About this season
The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience. Specifically, it was the first successful network variety series starring an African American. During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation's second most watched show. The show consisted of many skits over an hour. It also broke new ground in American television by using a 'Theatre-in-the-Round' stage format, with the audience seated on all sides of a circular performance area. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer. Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist. Wilson popularized such catchphrases as "What you see is what you get", and "The devil made me do it!".
Episodes (25)
1. Pearl Bailey, The Muppets, Jack Benny
Aired 14 September 1972
2. The 5th Dimension, Tim Conway
Aired 21 September 1972
3. Melba Moore, Don Knotts, Dan Hicks & Hot Licks
Aired 28 September 1972
4. Burns & Schreiber, Ruth Buzzi, The Supremes
Aired 5 October 1972
5. Stiller & Meara, Bill Russell, Paul McCartney & Wings (video)
Aired 12 October 1972
6. Diana Sands, David Steinberg, The Jackson 5
Aired 26 October 1972
7. Carol Channing, Ed Asner, Donny Hathaway
Aired 2 November 1972
Flip is a stowaway on a ship with Edward Asner and Carol Channing on board. Miss Channing sings "Calypso Pete." Donny Hathaway performs "For All We Know" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand."
8. Don Adams, The Staple Singers, Roscoe Lee Brown
Aired 9 November 1972
9. Burt Reynolds, Roberta Flack, Tim Conway
Aired 16 November 1972
10. Joan Rivers, The Temptations, Frank Gorshin
Aired 23 November 1972
Flip's guest Frank Gorshin first impersonates Marlon Brando as The Godfather, then Peter Falk as Columbo. Joan Rivers discusses how terrible it is to be female. Flip becomes Reverend Leroy who speaks about the evils of sin.
11. Raymond Burr, Dom Deluise, Gladys Knight & The Pips
Aired 30 November 1972
12. Dionne Warwick, Tony Randall, Burns & Schreiber
Aired 7 December 1972
Window washer Flip joins a meeting of big businessmen portrayed by Randall, Burns, and Schreiber. Dionne Warwick sings "Anyone Who Has a Heart." Burns and Schreiber plays a psychiatrist and a patient who thinks he's a balloon.
13. Johnny Cash, June Carter, Jim Brown
Aired 14 December 1972
Featuring Albert Brooks, Bill Russell, Johnny Cash & June Carter Opening Doze Off Commercial "Any Ole Wind That Blows" Dave & Danny "Ballad Of Moby Dick" Chess "The Loving Gift" National Anthem Square Dance
14. Tim Conway, Slappy White, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson
Aired 12 December 1972
15. Jim Nabors, James Coco, Barbara McNair
Aired 4 January 1973
16. Roscoe Lee Brown, Andy Griffith, Curtis Mayfield
Aired 11 January 1973
17. Marty Feldman, Taj Mahal, Howard Cosell, Sandy Duncan
Aired 18 January 1973
18. Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Michaels, Ed Sullivan
Aired 25 January 1973
19. Ray Charles, Phyllis Diller, The Committee
Aired 1 February 1973
20. Dom Deluise, Helen Reddy, Diana Sands & Kreskin
Aired 8 February 1973
Flip portrays Geraldine as she works at a supermarket checkout. Diana Sands bring psychic Kreskin with her so she can know what her date really thinks. Dom DeLuise is Diana's bodyguard when she eats at a diner.
21. Roy Clark, George Carlin, Della Reese
Aired 15 February 1973
22. Ed McMahon, Rich Little, Cicely Tyson, Bill Withers
Aired 22 February 1973
23. Tim Conway, Joe Namath, Papa John Creach
Aired 1 March 1973
24. Don Knotts, Richard Pryor
Aired 15 March 1973
Flip and guests are in a silent movie sketch. Oscar Brown Jr. and wife Jane sing "The Snake," "Dat Dere," and "Afro Blues." Flip and Richard Pryor are producers thought to be planning a murder by eavesdropping waiter Don Knotts.