Ep 1. Episode 1

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In premiered on September 9, 1967, and Episode 1 of the season is a lively introduction to the irreverent, groundbreaking variety show that took America by storm, introducing iconic catchphrases and pop culture references that have remained in the public consciousness to this day.

The episode starts with a fast-cut sequence that sets the tone for the show: over a dozen celebrities and public figures, ranging from President Richard Nixon to Neil Armstrong, deliver the famous catchphrase "Sock it to me!" with exaggerated intonation and goofy facial expressions. The sequence culminates with co-host Dan Rowan and Dick Martin performing a quick comical skit about Dan's inability to remember his own name, which establishes the chemistry and comedic timing that would carry the show through its six-year run.

The show's format is an eclectic mix of sketch comedy, musical performances, and satirical political commentary, with a fast-paced editing style that makes each bit feel energetic and unexpected. Some of the standout segments from the first episode include a recurring bit called "The Cocktail Party," in which celebrities in outrageous costumes deliver one-liners to each other in rapid succession, and "The Fickle Finger of Fate," where Rowan and Martin present a small trophy to a public figure for the most ridiculous or embarrassing news story of the week.

The musical guests for the first episode are Judy Carne, the "Sock it to me" girl who became one of the show's most popular performers, and The Mamas & The Papas, one of the biggest bands of the era. Carne delivers a playful rendition of the song "Do You Believe in Magic," complete with a whimsical set and cartoonish sound effects, while The Mamas & The Papas perform their hit "Creeque Alley" in front of a psychedelic backdrop of swirling colors and patterns.

The show also features several recurring characters and sketches that would become fan favorites, such as Arte Johnson's "Wolfgang," a lecherous German who pops up unexpectedly to leer at pretty women, and Lily Tomlin's "Edith Ann," a precocious five-year-old girl who delivers sardonic commentary on adult topics. These characters are introduced briefly in the first episode, but their popularity would grow over time and they would become integral parts of the show's legacy.

Overall, Episode 1 of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In is a lively, anarchic romp through the pop culture of the late 1960s, featuring a mix of celebrity cameos, comedic skits, and musical performances that captured the spirit of the era's counterculture. With its quick jokes, irreverent attitude, and provocative political commentary, the show represented a bold departure from traditional TV programming and paved the way for future generations of comedians and variety shows.