April 17, 1967 - December 26, 1969.
THE JOEY BISHOP SHOW was one of several attempts by ABC (previously Les Crane tried and failed to attain ratings) to establish a strong late-night talk show. Bishop held the record (177) substitute hosting appearances for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, and had been quite successful. It was hoped Joey could lure away some of Carson's audience. Similar to Jack Paar, in 1960, Bishop surprised his audience on the night of November 26, 1969, and walked off the show while taping his opening monologue. The Joey Bishop late-night program lasted for one
more month using guest hosts before it left the air. During three phone conversations I had with Bishop, in the early 2000s, he confirmed to me that almost ALL of his late-night shows had been erased by ABC.
On the day of the death of assassinated New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Governor Ronald Raegan is interviewed by Joey Bishop via phone related to the assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.
First question from Bishop to Raegan is how do we abolish guns from indiscriminate use by those who can purchase guns so easily in our country?
Ronald Raegan, governor of California, describes his feelings related to the assassination of Kennedy and why it occurred. He states that there should be no collective guilt by Americans. Moral standards seem to be changing in our country. America must return to principles where individuals are responsible for their actions and not society. Raegan describes his conservative approach to government. He feels that all candidates today running for president are targets for assassination.
Reagan states that he not in favor of restricting gun control but addressing the law to be less lenient with criminals who use guns and break the law. There should be swift and certain justice for such individuals. We should review the USA permissive attitudes in the courts.
Raegan also addresses Joey's question: "How does the rest of the world look at this tragedy?"
Commercials include:
Kennel Ration Dog Burgers, Gold Bond Stamps, Lee's Hair Pieces for Men, and an ABC TV plug for viewers to watch "Divorce Court," "General Hospital," and "Dark Shadows."