The Flip Wilson Show

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!".

Loading countdown...

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

The Flip Wilson Show

First Air Date

September 17, 1970

Last Air Date

February 28, 1974

Seasons

4

Episodes

96

Language

English

Networks

NBC

S04E18

Don Adams, Redd Foxx, Mac Davis

Don Adams depicts a compulsive gambler who asks Flip to hold $2,000 for him and not return it no matter how much he begs. Redd does his stand up then Flip joins him for a Q&A with the audience.

View Episodes