The Contract Clause That Brought 'The Carol Burnett Show' To Air

The Leonard Lopate Show | Sep 14, 2015

Carol Burnett joined us to talk about her long and storied career, and the unexpected way that her variety show started. There was a peculiar clause in her CBS contract, which stated that if she created a variety show, CBS would have to air it for 30 weeks. But CBS tried to talk her out of it. "It's a man's game. It's not for gals,” she was told by network executives. But she prevailed, and the show ran for 11 seasons.

 

This month, 'The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes' will be released on DVD, featuring episodes from the program’s first five seasons that have gone unseen by the public for more than 40 years. On September 21, Burnett will participate in a one night only concert reading of her autobiographical play, “Hollywood Arms,” at the Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Concert Hall.

Listen to the whole interview to hear Carol talk about how she discovered Vicki Lawrence at a "Miss Fireball" competition, her relationship with Tina Fey and Amy Pohler, and her take on the TV Late Night scene today. 

 

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

From NYCHA to the Garden, the Knicks' Jose Alvarado is living a New Yorker's dream

Perhaps no player sends a clearer message to New York kids that making it to the NBA is achievable.
Gothamist |

A Memoir on Growing up in Gowanus, Before the Whole Foods

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Bill Bradley on Knicks Fever and More

Bill Bradley talks about this year's NBA finals, reflects on his own championship season, and more.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.
On the Media |
YOU ARE ONLINE