The Jack Benny Program

Buzz

The Jack Benny Program ranks 3,390 out of the 18,222 shows on TV.com.

The 32 users who count themselves as The Jack Benny Program fans have written a total of 3 reviews.

Status

Premiered

Ended

Genre

Theme

Jack Benny made his television debut after a long career in vaudeville, radio and film. During his radio series he cultivated the traits that his television character would have as well. Jack's on-air persona was of a vain, stingy character who always claimed to be age 39. Jack's radio show aired on NBC & CBS... more »

Jack Benny made his television debut after a long career in vaudeville, radio and film. During his radio series he cultivated the traits that his television character would have as well. Jack's on-air persona was of a vain, stingy character who always claimed to be age 39. Jack's radio show aired on NBC & CBS from 1932-1955, overlapping the TV show.

Joining him from his radio cast were Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, as Jack's wise-cracking valet; Dennis Day, the naive, somewhat dense tenor who sang on the show; and Don Wilson the announcer.

Seen on a more irregular basis was Mary Livingstone, Jack's real-life wife. On the show Mary did not play Benny's spouse (Jack's character always remained single) but her role was never defined. In Mary's first appearances she played a fan of Jack's; later she portrayed Jack's secretary. Mary, who suffered from stage fright, made few television appearances before retiring from show business in 1959.

Also appearing were:
- Frank Nelson (the man who always harassed Jack, greeting him with an obnoxious "YEEESSSS"),
- Artie Auerbach (who played Mr. Kitzel),
- Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny, who often played Professor LeBlanc, Jack's violin teacher as well as many other roles).

Jack Benny moved into television slowly:
- In his first season (1950-1951), he only performed 4 shows.
- By the 1951-1952 season, Jack was ready to do 1 show approximately every 6 weeks.
- In the third season (1952-1953), the show was broadcast every 4 weeks.
- During the 1953-1954 season, The Jack Benny Program aired every 3 weeks.
- From 1954-1960, the Benny programs aired every other week, rotating with such shows as Private Secretary and Bachelor Father.
- Beginning in the 1960-1961 season, The Jack Benny Program began airing every week.

It is also worth noting that the show moved from CBS to NBC prior to the 1964-65 season.less «

• The Jack Benny Program

  It's good to see there are several reviews of this TV legend, but why is this the first forum post? There should be hund...more »

  It's good to see there are several reviews of this TV legend, but why is this the first forum post? There should be hundreds. It is an all-time classic, a gem. Jack Benny was one of the greatest comedians of all time, and Don Wilson was superb as his sidekick and spokesman. Dennis Day and his wonderful singing were a plus, as was Rochester, who some have unfairly complained was stereotyped, but who in fact was himself a great comedian. Frank Nelson (YEEEEEHHSS!) and Mel Blanc (Si!) were great as occassional foils for Mr. Benny. I have seen DVDs of this great show, but not an official release. I've heard episodes of the long-running and pioneering radio program, including the one where he utters the famous line "I'm thinking it over!" With Jack Benny died the best of radio and television.less «

  tvking1 Last online 1 day, 22 hrs ago
  1 comments, last one Aug 18, 2007 + Add Comment

•  

  10 Perfect

  One of the greatest TV shows ever produced. hide « show »

  One of the greatest fans of Jack Benny is my father. He has several DVDs of his show in his collection. He was a fan ever since his radio show in the 1930s. Whenever Jack visted his valut, my father laughed so hard that he was afraid that he was going to get apoplexy. I saw some of his shows as well, and me and my whole family were unable to stop laughing at them. There is no doubt at all that Jack Benny is by far one of the greatest comic geniuses in the entire history of the genre of comedy.

  Do you agree?

    0 0

  Report Abuse

  gideonbernstein Added Mar 3, 2006 All my reviews
•  

  10 Perfect

  Attention Seinfeld. Jack Benny did it first! hide « show »

  One of the earliest and best sitcoms. It is amazing how little the humour has dated.
  
  Benny's television show was a continuation of what had worked for him for years on radio. Episodes revolved around Jack's life at home and at the studio making his television show - which were all somehow connected. On one episode of his television show, Jack even apologized for being late; "But I was backstage listening to my radio show and, gee, I was so good."
  

  Do you agree?

    0 0

  Report Abuse

  Rootsie_basic Added Nov 12, 2005 All my reviews
•  

  9.4 Superb

  I love this show. hide « show »

  I watch this show evry saterday at 10:00pm.It may be old but its grate! I'll watch this show any day Its grate and very funny and its one of my favorites. its perfect . very funny yup . humm well very funny well humm funny funny funny yup well funny

  Do you agree?

    0 0

  Report Abuse

  tvpig8776 Added Aug 2, 2005 All my reviews