I have seen references to a 1972 summer replacement show of Steinberg's that was thought to have been edgy and risk taking for it's time. I am assuming it had very little relation to this program which broadcast on CTV in 1974 and 1975. Not only does this show lack edge, it seems dated for even the 70's. Perhaps CTV
suggested he "tone it down" as he is nowhere near as provocative as he had been on the "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" five years earlier.While comparisons are often made to the Larry Sanders Show, since it is a "behind the scenes" look at a variety show, that is where the similarities end. Most of the mishaps and comic relief seem more of the era of "I Love Lucy" or the "Honeymooners" or if I were to be nice, maybe "Laugh In". In many ways "The Muppet Show" which was similar in format had more going for it as the guests were at least somewhat cutting edge fresh faces on the scene instead of Steinberg's cast of "soon to be has beens" such as Bill Macy, Ruth Buzzi and Robert Vaughn. If you decide to endure this program, be prepared to sit through endless performances of Bill Saluga's "Ya Doesn't Has Ta Call Me Johnson" bit.True this show contains early appearances by Martin Short, John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Dave Thomas and Andrea Martin, but it is clear that it was SCTV responsible to their rise to the top and not this show. I think I'd rather watch some of John Candy's horrible early 70's Canadian produced "comedies".
March 30, 2011
