Watch Pat Paulsen's Half A Comedy Hour

Pat Paulsen's Half A Comedy Hour was an American television show that aired in 1970. The show was produced by MPI and was hosted by Pat Paulsen, a renowned American comedian known for his deadpan humor and his prominent appearances on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

The show featured a series of sketches, skits, and monologues that were all intended to elicit laughter from the audience. The themes of the show were varied, and Paulsen covered a wide range of topics including politics, relationships, and current events.

Each episode of the show began with Paulsen's trademark deadpan delivery of the opening monologue, which was usually a humorous take on current events or politics. Following the opening monologue, the show moved into a series of pre-taped sketches that were pre-filmed and edited.

Throughout the sketches, Paulsen was accompanied by a cast of recurring characters who added to the comedic element of the show. These characters included Pat's wife, played by actress June Whitley Taylor, and various political figures, including Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey.

One notable sketch from the show featured Paulsen interviewing a variety of different people on the topic of sex. The sketch was a parody of the popular TV show, The David Susskind Show, and featured Paulsen asking his guests a series of often inappropriate questions while maintaining his usual deadpan delivery.

Another memorable sketch from the show saw Paulsen playing a game of "telephone" where a phrase was whispered from one person to the next, each time becoming more garbled until it was completely unintelligible. This surrealist comic bit was typical of the show's style, which often relied on subverting the audience's expectations and taking anti-establishment positions.

In addition to sketches, the show also featured some musical numbers, with Paulsen often singing satirical songs that poked fun at popular songs of the time. These musical numbers were often accompanied by humorous stage performances or visual gags that added to the comedy of the show.

Throughout its relatively short run, Pat Paulsen's Half A Comedy Hour garnered a dedicated fan base and became a cult classic. While the show's humor and irreverence were not always appreciated by mainstream audiences, it remains a fascinating and entertaining window into the cultural and political landscape of 1970s America.

Pat Paulsen was a polished comedian whose well-timed delivery and sardonic style gave him a devoted following. The show was an intelligent and witty take on contemporary events, and showcased Paulsen's skill at skewering anyone in power, on any side of the political divide.

In conclusion, Pat Paulsen's Half A Comedy Hour was a ground-breaking television show that showcased Paulsen's raw talent for comedy and satire. The show's unique style and irreverence made it a favorite among discerning audiences, and its enduring legacy is a testament to the skill and creativity of its creators.

Pat Paulsen's Half A Comedy Hour is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between January 22, 2013 and on MPI