More classic game show moments!

Here are some more hysterical moments from game shows, new and old.  Enjoy!

Paul Williams, 70s renaissance man

The other day I was watching the "Donny and Marie" DVD set and thinking to myself: who exemplifies the 70s better than anyone else? Burt is definitely at the top of the list, but does a mustache, Trans Am and the ability to shoot a rapist hillbilly with only a bow and arrow define an entire decade? I don't think so—sorry Burt.

What about Sonny & Cher? They were HUGE, and during the 70s they ruled the school. I'd totally give them the spot but it took Sonny too long to turn politico and Cher didn't start acting until later. Frankly to claim the spot you gotta DI-VER-SI-FY.

Now, raise your hand if you wrote three major hit songs. Paul Williams, I see you have your hand up, which songs did you write? "We've Only Just Begun," "Rainbow Connection" and "Old Fashioned Love Song," you say. And yes Paul, we didn't forget you also wrote the theme from "The Love Boat."

Everyone put your hands down.

Put your hand up if you starred in three cult classic movies. Paul Williams I see your hand is up again.  Which movies were you in? "Planet Of The Apes" as Virgil The Genius Orangutan, "Smokey and the Bandit" as Little Enos Burdette and "Phantom of the Paradise" as Swan, a satanic record producer. Very impressive. Very impressive, indeed.

Okay, hands down.

Kinda pudgy? Stringy hair? Those creepy dark to light glasses? Actor, songwriter and professional television program cameo for 10 years? Staple on "Hollywood Squares"? World's most unlikely celebrity?

Just Paul?

I think we got a winner. Here's to you Mr. Williams, the one and only King of the 1970s.

From your friends at Classic Television Blog, we raise an RC Cola in your direction. Cheers!

Classic television breathes new life on YouTube

In a day and age where online video is hotter than news of Paris Hilton prepping for prison, otherwise forgotten classic television programs are breathing new life on the Web. Times Online reports that YouTube is no longer just a place for one minute movie and TV highlights or home videos filmed by a shoddy webcam. After more than 330,000 people went to YouTube to watch a seven minute clip from the "Sopranos," Hollywood studios and rights management companies have become more motivated to open their content to the masses. However, companies like Sony are taking a "mash-up" approach where classic TV episodes are jumbled and chopped up to give the viewer a faster viewing experience—in threory, one could watch a 20 minute episode in less than nine minutes.

Furthermore, analysts speculate that we're only at the the forefront of the Web TV phenomenon. As devices like the Apple TV adapt to accommodate the YouTube platform, more content is expected to resurface online.

Flashback video friday with Johnny

This week we're bringing you more classic television goodies with hilarious video clips from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."  While reviewing the clips and various episodes, it dawned on us that his show never aged—the jokes are still as fresh as ever, and the moments still real and heartfelt.  It truly stands the test of time.

This first video is an interview of fan favorite Joan Embry with her orangutans.

This second video is an interview of then comedian, now director/producer, Albert Brooks.  Brooks had excellent impersonations, with a twist. 

ClassicTelevionBlog Video... Take One!

Hey all you classic television lovers!  We just wanted to announce our latest installment into the blog, which we know you'll be delighted over.  Why?  Mainly because we already know that you love watching television, and if you're here, well, you obviously love CLASSIC television.

If you've glanced over to the right, you probably noticed that we embedded some classic television footage from YouTube.  Well, that's our Classic Television Channel!  We hope you'll subscribe and check out the clips regularly, as we've obtained clearance from various artists to use footage from their DVD libraries.

So, give the videos a gander and let us know if there's something you've been dying to see and we'll do our best to get it to you ASAP! And now for your viewing pleasure, the always hilarious Dom Irerra!!!

Osmonds Coming Full Circle

We've recently reported that ultra talented Donny Osmond's been busy, with two new game show hosting gigs, The Great American Dream Vote and UK's Pyramid, the release of his 55th album, Love Songs of the 70's (already hitting gold in the UK and set to be released stateside in a month) and now a one night special reunion of the Osmond Brothers (possibly with Marie-not one of the brothers) may be in the works.

Even though Donny may have admitted that "the public can be fickle," and that he's "had [his] ups and downs," he's most certainly on one of his "ups."  We're just glad to be able to enjoy his "ups" and tag along for the ride.  Check out Yahoo TV's article on more info on the reunion.

Pioneer and Beauty, Barbara McNair Passes

Fondly remembered for her work as a singer, actress, and pioneering African American host,  Barbara McNair has passed at the age of 72 due to throat cancer.  Her work as a variety show host made her a pioneer for her heritage and gender.  She worked alongside many of entertainments greatest icons, including Sidney Poitier and Bob Hope during the Vietnam Years.

She continued to perfrom through her sickness, though leaving her mark as a greater person and family women rather than a person of greatness.

"Nut Lady" Passes at 94

Most famous for her appearances on the "Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," Elizabeth "Nut Lady" Tashjian has passed on at the age of 94.  Tashjian famed as founder and preserver of a nut museum in her home, which showcased her artwork and sculptures made from her favorite snack, nuts.

Here are a few more articles detailing her life and works, Boston.com and Newsday.com.

Classic Comedy on DVD

For all you Saturday Night Live fans out there you can now relive the classic comedy memories and see how one of the longest running weekly programs first started in 1975. Just in time for the holidays, the complete first season of SNL hits the shelves on DVD.

Saturday Night Live's complete first season DVD is available for $49.95 at Amazon.com.  What's great is that this DVD isn't just the start of one greatest comedy programs on TV, it also shows the early works of some of the best comedians and performers. If you don't remember, the first SNL cast consisted of Hollywood greats including: Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris.

I don't know about you, but I know what I'm asking for this Christmas.