The Flip Wilson Show

1970 – 1974
Ended
Comedy
~45m / ep
4 seasons
4.7/10

The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience. Specifically, it was the first successful network variety series starring an African American. During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation's second most watched show. The show consisted of many skits over an hour. It also broke new ground in American television by using a 'Theatre-in-the-Round' stage format, with the audience seated on all sides of a circular performance area. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer. Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist. Wilson popularized such catchphrases as "What you see is what you get", and "The devil made me do it!".

All seasons

Latest: Season 4 · 1973

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E1. Buddy Hackett, Ruth Buzzi, Richard Pryor, William Attmore II
Sep 20, 1973
Flip tells about Leroy the Terrible and gives his guests a long intro. Child musician William Attmore does several routines with Flip. Flip shares a hospital room with Buddy Hackett with Richard as an agent, Ruth the nurse.
E2. The Pointer Sisters, Monty Hall, Sandy Duncan, William Windom
Sep 27, 1973
Flip and the Pointer Sisters reminisce with the siblings singing about the good old days. Monty serves up Let's Make A Deal with Windom as announcer and Geraldine a contestant. The Pointers return for a rousing scat number.
E3. Richard Pryor, Booby Sandler, Ralph Edwards, Nat Purefoy
Oct 4, 1973
Flip tries to impress a lady with outrageous tales but Pryor, as his friend Calvin, starts telling even more outlandish stories. Ralph Edwards hosts a This is Your Life with Flip as Geraldine being the show's focus.
E4. Redd Foxx, Joan Rivers
Oct 11, 1973
Joan Rivers acts as a superstitious gambler who wants Flip's seat at the blackjack table which he's reluctant to give up. Then Flip becomes a street painter trying to make it big with Redd as his subject. Helen sings.
E5. Leonard Nimoy, Tonald Mingo
Oct 18, 1973
E6. Burns & Schreiber, Falumi Prince, Harry Belafonte
Oct 25, 1973
Flip is a street tie salesman and enlists Harry Belafonte to bring in customers. Harry then performs a soulful ballad. Flip becomes Geraldine, going on a Caribbean vacation where she engages with Burns and Schreiber.