Ep 8. The Best Of Richard Pryor (6/9/83)

The Johnny Carson Show was a popular talk show hosted by legendary talk show host Johnny Carson. The show ran for over 30 seasons and was known for its celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances. Season 11 episode 8 of the show is titled "The Best Of Richard Pryor" and originally aired on June 9th, 1983.

Richard Pryor was a comedian and actor known for his groundbreaking style of comedy that tackled controversial subjects such as race and politics. He was a frequent guest on The Johnny Carson Show and this episode showcases some of his best moments on the show.

The episode begins with Johnny Carson introducing Richard Pryor to the audience, who greets him with thunderous applause. Pryor takes the stage and launches into a stand-up comedy routine that leaves the audience in stitches. His jokes cover a wide range of topics, from his childhood to his experiences as a black man in America.

Throughout the episode, Pryor sits down with Carson for interviews and plays various characters in comedy sketches. One sketch features Pryor as a preacher delivering a fiery sermon, while another sees him playing a hapless employee at a fast food restaurant. In each segment, Pryor's comedic timing and ability to improvise are on full display.

One of the highlights of the episode is a clip from a previous appearance on the show, where Pryor tells a story about a trip he took to Africa. The story is both hilarious and poignant, with Pryor using his humor to shine a light on the racism and inequality that he witnessed during his travels.

In addition to Pryor's appearances, the episode also features musical performances from The Pointer Sisters and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. The Pointer Sisters deliver an energetic rendition of their hit song "I'm So Excited," while Marsalis wows the audience with a virtuosic trumpet solo.

"The Best Of Richard Pryor" is a must-watch episode for fans of comedy and of Pryor in particular. It showcases the comedian's immense talent and his ability to make audiences laugh while also tackling serious issues. And even for those who may not be familiar with Pryor's work, the episode offers a glimpse into the world of one of the greatest comedians of all time.