June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Guests: Billy Williams, Julie Wilson, Gene Kelly, Dick Contino, Lou Holtz. 

9th anniversary live broadcast from Long Island's Jones Beach Marine Theater.

Highlights:

"I'm Gonna Sit Right Down"..............................Billy Williams 

Cole Porter Medley- "You've Got That Thing," 
"You Do Something to Me."............................ Julie Wilson

Gene Kelly and Ed Sullivan discuss dancers as athletes and invites Ed to be his dancing partner, lifting him off the floor.

Dick Contino sings, "My Blue Heaven and "Granada" on his accordian. 

Comedian Lou Holtz does a stand-up. 
                                           

From 1972-1986, Merv Griffin's fourth talk show version. It proved to be his most successful effort, lasting fourteen years. The final broadcast was aired September 5, 1986.

Guests: Roy Clark, Ed Bluestone, Evel Knievel, and Dick Contino.

Roy Clark sings: "Fire In The Rain."