Smothers Brothers Reunion February 1988

A nice trip down memory lane, thanks to this 1988 CBS special. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a breakout hit for CBS beginning in February of 1967 and continuing until early April of 1969, when the show was abruptly cancelled by the network.
The show was original and quite daring for its time, outspoken on issues of the day like The Vietnam War and marijuana use. That caused some heartburn for the CBS brass, who had given the boys creative control of the show, but began to look for an excuse, any excuse, to ax it. They thought they found it in the supposed failure of the boys to provide the network a copy of the show in time for the CBS censors to "review" the show before air.
Long story short, the Smothers Brothers were fired at the height of their popularity. They sued the network and won a sizeable settlement a couple of years later.
Nevertheless, they were invited back by CBS in February of 1988 for this TV special. It was so special it garnered high ratings, and subsequently the duo was invited back to the network to host a new variety show in 1988 that lasted one season. Though cleverly written and enjoyable, the variety format was old hat to viewers of the '80's, and the show couldn't keep up with new tastes in entertainment.
But if you're a fan of their original series, you'll love this 1988 return to a time when two daring comedians took on the Johnson administration, the Nixon administration, The Vietnam War, and the social norms of the day. This video also includes the network and local commercials presented during its airing.
Enjoy!

[@MuzikChef]

RIP Tommy - You sure made me laugh and I feel lucky that you and Dickie were part of my childhood 😊

[@DoctorDuckie1964]

That's why I'm here too. Got my first Duncan because of Tommy❤

[@nancycurtis488]

You bet…..Tommy and Dickie were the funniest and MADE perfect sense!!!

[@nancycurtis488]

Met Dickie once at Green Valley Raceway……racing but was not making music or being funny…..had his new wife with him wearing her mink coat and walking in the pits looking like a model. I wish Tommy had been with him….I always liked Tommy best! RIP Tommy.

[@lisawells6051]

I feel the same! I always loved these guys and Dick’s voice is very comforting to me. I think I want to show these episodes to my kids and grandkids….

[@mrchips4489]

RIP Tommy; Didn't miss a single episode of their TV show when it aired. Genius act and so funny.

[@katherinehunter9526]

Same here! Feeling torn up about his passing!😢 May The YOYO MAN Rest in Peace and Love forever now! 🕊💞 💫🕯🎶 🧿🙏🏻

[@DebbieZoppina]

Same here. I watched it every week.

[@sealyoness]

I missed so many... Maybe our hometown affiliate refused to subject us to the funniest episodes. If so, they so sucked!

[@MadCow999]

Rob Reiner, Mason Williams, Glenn Campbell, Steve Martin... the people that got their start from The Smothers Brothers Comedy hour is just phenomenal. RIP, Tommy.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Saw them in January of 1992, 100 miles from our home....never laughed so much in my life, and all the way home we laughed. I've seen Steve Martin, David Brenner and even Bob Hope. But the Smothers Brothers were the best. RIP Tommy, I'm so sorry Dick, I know what's like to lose your brother., I lost mine 3 1/2 years ago. Dick you were one of the best straight men ever in the business of comedy duos.

[@llamapajama7840]

Amen to that ♥️

[@MrsRosencranz1]

Sing it. Dick Smothers is the last of the vaudevillians.

[@cc1k435]

They had a brilliant live show in the 90s! ❤😂

[@moonroxxit]

We really need you today. Missing you madly. 🥺😵‍💫

[@waynewells3297]

Usually reunion shows are not nearly as good as the original stuff, but they really rose to the occasion. RIP, Tommy.

[@stephenwilliams9923]

True.............. they hit the home run out of the park !

[@David-yw2lv]

Most of the reunion movies of sitcoms were mediocre at best.This was outstanding.

[@SteveBrant55]

Thank you for this wonderful reunion show. RIP Tom Smothers

[@tonyfanfarone]

These two have an absolutely enviable legacy of comedy and fun.

[@sylviastreet]

This was one of the best shows on tv! Laugh-in was another! Both brought out times of controversy and comedy with the truths!

[@ricksegal3065]

Simply awesome. I remember the original shows as I was in my teens. Scary times. Thanks Tommy and Dick for your support. My Mom always liked you best! ✌️☮️✌️☮️

[@anael55]

Thank you for posting this with the (all but one) original commercials! So much fun. RIP Tom Smothers. The gift of laughter and truth was a potent combination and why the talented Smothers Brothers were so important to so many. xo

[@djm5687]

What commercial was missing?

[@anael55]

@@djm5687 None were missing - one was about the Sandy Hook shooting; otherwise all the rest were original 1988 commercials.

[@nancysmith9425]

WE NEED MORE COMPLETE OLD SHOWS LIKE THIS!!! TREMENDOUS SEEING SUCH EXCELLENT TALENT!!! IT WARMS OUR HEARTS IN THE MIXED UP CENTURY WE ARE LIVING IN TODAY!!! THANK YOU!!!!❤82YR OLDGREATGRANMA NAN. TOE TAPPING DITTIES OF THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS!!! 20YR REUNION YAY!!

[@mariarooney6262]

That commercial about our brains on drugs is coming to roost, Between medical prescriptions and illegal drugs, all same outcomes.

[@mariarooney6262]

Classical gas, wow, does that bring back wonderful, deep, fun memories. The best of times in youth. ❤

[@gdj6298]

The Comedy Hour was aired in the UK - I loved the funny bits, but at the age of eleven, the satire on American politics went over my head. And in the intervening years I forgot just how damn GOOD they were. It's only a few years ago, when I came across the book "Dangerously Funny" by David Bianculli (and no, no sponsorship here), that I realised how important they were and what a saga their career became. RIP Tommy Smothers. Condolences, Dick.

[@keithhyttinen8275]

"Mom always liked you best!!" R.I.P. Tommy. Thanks for trying to do the right thing.

[@bonlevina5621]

Those WERE the days !

[@jamesgordon8867]

When TV was worth watching

[@60474]

Best response of 24. 👍

[@marykellerzacks9110]

Class act that never goes out of style. 💕

[@erikawichman5655]

I remember my parents laughing uproariously to these guys. I enjoyed them not for the content, (I didn’t get most of it but I remember Tommy being my favorite, I loved the way he talked.

[@cherylalt101]

Thanks for sharing this video with us! I clicked on it as soon as I saw it, and when I got here and saw the comments, I realized Tommy had passed. I think I was12 or 13 when they were on and they had a big impact on me. "Mom always liked you best!" So sorry for your loss Dick. Losing Tommy is a loss for us all, but most of all for his family and close friends. We all still love you 🕊💐🕊

[@KathyStorms-k2q]

Like many others, my brother and I grew up listening to you guys. We had the album, The Best of the Smothers Brothers Volumne 2. Never was a Volume 1! We looked. We memorized every bit of it. When the next generations were born, they were introduced to The Smothers Brothers. Now their kids are learning about you guys. It’s our family tradition I guess! Thank you for entertaining our whole family over the years! Rest in peace Tommy and our sincere condolences to Dick.

[@D.E.P.-J.]

I remember how our band director recommended them in the late 60's. Thanks for the memories.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

This was show that made me fall in love with the Smothers Brothers! These guys were just hilarious!!

[@burgzvi]

That was real entertainment. Fantastic.

[@gregorycampbell4542]

RIP Tommy. thanks for the laughs

[@kirkdavis7360]

I remember watching this as a kid in 1967 pat paulson at his best here 😊

[@LarriG1]

So much talent! A moment in time. A very important and significant show. It has passed the test of time, still quick, full of mischief, and honesty.

[@luishumbertovega3900]

That guy was so funny 🤣, their act was from another world, great comedy and great music !!!

[@jessiemoody1920]

They were great to of the best rip tommy they were part of me abd my brothers child hood

[@ckaydw]

Rest In Peace Tom. I never missed yours and Dick show. But I watch you on other shows and I was so happy you guys got your own show. You two were the best. Tom all you had to do was make those faces and I would started laughing. The way you would do your eyes and kinds get stuck in what you were saying. I can say you both just had a God given talent. Thank you both for so many wonderful memories. Dick I ❤loved it when even you couldn’t stop from laughing at Tom. It made it even more special and funny. God Bless and watch over both of your families 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@gregorycoogle7621]

They will never be another great show as this Smothers brothers show on CBS… There was so much love and detail put into this ! Tom we will be missed you! Enjoy and celebrate your life! ❤❤❤ God bless you sir! 😉👍 Thanks for sharing your time with all of us… 😢 I think mother did love you best 👍😮

[@stephenwilliams9923]

I remember watching this show, and going down memory lane in 1988 . Now 35 years later, wow the humor is standing the test of time.

[@katherinehunter9526]

Oh Dear! Wait a minute while I wipe my tears away! Oh Tommy Smothers you " MR. YOYOMAN" were my favorite brother! 💞🙏🏻 I remember the TV nights when our family would pile into the den to watch " The Smothers Brothers Show"!. It was an hour of truly edgy 60'S entertainment. I remember the night your show had been canceled by the station for pushing the envelope. I think it was about your protesting of the War the US was sending boy's to in Vietnam!? We were heartbroken losing your show! But a few years later along came ROWEN MARTIN'S LAUGH IN TV and they BROKE all the TV regulations! So thankfully they Brought you and Dick on as guest's! Thanks for teaching us YOYO TRICKS and to always to "QUESTION AUTHORITIES"! REST in PEACE and LOVE forever TOMMY! I Thank both of you brother for truly touching my heart and soul as a pre-teen and affected my direction in life. 🕊❤💫🕯🎶🧿🙏🏻 Tommy Smothers passed away on December 26 2023! Rest in Peace and Love forever Brother!

[@dougeaton4297]

Ahhh, sweet Jennifer Warnes singing my favorite song of hers and I tear up with the late Glen Campbell and John Hartford singing the songs I fell in love with as a teen.

[@llamapajama7840]

Same here🌹♥️

[@stevewaldschmidt4344]

What great entertainment! Thoughtful and subtle humor the likes of which we haven't seen for decades. So sad to think of Tommy passing away. They were such a part of my life now gone.

[@donh7909]

Thanks for the flashback.. 💋

[@NIGELANGST]

Thank You for the Laughs 😂 RIP Tommy ❤

[@ctheflower7818]

Priceless ♥️🤗♥️ forever in our heart's 👍

[@pauladouglas9891]

What a treat! I can't believe I missed this in '89. The kind of censorship they faced seems so quaint now, I wonder what those old fogies would think about the current roast shows? Probably have a heart attack.

[@BriRog68]

Officer Judy is aging like the finest of wine♥️♥️ Rest In Love beautiful Tommy🙏❤️

[@1mespud]

The Pat Paulsen segment was gold!!

[@mimiknight8977]

I miss the Smother Brothers. They were so entertaining and made me laugh . RIP Tommy❤ Such a mistake to take them off the air. Mimi

[@mimiknight8977]

All we are saying is give peace a chance. ☮️💜

[@denakwilliams5941]

A shout out to Glenn Campbell RIP❤😢

[@mesaeddie]

and Bob Einstein both so talented and missed.

[@TheWerequat]

These guys were a huge inspiration to me. Tommy was incredibly sharp. You have to be a genius to act like you're not. RIP

[@cindykaywebster4643]

That was a funniest show I’ve ever heard. I sure miss them.!!!

[@llamapajama7840]

Oh thankyou so muchYou tube !!!!!! I really only enjoy watching retro television from yesteryear, it makes me feel calm and i smile watching 50s thru 90s programs and movies NOT OF THIS WORLD 🙏♥️🌹

[@lionheartroar3104]

Thank you Tommy..you and Dick are priceless. R.I.P.

[@DeliRevv]

I remember watching this with my family when it aired. My favorite moment was seeing Mason Williams playing his all time classic “Classical Gas”. Rip Tommy

[@teresathayn5170]

I grew up with the Smothers Brothers. Im still laughing myself silly!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@geeeeeee3]

Breaks my heart not being able to watch new shows of them. I was a very young man when they were on air originally. Now those memories are very better sweet know that time will never be again.

[@robinblack3865]

Two thumbs way up for they were the best❤❤

[@barbaracollins385]

RIP Tommy. God welcomes your innocence and humor!

[@leahtreck1083]

Aloha, oh, to feel safe watching T.V. That’s how it used to be back then. Haven’t owned a television since 2000 when things started getting - yuck. This show was beautiful and wholesome and leaves you feeling happy and good inside. Love you Tommy and sincere condolences Dick😢💔✌🏼.

[@gwendolyndebourbon8335]

❤❤😂so much fun and the ads we used to call my son the Noid but it doesn't translate unless you have seen the commercial 🎉see you on the other side Tommy God Bless

[@donh7909]

Part of my life.. Thanks

[@madalynbayse3033]

I never missed an episode. Loved it!!!

[@williamrenaud2742]

I never for second thought I would take Tommy's passing so hard.

[@ChristineMaslow]

Me too😢

[@paulhammons7077]

Thanks for the full experience 😅 😊

[@pauladouglas9891]

The music in the commercials is so dramatic, and the announcers so high energy.

[@karenabrahamson8681]

RIP Tom Smothers. I was able to see you live in Springfield, MA 2013. It was an enjoyable show

[@northridgewood5918]

I vividly remember seeing this when it first aired. It was great to have the brothers together again.

[@papamac630]

Great trip...thanks! I do have to mention that, of all the interviews I've done in my radio career...Pat Paulsen was the worst one...one word answers...very disinterested in being there...maybe he thought he was in character...don't know...but it was bad...still...so many good memories from their shows...thanks again!

[@faithijn8338]

RIP Tommy!❤

[@oliemueller3951]

They were funny and always right on point. So sad Tommy passed away.

[@lyralong]

Memory Eternal ☦️

[@David-yw2lv]

I assume you're also Orthodox.

[@kaymuldoon3575]

Rest in Peace, Tom. Thank you for all the joy you gave us. ❤

[@NetCerpher]

One word “Classic”!

[@victorquintana7913]

Love you Tommy!!!!

[@Amby99]

This is the Smothers brothers I remember. I was 8 when this reunion came on!

[@marketads1]

Thanks for posting. Reminds me how terrible current TV is. You could have this or people running across floating mattresses and falling in the water. I know what I’d choose.

[@terrimanthei1677]

Loved u both

[@lisaevan4236]

I was a little kid. Maybe 4. I probably remember reruns? Thanks Tommy.

[@doltonmurray1625]

Boy if Pat Paulson thought people bitched in 1988, too bad he wasn’t around today to hear the moaning and bitching!

[@NealFry]

I'll Always Love you Little Miss Sunshine

[@Mrshoujo]

I watched & taped some of their 1988 episodes. Very enjoyable.

[@barbarap.8501]

RIP Tommy🙏🙌

[@jonathonsilver6445]

And death shall have no dominion. You are immortal.

[@Uzasback]

Watching the commercials from back then is such a flashback. Bryan Cranston what?

[@cherylreaves253]

And, just think, not a single prescription ad.

[@tomcrown69]

Rip Tommy. I remember seeing you as a thirteen year old at the Harris Hotel. The show was so funny Plus their stick is so right on for today’s environment. It’s so sad we haven’t grown.

[@obiobiwan9268]

If memory serves me correctly, CBS fired them again, for pretty much the same thing. And back in the 60's my mother had 2 of their albums. I've always loved them and especially Tom and I remember the movie Tom was in. Serial.

[@pauladouglas9891]

Loved the L'Oreal commercial with Andie McDowell..

[@katharinebuckman2815]

As great performers know the space in between the words or lyrics are crucial to hitting home

[@ThomasSielaff]

Thanks for posting this. I remember it all!

[@markread7333]

Bonus: Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcom in the Middle) in the CoffeeMate ad at 20:35! 😉

[@kleverich]

Maybe that wasn't CoffeeMate.

[@happybergner9832]

RIP Tommy, you made me laugh so hard, and I will always love yiu.

[@irgski]

RIP Yo-Yo Man!

[@spaceghostohio7989]

Holy crap Super Dave Osborne !! Forgot about this !

[@lesliedavid1244]

They’re still funny.

[@easilydistracted5140]

Smother brothers,greatest show on earth. Damn censor

[@doraguerra21]

Just learned (and saw) that Tommy played guitar on John Lennon's in-bed Give Peace a Chance performance. Apparently Tommy was way cooler in real life than the personna he portrayed on TV. Who'd a thunk?

[@Gaylel1]

If Pat was still with us, I wonder what he would say about DeSantis, Haley, Trump, Christie, and Biden. He would have a lot to say about each of them.

[@cherylreaves253]

And then he’d throw up.

[@IMEMINE.]

Great show… not enough commercials. See ya soon Tommy

[@badad0166]

20:35 Bryan Cranspendentergen! The commercial breaks are the real timestamp. Phone cards and 900 numbers!

[@luckydog-287]

So much talent! Made that comedy out of nothing!

[@TAllyn-qr3io]

So you are showing me that “The Senator” from Casino is actually one of the Smothers Brothers? 🤔🤭🥴 and “Avoid the Noid”. Great commercial and the mad men knocked it out of the park with that commercial.

[@gregandglendapeirce7997]

Loved it! Thank you for posting. Don't know how I missed this when it aired. Was this something you had on VHS and uploaded it to youtube? Always loved the SB's and bought a few of their vinyl albums.

[@sandrafrazier3423]

So hilarious

[@homesoundsgood7211]

Well, if it hadn't come on Sunday night I would have seen more of it. I missed Bonanza and Disney that way too. I probably remember what I do just because I was sick alot and had to be kept home from everything. But it's still pretty funny now.

[@timcross2510]

It breaks my heart remembering that Glenn was already dying from a quart of Vodka a day.

[@michaelpoulsen205]

Was that a young Brian Cranston in the CoffeeMate commercial?

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

Wow , goes right with ehats going on now but on steroids. Theise guys where very observant . Very fun but sad . A epitaph for tv and America.

[@douglaselliott8298]

CBS firing the Smothers Brothers was clearly as political(and nearly as costly and stupid) as FOX firing Tucker Carlson.

[@charlestipton5288]

Running joke between my brother and I " mom liked you best"