Watch Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate

Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate is a 2019 American television special that offers a nostalgic look-back on one of America's most popular and culturally impactful television shows - "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." The show was a sketch comedy masterpiece that was known for its iconic laugh track, silly jokes, and political satire. It aired back in the late 1960s and early 1970s and garnered massive popularity and critical acclaim worldwide. Now, almost 50 years after its initial broadcast, the producers of the original show reunite to celebrate it with a star-studded tribute that is hard not to love.

The special show features some of the biggest names in comedy, including Lily Tomlin, Ruth Buzzi, Jo Anne Worley, and Tiffany Haddish. They appear alongside other beloved comedians, including Neil Patrick Harris, Jay Leno, Rita Moreno, and more. The special also features a lot of iconic clips and highlights from the original show, and the stars of the present-day pay homage to the rich legacy it left behind.

The show has a very distinct narrative structure, with the stars taking turns in reliving the many unforgettable moments that came from "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." Each of the comedians performs or revisits some of the classic sketches from the show, ranging from the joke wall to the flying fickle finger of fate award. The show also includes many of the sketches that highlighted social and political issues of the day, such as sexism, racism, the war in Vietnam, and the political landscape of the United States.

The star-studded tribute is a true celebration of the show's impact on the world of comedy, and its influence on the generations that followed. Those who watched the original show as it aired will likely be immediately overcome with nostalgia as they relive some of the most exciting moments of the show. More importantly, those who are discovering the show for the first time will have a chance to see just how significant this groundbreaking comedy iteration is and how it helped shape the genre of sketch comedy for decades to come.

Despite the fact that this tribute special pays tribute to a show that aired almost a half-century ago, its approach is fresh and modern. The proceedings are hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, who seamlessly blends his comedic talent with some standup comedy from today's brightest comedic minds. The show is not just a trip down memory lane but carefully updates the content to reflect the current moment without detracting from the original show's spirit.

Lily Tomlin, Ruth Buzzi, and Jo Anne Worley, all mainstay characters from the original show, leave us in splits in traditional Laugh-In-style with their brand of comedy, which is refreshing even today. And it is admirable to watch Tiffany Haddish and the other present-day comedians not only perform the traditional sketches but put their spin on it, making it relevant to today's audience.

In addition, the show gives us an understanding of how "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" changed the course of television and had a significant impact on pop culture. Without "Laugh-In," some of the most iconic comedic moments would not have been possible, including "Saturday Night Live," which launched its first episode in 1975 and followed in the footsteps of "Laugh-In's" success.

The set design for the show is also something to appreciate. The show's ambitious set design mirrors that from the original show, bringing back to life the signature and iconic look of Laugh-In. The kaleidoscopic set has colorful swirling patterns, and there are flowers, trees, and people popping in and out, firmly establishing that the stars themselves are mere caricatures, puppeteers controlled by the show or brought to life by the iconic, quirky rainbow colors.

In conclusion, Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate is a wonderful and hilarious tribute special that showcases the phenomenal impact that a comedy show can have on society. It is a reminder of the power of laughter, and it celebrates the groundbreaking comedic minds who dared to challenge the status quo and take risks in the name of humor. The special is thoroughly entertaining and a treat for generations old and new. Above all, it demonstrates the impact of comedy and how it can bring people, whether in the past or present, together.

Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.