've been a broken rubber/condom baby, but that's the way it goes. You're the same age as our youngest Son, and our youngest Son probably doesn't know anything about the Smothers Brothers either.

[@MadCow999]

One of the things the Smothers Brothers did was speak out against the war in Vietnam, which was occurring at the time of the show. CBS tried to censor them and in the end fired them.@@christophermiller3031

[@ringbling420]

RIP Tom and thanks Dave for sharing the memory ❤

[@AC3handle]

"Oh i misunderstood you correctly the first time" Holy crud, that's a level of comedy that hasn't been seen in 60 years.

[@albertyracheta8269]

First thank you for standing up for freedom of speech and thank you for all the memories and laughs

[@michaelchalkley5484]

My late Mom and Tommy dated at SJSU. My grandmother took a really cool photo of them at my grandparents home when she was a sorority girl and he a fraternity boy, going out to a social event where he wore a white tuxedo jacket and she a taffeta dress. Ahhh the 1950s.

[@queenjetblack2647]

The Smothers Brothers were a part of my early childhood. R.I.P. Tom!

[@salspataro9389]

Thanks Tommy. For Everything...

[@mrchips4489]

RIP Tommy; he and Dickie were 2 of the best TV comedians. I remember when their show was cancelled; my sisters and I were so upset & waited for years hoping they'd be put back on the air with their own show again.

[@Mrshoujo]

They got a limited run on NBC in the early 1980s and on CBS again around 1988-89.

[@tommarck4296]

Masters intelligent humor Rip Tommy.

[@RagtimeAnnie]

Their show wasn't cancelled - They were FIRED ! (By the "Man")

[@patrickcorliss8878]

These are the only comedians in the world that make me cry with laughter. Love you both. RIP Tommy.

[@rdowning60]

These 2 brothers were so genius in setting up these routines..it truly sounds like 2 brothers bickering And blending it with great harmony and playing ...sad we lost tom... he was the drive in the amazing career of these guys

[@hunter999888]

Real deal legends, thank you Dave and team for this great clip.

[@Sunfried1]

Thanks for being there Tommy. RIP.

[@CWILDESC]

Tommy's ideal impersonation of Johnny Carson was incredible!

[@bradalpert6995]

I love the Smothers Brothers. I often watch their videos for comic relief during these extremely trying times. Thank you for your brilliant and incisive humor. May your memory be a blessing for us all. RIP

[@MadcapShambleton]

Truly a great loss. Thank you Dave & Co. for posting this.

[@Rob_Kates]

Some big names wrote for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (Steve Martin, Rob Reiner, Howard Hesseman and one of Dave's favorites, Bob "Super Dave" Einstein).

[@CrystalShip8899]

I first came across them as a fan of The Doors who performed Touch Me on their show in 1969. R.I.P.Tommy.

[@tallan9698]

I remember them from the 1960's ! God Bless and Rest in Peace Tom.

[@johnprestigiacomo2134]

My gosh, they were absolutely brilliant. RIP Tommy...

[@Tommyr]

RIP Tommy, you guys were always great.

[@wornouttire]

And Tommy was the genius behind the scenes. Playing the dunce with perfection. Setting the example for so many sitcom's.

[@lechatbotte.]

I could watch anything they do a hundred times and it would feel just as fresh funny and amazing as the first time

[@johnwohara]

Thanks for all the great laughs, Tommy. You were the best, and the world will be an even less happy place without you in it.

[@orbison]

R.I.P Tom. I wish I had a chance to see you and your brother the many times you played Las Vegas (The Orleans was practically yours during those years). Your persona of the goofy, clueless brother hid the fact that you were a brilliant mind who, like that other TV legend we lost this year (at 101), used laughter to speak truth.

[@LaLaMeansILoveYou23]

Yes - RIP Norman Lear as well. Two icons of comedy.

[@JDB1184]

I find myself getting teary eyed every time I see something about Tommy . I’m nearly 68 years old ; and I really don’t remember a time when the Smothers Brothers weren’t on television . They helped to make my childhood a little more bearable . 😢😭💔🙏

[@markbirchette8740]

They were awesome and from my childhood to adulthood. I still enjoy seeing and hearing them at 58.

[@tedtamada]

I love the Smothers Brothers. CBS screwed up big time when they fired them. Going to miss you Tom, Tommy Smothers!

[@revvyhevvy]

RIP Tommy Smothers! Is that not 'Super Dave Osborne' aka Bob Einstein!

[@scottlarson1548]

ABC picked up their show the next summer and it got terrible ratings. So it was a smart move by CBS.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I love the Smothers Brothers ... they were on TV in my house when I was small and they remind me of my dad's alternative, counter-culture, "Pogo" style sense of humor. I lost my dad when I was 23 (he was only 43) but the Smothers Brothers, folk music, seeing films of 60s Hootenannies and watching "Get Smart" keeps him in my memory even though he passed in the late 70s.

[@ianman15]

Two great guys! I had the pleasure of meeting them while I was working at a hotel and restaurant in Dayton, Ohio. They were polite and cordial and funny. They were as entertaining off screen as much as on. I got their autographs. RIP Tom Smothers.

[@irena308]

I love the Smother's brothers, grew up with them. And of course I loved Tommy the most. Hope he's making them laugh in heaven 😊❤

[@TheJoerutland]

Thaniks for the laughs, Tom. RIP

[@patrickplummer1027]

RIP Tom, condolences to the family

[@t.b.1596]

So sweet and pure...I loved those days when life was much simpler. Everyone have a very prosperious New Years...and hug your loved ones!!

[@nav662007]

RIP Tommy... loved the Smothers Brothers...

[@sleeve8651]

These guys were decades ahead of their time ! And made the Sensors earn their keep ! I have used their line, " Mom always liked you best ", with my own siblings ! Tommy Smothers R.I.P ❤🥀❤

[@peterddb1593]

Thanks for posting this and helping me smile

[@roberthouser789]

"I was born inarticulate and I used it as a crutch." -Tommy Smothers. I love that man.

[@bieuxyongson]

Ii loved their comedy so much and really appreciated it as I grew older. We seem to overlook how musically talented they were. I still love their brand of folk music.

[@MichaelLasotaMusic]

Would have loved to hear them talk more. It's a relief to hear clear minded thoughts.

[@Emophiliac2]

I've been listening to the Smothers Brothers for over 50 years and saw them 3 or 4 times live - in California, Mississippi, and Colorado. I've got almost all of their albums digitally, so I can listen to them anytime. They also have some DVD sets of their show. Sorry to see Tommy go...

[@spat5502]

I loved their show so much! Rest in Peace, Tommy.

[@tammyepes7031]

We need Tommy Smothers today more than ever. He went to his afterlife never leaving the right side of history.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

We could use Frank Zappa, as well.

[@ArtCarter-fr4qo]

I just randomly got on this video and learned from the comments that Tommy died yesterday. I just remember liking him my whole life from the time I was a little kid. He seemed like an impish little kid in a man's body. Rip Tommy.

[@tvtoms]

RIP Tommy! So great.

[@pamr4040]

Thank you for sharing this clip...I'm sure I watched it when it originally aired, since I was a fan of both them, and Dave. Rest in peace, Tommy, and thanks for the years of smiles you gave us... ❤🎶🎵❤

[@fredloos6998]

They looked like squares but they were anything but...I loved them and so did our entire family.

[@toupac3195]

God bless your amazing soul, Tommy. We will feel your "side eye" looking upon us every decision we make in life.

[@steveheitz]

Watched them growing up in the 60's and 70's. Always entertaining and at the same time made you think. RIP Tommy!

[@happycat3399]

My Dad ❤these guys and never missed a show. The Brothers made him chuckle and frequently laugh out loud 🤣 which was a wonderful sound💕 I never understood the content I was too little, but it made me so happy to hear him laugh!! We ran into them in Napa one time and my Dad kept his cool until we were in the car 😀😀😀 his comment with his trademark twinkle in his eyes, I love those guys!! High praise indeed!! RIP Tommy- say hi to my Dad when you run into him💕

[@Opus313]

Legends meeting legends!

[@denakwilliams5941]

I didn't know Tom had passed until all the "RIP Tom" ❤😢

[@tuckertastictales]

RIP Tommy. I was to young to have seen your show, but I watched reruns of it when I every now and then at my grandfather's.😿

[@Cuffsmaster]

What a great guy - he will be missed.

[@profile2047]

I don’t know them like the rest of pretty much everyone here (I was born in the 80s) but I’ve learned about them through my love of the 60s and really appreciate what they did for entertainment.

[@darrtetzy]

It's getting to the point that if you see an elderly celebrity in a Letterman video on your feed, you just know he's passed away. Thank you for the laughter Tommy.

[@veggigoddess]

Rest in peace, Tom

[@vampyros1]

Ah… Tommy’s expressions just kill me! So funny. I do hope you RIP, big guy.

[@kathyoverton9365]

Tommy always said mom likes you better. Now he's with his mom.

[@MsCoffeecol]

Did I love these guys! I am laughing and crying at the same time. How great were they!

[@danor6812]

I was just a kid when they were on TV. I remember their show and never understood why it ended until now. I remember the variety shows. They always entertained. Comedy, music, different skits. It wasn't just one drawn out thing.

[@JillKnapp]

It's really cool to watch these clips and clearly recognize their influence on comedians, musicians, and writers of today. Tommy was an absolute legend, and I'm so sad their 2023 tour didn't materialize.

[@oldmoviesinbwwithsubtitles3501]

Mom always liked you best... RIP

[@pattyaugustus490]

Rest in peace Tommy I laughed for years watching you all.❤

[@BethCampbell-b9c]

My husband and I were lucky enough to see them in Las Vegas many, many, moons ago! They were incredible! What a loss but at least we have all of these old clips to remind us of their incredible talent.

[@billkarmetsky4003]

What a most amazing comic, musician, writer and the nicest guy anyone could ever meet. The act was utterly brilliant. Who didn't love Tommy Smothers nor the Smothers Brothers?

[@crowhaven200]

We love you both, Tommy.. RIP

[@ClevelandRox24]

R. I. P. Tommy

[@51pogo]

An excellent clip and interview; Letterman asked good leading questions and then let them answer them, and expound on them.

[@terridyke8655]

so many things going on in their seemless and timeless routines , beautiful vocals , and not a single profane word, thanks for the memories, R.I.P. Tommy Smothers

[@Greeley.d]

The Smothers Brothers gave so much to so many people with their comedy. RIP Tommy Smothers.

[@JohnSmith-SdTkt]

Thanks to you both from everyone

[@cherylwells970]

I watched these guys as a young adult. I realize how very talented they really are. RIP sweet Tommie.

[@drew004jc]

you deserve all the credit that SNL gets. RIP

[@terribohn7588]

They were my favorite comedians ever! Their sense of humor just got me!

[@zuzuspetals9281]

So much wisdom in what they’re saying about television and programming which shows why we don’t have quality television anymore.

[@leesweeney8879]

I got to see them in a small show at a casino. Years ago they were still amazing.

[@Mrshoujo]

By this point, their comedy act was very polished. It seems very spontaneous here but they knew exactly what they were doing. By the way- their unaired show was uploaded & preserved on KZbin fairly recently.

[@dee1955]

The absolute best comic duo ever! So effing intelligent humour, talent galore and for all of us that “get it” and everyone else

[@laayers6249]

I remember watching the show with my parents and my brothers. We didn't all agree politically but we all loved those guys. That was the magic of the Smothers Brothers. The sweet humor mellowed the politics. We were all shocked when we learned the show had been cancelled

[@djbone604]

Yo-yo man doing yo-yo tricks for the sky angels. You always left us laughing. Rest easy funny man 🙏

[@sandraandrews9907]

🙏😫🎶🎤🎸🎶🕊

[@KOSMICKEN09]

Rip Tommy 😢

[@robmanj]

Thank you for posting this.

[@DosBear]

It really makes you feel old when you realize you were watching The Smothers Brothers the year they got cancelled. I remember how disappointed I was at the time. I was 8 years old.

[@jeraldbottcher1588]

I was nine

[@tedtamada]

Do yourself a favor and watch any and all clips from The Smothers Brothers clips. My favorite character was Officer Judy.played by the brilliant Bob Einstein.

[@prajnachan333]

They're so great, a big part of our lives. I can still remember how hysterical they were like here, and then with great comedic guests, just perfect. A variety show is just what we need- damn it! Thank you brothers Smothers. 🙏 😂

[@dl7281]

These two comedians met society head on and made us laugh. I was lucky enough to meet Dickie in the ‘80s - quiet and just a nice guy. What a team.

[@musicjeffyoung]

Godspeed Tommy Smothers. Thank you🍻

[@E-d1d3]

That 1:06 4'11", 5' small choir joke went over the audience's heads.

[@jodyjackson5475]

I know!!! I was kinda surprised…

[@tami4951]

I caught that, too. Sad.

[@conradsieber7883]

Their show and their writers fostered creativity and social commentary...

[@thefirstdude]

I watched every week. Fantastic humor!

[@bonn777]

Just read about his passing on NY Post site. A true icon. Did these guys ever get a Kennedy Center honor? R.I.P. funny man.

[@sandraandrews9907]

I don't think that they did. They did get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1989), and they were inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame (2010). Last year, they received the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend Award from the Great American Comedy Festival. RIP Tommy 🙏✝️💔🕊

[@mikewhite4560]

N O.😅 Tonight though...