The Richard Pryor Show | Episode 2 | NBC | 1977

Richard Pryor is a Black samurai, a Mississippi prosecutor, the owner of a pet head, an archeologist in Egypt, a come-from man, and a rock-star from Black Death.
Episode aired Sep 27, 1977
The Richard Pryor Show was an American comedy variety show starring and created by Richard Pryor. It premiered on NBC on Tuesday, September 13, 1977.
The best of Richard Pryor is all together for the very first time, available on DVD exclusively through Time Life: timelife.com/products/the-ult...
Official Richard Pryor Website: www.richardpryor.com
Official Ricard Pryor merchandise: www.rockinpins.com/category/r...
#RichardPryor #SketchComedy #RobinWilliams

[@CIWise]

Richard Pryor foreshadowed the Wu, Ghost Dog, Afro Samurai, and Michael Jai-White, predating them by at least 20 years with that Afro-Japanese bushido skit. Genius.

[@2krandolph]

The djembe and dun dun drums that were played here are now very popular. Everybody and their brother has a djembe now. Also, the African dancing foreshadowed break dancing and the popularity of capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art.

[@Sean.thegreat]

@@2krandolph literally was ahead of his time.

[@thewkovacs316]

influenced...

[@mackking8223]

Brought to mind,the Samurai skit Pryor and Belushi did on Saturday night live.

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@thewkovacs316Richard Pryor planted madd seeds, what a creative genius

[@merakimade7440]

RIP Rich, John, Robin.....

[@mrluvit8232]

ancient comedy gold 🥇 r.i.p. richard pryor 🕊🙏🕊 & robin williams 🕊🙏🕊

[@rs-ki1mx]

robin williams crazy uh...the “Oprah’s ass” joke.

[@GreedomWorldwide]

And John Witherspoon

[@mikeparson3195]

Richard Pryor "FOREVER: will be. The BEST. COMEDIAN 😁

[@yolo25000]

John bang bang bang Witherspoon.

[@jones1351]

Rich was 1000 steps ahead.

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

1000 dimensions ahead, back and through! LOL!

[@thosenuts]

People forget he was a big part of nbc they really loved him got em to the movie's

[@simeon2851]

The "Japanese" was impeccable. 😂😂😂😂

[@kylebourne6839]

I remember watching his show on tv as a teenager and being so bummed out when they cancelled it...after FOUR shows! My dad said they cancelled it because white folks were losing their minds, calling and writing to NBC complaining about the content. Which of course was dealing with racism and other social issues of the day...from a completely hysterical but insightful point of view that only Richard Pryor could do at that time. He is the blueprint for ALL comedians today, black or white...Murphy, Rock, Chapelle, Lawrence, Williams and even Kevin Hart all owe their careers to Pryor. There'd be no "Living Color"...etc. if not for the genius of Richard Pryor. They "cancelled" Pryor before that term even came to mean what it means today...talk about political correctness! lol

[@dbethea2744]

You’re absolutely correct

[@karenchamblim5568]

RICHARD WAS NAKED ON THE SHOW ALSO LOL THAT COULD HÀVE BEEN A REASON THE SHOW WAS CANCELED

[@kitten113004]

He revealed who the pyramids were built by and it faded to black and that ended his show...

[@rhondafrazier4228]

So true and sad especially in light of how things are even now decades later.

[@TheCre88tor]

He didn't get cancelled actually. If you saw the uncut stand-up he did with the majority of it being a Mudbone routine, he said he only agreed to do four shows. He already knew NBC wasn't prepared for a show like his, not to mention they already had Sanford & Son and The Flip Wilson Show on the line up

[@UnholyByChoice]

Pryor was always ahead of his time.

[@saundrabrown-um1xs]

I see why Dave Chappelle's show was so great, it's because of Paul Mooney had written for The Richard Pryor Show as well as The Chappelle Show 💜 👏🖤🤎✊

[@bishopkelley8360]

I was waiting for this exact comment, you are absolutely right a lot of people don't know that Paul Mooney was one of the writers, and he did it on the Chappelle show as well👌🏾

[@argosatori]

I thought Neil Brennan wrote for Chappelle show.

[@issykidding]

@@argosatori they were both in the writers room.

[@bishopkelley8360]

@@argosatori He was the main writer.

[@theoriginalmr.j1422]

RIP to the Comedic Talent Mr. Paul Mooney.

[@derriktomorrow]

Damn I just realized how many legends he really had in this show….today a show like this with actors of this caliber would be too expect to produce….💯

[@bishopkelley8360]

It was a lot of people that's younger doesn't realize the magnitude of Legends in this show

[@elliottholmes5529]

I bought my first Richard Pryor album in 72 been a fan ever since. True Talent...

[@Sean.thegreat]

Love how richard always made sure to represent black culture and a good light. He was truly ahead of his time, before chappelle and all the technology these were ideas they just shot and it came out great!

[@lambertdust7670]

Totally agree, and made corporate Billions.

[@eliot7964]

Exactly what I just thought. So ahead of his time.

[@uwsgrrrl9981]

Chapelle couldn’t shine Pryor’s shoes.

[@thanos7110]

Did we just watch the same thing as me😂😂😂 or is your idea of the black culture distorted

[@Sean.thegreat]

@@thanos7110 definitely bet your a white kid who stays inside his mom house, if you missed the point I don't know what to tell u lol

[@stavivanackerson6563]

I truly miss the day's when WE COULD LAUGH AT EACH OTHER WITHOUT SHOTS BEING FIRED!!!!!....

[@rs-ki1mx]

TRUTH we did not fear

[@stavivanackerson6563]

@@rs-ki1mx I always said that Fred Sanford, George Jefferson and Archie Bunker were all 110% correct.....

[@clarencewalker3925]

I miss the days when could laugh without being censored.

[@TheAlphanonanonymous]

Yeah, right! Let's remember that the show only lasted four episodes, because white viewers complained ad nauseum about this program...

[@LettyABC]

Now I’m seeing somethings in this courtroom that Eddie Murphy used in the movie Life.. with him and Martin Lawrence.. This man paved the way for alot of the Greats.. because he wasn’t afraid to step outside of the box 📦. He brought you comedy in ways you could never imagine.. Pure Genius.💯And adding Robin Williams was a plus .. Rip.. to Richard and Robin.. 2 of the greatest of their times. Love ❤❤the collaboration of these icons.. And don’t forget young John Witherspoon who is the defendant on trial. Rip to him as well.. another great 😊

[@aarondigby5054]

Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder Here on Evil See no Evil funny movie

[@smae61]

Just came across this..Robin Williams was a genius 😂😂😂😂2023

[@Mahogany-Man]

"That ain't your son" The Wayans learned from the best.

[@Therealmrsixx]

I was about to comment the same thing!💯 Don't be a menace...

[@user-gi4ri1gs8q]

Oh , that , was , Robin Williams , he , always said Richard Pryor, was , one , of the greatest comedian's of all times. may them both rest in peace. Two of the greatest comedians of all times. November 21 , 2023 there will never ever be a comedian, like , them never in a billion years never.

[@aarondigby5054]

Richard Pryor, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Lilly Tomlin, Dave Cavett all hung out in the Vllage frequenting comedy clubs looking for their big break and they all unanimously said Richard was the greatest

[@bornshamir7792]

Finest Grade Comedy on Earth

[@user-lk8tu8jg7o]

A precious man.

[@Merylstreep1949]

The word association skit on SNL is still funny some 40yrs on

[@NaturalMonty]

1/20/24: Wow I see, Sandra Bernhard, Robin Williams and John Witherspoon. Love Richard Pryor.

[@MIXPRO68]

this was chappelle show before Chappelle show.I remember seeing this when it was on NBC and lmao. I wished he had done more episodes outside of the three he made.there are some serious future famous comedians that Richard had on his show.

[@entertainingblackmanvideos7691]

This show is more entertaining than his how

[@waldolydecker8118]

fugg "Chappelle" clown, lol

[@thewkovacs316]

because of standards and practices, the show couldnt last on network tv

[@entertainingblackmanvideos7691]

@thewkovacs316 It's just a tv show people were in there feelings when they saw this in 1977 lol

[@entertainingblackmanvideos7691]

@timothyrobinson3938 Richard was crazy the show was disgusting but it was entertaining had some good skits he had a weird behavior about him, people like Eddie Murphy would be able to handle his own show without it being canceled money comes before pride, Richard was offered millions to have his own show

[@lordlawrence3299]

I remember the first time seeing the Egypt skit where Richard rediscovers the Book of Life, they did him dirty 😂😂

[@mpr8356]

Rich had decent swordsmanship

[@thouston0]

Outstanding!!

[@user-dd8yq2ld7x]

I'm looking forward to the Egyptian stuff

[@jahempress26]

This is still funny 😂

[@tylilgriggs281]

Pure funny is timeless

[@shaunmc013]

Martin totally got his shoes from him lol 😂

[@raineterno8370]

Before there was Afro Samuri there was Richard Pryor killing it. A legend that paved the road for greats like Eddie Murphy & Dave Chapelle.🎬😆😎

[@ThePrinceOfTheTalkbox]

Many unknow comedians in there.. they should thank GOD for Pryor

[@lorimcbrayer8431]

I remember Richard Pryor playing 3 characters in 1977 Which Way is Up?. Eddie Murphy did the same in Coming to America and Tyler Perry in his movies

[@GregBoyd-qg3il]

The OJays

[@janicewarren1521]

Black Samuri 😅

[@joshuaklein2859]

Chris Farley in this would be awesome

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

@8:32 They started off Don't Be A Menace with that gag, didn't they?

[@davidperreaux1348]

Extraordinary harmonica solo.

[@jamesjackson320]

Dragon fly jones

[@pseudonayme7717]

Damn, the choreography and incredible synchronicity of that afro musical number was fire! Would love to know who produced that bit.

[@dwaynetaylor8963]

Way ahead of the game...

[@LettyABC]

That group you see in front of you in those suits is the O Jays.. with lead singer Eddie Levert. He had a son name Gerald Levert that was a famous singer as well that passed away in November of 2006 . My mom went to school and sat next to Eddie throughout high school. 😇

[@JJX-pp8zh]

JUST COOLIN

[@DannyTanner-jl8ns]

Now How Am I Supposed To Enjoy My Food With All This Noise?! Three Hound Dogs On The Corner Hollowing! I Ain't Coming Back Here No More To Eat Again! LMFAO

[@rs-ki1mx]

thank all of u 4 discussing THE RICHARD PRYOR SHOW luvd by the teens, black & white. ok. 4 episodes may have been in the can, BUT only 2 episodes were broadcast in Philly. teens were pissed! let’s review: the mofos aired the 1st & 2nd episodes.., then in Philly tv, they reran episodes 1 & 2!! this was due to their experience that Pryor & Paul Mooney do what they do regardless & forever. so by new math, in Philly, 4 episodes = 2 new & 2 episodes 1 more again Philly teens, of all races, knew Pryor & Mooney blew all tv spots, because cmon yll RERUNS ONLY AIRED DURING SUMMERTIME then when we were out of school. remember how the media minimally addressed this phenomena that never happened b4 PRYOR on fn tv lol We witnessed this greatness in our awesome lives!! BigUP PRYOR & MOONEY

[@jeffreyboswell8808]

Richard Pryor good actor stand up comic Era the network wouldn't let Richard Pryor be his self rest in peace Jeff Boswell from Youngstown Ohio lives in Houston texas

[@daniellaboriel6100]

Splendid and beautiful actor 🥰☮️✊

[@indriadrayton1132]

AFRO SAMURAI!!!!!

[@thebutterflygarden1138]

I watched this as a kid. So funny.

[@MegaAli213]

The Dave Shapelle before there was a Dave Shapelle. You can see where he got his material from.

[@andrewYashua7490]

You mean Chappelle not to be an asshole you just didn't know.

[@JanetM05]

One of the greatest… rest brother Richard rest🩸♥️🙏🏾😇😇

[@wharfrat74]

Phil Hartman behind R. Williams in Africa market sketch? Is that John Witherspoon as defendant also? What a great up and coming cast. Great stuff, thanx for sharing!

[@uptop7454]

This is a master piece

[@myultrasound7619]

Wow did I just see the Chappell Show, Afro Samurai, Saturday Night Live., In Living Color, Prince and KISS all before they were conceived? This man was truly a genius.

[@Morrissey_04]

❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂 funny show love it great actors

[@billserratore]

hard to believe that this was so controversial that NBC Canceled it!

[@stephenscuba6284]

I'm sure a large amount of the population just loved it 😅

[@everettseay8505]

We all used to say NBC meant No Blacks or Coloreds! In the 60s and 70s! This show was a evolving enlightened change!

[@billybarnett2846]

It seems tame now. Back then people were pretty much sheltered. The 70s opened a flood gate on what could be seen or heard.

[@tamikofox-lunn3591]

The further back in time you go it can be said that the more racist and less tolerant society was to POC, sadly it looks like the country is making a U-Turn. Today whenever you hear the term "woke" it is code for black.@@everettseay8505

[@oscarfairley6600]

​@everettseay8505 Flip Wilson show was on NBC , years before this.

[@godfrey7944]

GREATNESS❤

[@Hapshetsut28]

This inspired Eddie Murphy to bring Coming to America to the big screen.

[@thanos7110]

It sure did, and thank goodness it did. That was one of my favorite movies growing up.

[@Blueman2018]

Don’t put your “foot” back here agian lol 😊

[@ocean457]

Once upon a time when Japanese characters were portrayed by actual Japanese cast. Cutting edge production.

[@christianceazer]

This is Fye !

[@TheCre88tor]

8:28 - this was a predecessor to what Kim Wayans played on Don't Be a Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood 😂😂😂😂

[@blubama]

Also the "Head Detective" from In Living Color

[@maundamartin59]

That song at the ROCKS.

[@JamesSmith-ov5um]

Richard knew black people were the original people, I’m surprised NBC let him do that

[@blaq7892]

As a kid i had know idea the impact of this show . As a man I get why it was canceled our comedy based in truth is threatening and uncomfortable for some folk back then. Also Sandra Bernhard 🔥 🍑

[@thanos7110]

School failed alot of yall. It's spelled no. (Not know.)

[@blaq7892]

@@thanos7110 thank you . Your genius is obvious.

[@rs-ki1mx]

the streets of America was cool with PRYOR & MOONEY, but network tv was & is still retarded slow.

[@alisablount4651]

KZbin is Killin it❤

[@dimebagdave77]

Manythnx

[@BuyingScratchoffsFTW]

6:00 😂 they all broke

[@Prettybirdpink]

❤❤❤

[@shotarokaneda7525]

"One day theyll be wanting to play baseball"

[@tdirtyatl]

42:07 The P-Funk and Kiss imagery if obvious but I wonder if this was an allusion to the Black punk rock band from Detroit called Death?

[@thewkovacs316]

the head is roger rabbit

[@echoecho3108]

Charles Fleischer was also a former Sweathog from Welcome Back, Kotter.

[@craigprice1598]

​, Yes sir!!

[@ThePrinceOfTheTalkbox]

12:53 what the hell. .was you doing with her .. teen boy? lol... lawd she was a mess

[@kylaarmstrong-benjamin8066]

6:45 he was so young!

[@cymonehicks2386]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

ROTFLMBBBBBAAAAAAOOOOO!!!!!

[@vincentestinson896]

It looks like Richard Pryor either had some training, or he had some very expert choreographers for that fighting

[@andrewYashua7490]

He probably watched a lot of kung fu movies and just freestyled 😂😂

[@vincentestinson896]

@@andrewYashua7490 NO would say the former rather than the latter he may have watched some SAMURAI movies remember samurai JAPANESE GUNG FU is Chinese. I digress what you may be accurate what i state may be as well.

[@andrewYashua7490]

@@vincentestinson896 I've seen swordsmen in kung fu movies that used the samurai styles. They introduced a lot of different fighting styles in kung fu is all the same they just have different types in different cultures. And kung fu movies were huge in black communitys back then. Me and my friends used to imitate their stuff and it looked real lol.

[@err0r99]

Who does that funky musical interlude?

[@sittingonafrootloop3940]

The O'Jays

[@err0r99]

@@sittingonafrootloop3940 ya I figured it out eventually haha. Tnx!

[@kerrymarris4260]

I thinks the court room skit the second one in this video Funny shit, in real life I'm sure it was the woman 50 % of the time. Who can resist.??

[@torainheartnet468]

That's Afro Samurai the 1st...

[@Enoch369]

Blackness 👊🏾

[@lyndonclarke4693]

When katt williams said steve harvey was a disrespectful SOB for saying his show was the original kings of comedy now you isee where he coming from ..he wasnt lying was he

[@thomass.crowder890]

You can pick up charges of any kind of.

[@teddynyandega6553]

Is that tony rock

[@argosatori]

Peep 3:55 that's Sandra Bernhard!

[@argosatori]

And Edie McClurg-couldn't think of her name before.

[@cymonehicks2386]

💎💎💎💎💎

[@WilliePeoples-hd4ez]

Haaaaah haaah!

[@richardbelisle4807]

Thank god as flawed as my parents were I was raised around black culture

[@sharinaross1865]

11:11

[@maundamartin59]

Look at WITHERSPOON.

[@davidreynolds4684]

At 21:46 the video loses audio til 24:01.

[@OfficialRichardPryor]

Yea we had to cut the copyrighted audio

[@davidreynolds4684]

@@OfficialRichardPryor ok. I thought my ass had gone deaf again. Skeert the hell out of me.

[@Morrissey_04]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cymonehicks2386]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@kinglimmualproductions9928]

🔥💜🔥💯🙏🏾💚🪶⬆️

[@Goji-eletienne]

One wonders, if behind closed doors, whether defense attorney's are found guilty of such "getting their client off" and if THAT might be why they make so little effort to do so...??? 🤔😏

[@DeCoach32]

The movie LIFE origins…..

[@ThePrinceOfTheTalkbox]

2023 2024 noone TV show would do this... folks dont want this to be seen .. but its Happening

[@sharinaross1865]

Lol. @ morally depraved

[@rolandmorrison8224]

Neeganese

[@simonbellmont]

I will it your chicken

[@charlesboles9307]

The content on the black man coming from above ; is lost to black people because of religion .