The Legacy of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In”: How One Show Changed Television Forever

In 1967, television comedy was predictable. Shows followed familiar formats with clear setups, punchlines, and a steady pacing. Then came Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In — a groundbreaking, high-energy comedy show that would change the landscape of TV forever. Its creators, George Schlatter and Ed Friendly, were inspired by counterculture movements, including “love-ins” and “be-ins,” and wanted a show that felt alive and unpredictable, capturing the chaotic energy of the outside world. What followed was a sensory assault that broke every convention, becoming one of the most influential TV programs in history.

Unlike traditional variety shows that offered slower-paced sketches, Laugh-In fired off rapid-fire gags, one after another, offering 350 quick-hit segments per episode. The show was a mix of slapstick, satire, and surreal humor. One moment, a comedian would deliver a sharp political jab; the next, someone would dance across the screen in a ridiculous costume. There were no long setups or pauses between jokes. It was an experiment in how television could embrace fast-paced, unpredictable humor—often so quick that viewers had little time to catch every gag. This chaotic style was influenced by a variety of comedic sources, from vaudeville and burlesque to the experimental work of Ernie Kovacs. However, the biggest influence came from British satire, particularly That Was The Week That Was, which showed that TV could tackle politics and social issues with humor. Schlatter and Friendly took that idea and cranked it up, ensuring that their show never felt preachy or predictable.

The pacing of the show was relentless, with no clear beginning or end to sketches, and punchlines coming from unexpected places. Some viewers found the fast-moving format overwhelming, while others embraced its energy. Getting the show on the air wasn’t easy. Networks initially balked at its unusual format, but NBC agreed to air a one-off special on September 9, 1967, as a test. The response was immediate — the ratings soared, and soon Laugh-In became a weekly series.

When the show officially premiered in January 1968, it was unlike anything TV had ever seen. Hosts Dan Rowan and Dick Martin led the way with their contrasting comedic chemistry. Rowan, the smooth, confident straight man, was paired with Martin, the lovable goofball who never seemed to know what was going on. This duo made perfect sense for a show as unpredictable as Laugh-In, and their back-and-forth banter helped keep the show grounded even as chaos swirled around them. Their sign-off—“Say good night, Dick” followed by Martin’s “Good night, Dick”—became a classic catchphrase.

Laugh-In wasn’t just about Rowan and Martin, though. The show launched the careers of many stars. Goldie Hawn, for example, joined the show in 1968 and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to her bubbly personality and infectious laugh. In a twist of irony, her laughter wasn’t an act. Producer George Schlatter specifically instructed her not to rehearse so that her reactions would be entirely spontaneous. Hawn’s genuine responses made her a breakout star, leading to an Academy Award and a successful Hollywood career.

Similarly, Lily Tomlin joined in 1969 and became one of the show’s biggest stars, thanks to her ability to create indelible characters like the nasal-voiced telephone operator Ernestine and the wide-eyed 5-year-old Edith Ann. Tomlin’s characters brought her widespread acclaim and launched her into a highly successful film career.

Other stars like Henry Gibson, Jo Anne Worley, and Ruth Buzzy also helped define Laugh-In’s unique brand of comedy. Buzzy, in particular, was responsible for some of the show’s most memorable moments. She portrayed Gladys Ormphby, a grumpy, frumpy woman who would often swing her purse at Tyrone F. Horne, played by Arte Johnson, whenever he got too close. The routine was simple, yet it never failed to get laughs, making Buzzy one of the show’s most beloved stars.

Perhaps one of the most controversial and defining moments of Laugh-In came in 1968 when presidential candidate Richard Nixon made a surprise appearance. It was an unprecedented move for a politician at the time, and his appearance, which lasted only six awkward seconds, became iconic. Nixon delivered the line “Sock it to me” — a phrase made famous by the show. While his delivery was stiff and unsure, it helped humanize the politician in a way that was unheard of in an era where political figures were expected to maintain a serious and distant persona. The appearance became a pivotal moment in the election, with some analysts speculating that Nixon’s brief appearance on Laugh-In helped him win over younger voters. In stark contrast, his opponent, Hubert Humphrey, was invited to appear on the show but declined, believing it would make him appear too unserious.

Despite its success, Laugh-In did not shy away from controversy. In 1969, Harry Belafonte filmed a segment for the show that paired his performance of “Don’t Stop The Carnival” with footage from the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests, showing police brutality and chaos in the streets of Chicago. The segment was meant to be a powerful statement about the tumultuous political climate, but NBC executives feared backlash and ultimately decided not to air it. This censorship angered Belafonte, who called it cowardly, illustrating the challenges networks faced in dealing with controversial content at the time.

As Laugh-In became one of the most popular shows on television, its impact on the political landscape grew. It was clear that comedy had become a powerful tool for political commentary. The show’s blend of satire and absurdity left a mark on future programs, and without Laugh-In, there might not have been shows like Saturday Night Live.

Ultimately, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In represented a turning point in American television. It was bold, unpredictable, and unafraid to push boundaries—whether through a quick gag, an awkward political moment, or a provocative piece of social commentary. Through its unique format and fearless attitude, the show changed the way people watched television and paved the way for the comedy that followed.