For decades, television has walked a fine line between entertainment and controversy. But few shows in history dared to push boundaries quite like The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. At first glance, it appeared to be just another musical-comedy variety show. But behind the laughter and witty songs, there was an undercurrent of something far more daring. One particular moment would change everything—not only for the Smothers Brothers themselves but for the entire landscape of television. What happened in that fateful episode? Why did CBS make a decision that still echoes in media circles today? The truth is more layered than you might think.
The Rise of the Smothers Brothers
Tom and Dick Smothers weren’t the kind of rebels one might expect to shake up an entire industry. Known for their folksy charm, acoustic guitars, and sibling banter, they started their careers as clean-cut performers on the comedy club circuit. Their blend of music and humor gained them a loyal following, and it wasn’t long before CBS took notice.
In 1967, CBS offered them a primetime Sunday night slot. The result was The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour—a variety show that mixed musical performances with comedy sketches. It was funny, clever, and just irreverent enough to attract a wide audience. But it wasn’t long before the show’s lighthearted tone began to shift.
Comedy With a Conscience
The late 1960s were a volatile time in American history. The Vietnam War, civil rights movement, and a growing counterculture were tearing through the fabric of traditional values. And while most network television avoided politics like the plague, the Smothers Brothers leaned into it.
Tom, the more politically vocal of the two, began incorporating pointed satire into their routines. From jabs at President Lyndon B. Johnson to critiques of racial injustice and censorship, the show was suddenly more than just funny—it was daring.
Their writers’ room became a who’s who of young, edgy talent, including Steve Martin, Rob Reiner, and Mason Williams. Musical guests featured artists who had something to say—Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Jefferson Airplane, and The Who—all of whom brought a spirit of rebellion with them.
But CBS wasn’t comfortable with this new direction.
A Constant Battle Behind the Scenes
As the content became more controversial, CBS executives grew nervous. Network censors began scrutinizing every episode. Sketches were edited or outright removed. Scripts were sent back with demands for changes. And still, the Smothers Brothers pushed forward.
They refused to air a version of the Vietnam War that ignored the suffering. They invited blacklisted performers back onto national TV. They made jokes about police brutality, the draft, and the hypocrisy of government policies. And they paid for it.
By their third season, the tension between the show and the network was reaching a boiling point. CBS issued tighter controls. Deadlines became more restrictive. And in some cases, the network refused to air completed episodes if they didn’t get scripts far enough in advance—an issue that would become pivotal in the show’s downfall.
The Sketch That Broke Everything
The final blow came in the form of a sketch that—by today’s standards—might seem tame, but at the time, was considered radical.
The scene in question aired on an episode scheduled for April 13, 1969. It featured a monologue by comedian David Steinberg, known for his biting satire. In it, he performed a parody sermon that joked about religious hypocrisy—a subject that had always been sensitive, especially on mainstream network television.
Steinberg had already caused a stir with a similar sketch earlier in the season. CBS had warned the brothers not to bring him back. But they did it anyway. The second sermon was filmed, edited, and sent to CBS—who promptly ordered the sketch removed.
Tom Smothers refused.
A Line in the Sand
CBS executives saw this as defiance. Tom saw it as a matter of principle. He believed in freedom of expression, especially during a time when the country was deeply divided. To cut the sketch was, to him, a betrayal of everything the show stood for.
The standoff continued until CBS made an unprecedented move: they canceled The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour—effective immediately.
They cited missed deadlines and contract violations as the official reason. But insiders knew better. The cancellation wasn’t about logistics. It was about control, censorship, and fear of offending powerful groups.
The episode never aired.
Fallout and Legal Battles
The Smothers Brothers weren’t about to go quietly. They sued CBS for breach of contract, claiming the network had violated their creative rights. The case went to court, and in 1973, they won. A judge ruled that CBS had indeed acted improperly and ordered the network to pay damages.
But the damage to their careers had already been done.
Though they attempted to revive the show years later, it never regained its cultural impact. The original Comedy Hour had been lightning in a bottle—unique to its time and place. Its cancellation marked the end of an era.
The Cultural Ripple Effect
The fallout from the Smothers Brothers’ ousting sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Other comedians, writers, and musicians took note. If a wildly popular show could be pulled off the air for being too political, what did that mean for artistic freedom?
In the years that followed, network television became more cautious. Variety shows began avoiding politics altogether. Satire was pushed to late-night formats or niche cable channels. It would take decades before mainstream TV was again willing to take such bold risks.
But the influence of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour never truly faded. In many ways, it laid the groundwork for shows like Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, and Last Week Tonight. The idea that comedy could be used not just for laughs, but for truth-telling and cultural critique, was no longer fringe—it had become part of the mainstream.
Redemption in Retrospect
Over time, Tom and Dick Smothers were recognized not just as entertainers, but as trailblazers. In 2008, they were honored at the Emmy Awards for their contributions to television. Their fight for creative integrity and political honesty was no longer viewed as rebellion, but as bravery.
In interviews later in life, both brothers reflected on the impact of their show—and the price they paid. Tom, especially, remained adamant that challenging authority through comedy had been worth the cost.
“We were just trying to tell the truth,” he once said. “And if that’s dangerous, then maybe the truth needs more airtime.”
A Legacy That Lives On
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour may have been canceled in 1969, but its legacy continues to resonate. In an age where comedians regularly spar with politicians, and satire is a daily fixture in our newsfeeds, the boldness of the Smothers Brothers seems almost prophetic.
They weren’t just canceled—they were silenced for saying what needed to be said at a time when few dared to say it.
And yet, the show’s episodes—those that aired and those that didn’t—are still studied today. They’re remembered not just for the jokes, but for the courage it took to tell them. Because sometimes, the most powerful punchline is the one that never makes it to air.
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Final Thoughts
The controversial sketch that led to The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour being taken off the air wasn’t just a joke gone too far. It was a turning point in the battle between free speech and corporate control. A moment when art clashed with authority, and the consequences were felt far beyond the stage.
In choosing truth over comfort, Tom and Dick Smothers sacrificed their careers, but created a lasting blueprint for others to follow. Theirs is a story of risk, resistance, and ultimately, legacy. And in today’s world—where comedy often serves as our sharpest lens for truth—their stand still matters.
Lila Hart is a dedicated Digital Archivist and Research Specialist with a keen eye for preserving and curating meaningful content. At TheArchivists, she specializes in organizing and managing digital archives, ensuring that valuable stories and historical moments are accessible for generations to come.
Lila earned her degree in History and Archival Studies from the University of Edinburgh, where she cultivated her passion for documenting the past and preserving cultural heritage. Her expertise lies in combining traditional archival techniques with modern digital tools, allowing her to create comprehensive and engaging collections that resonate with audiences worldwide.
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