The Richard Pryor Show
NBC (ended 1977)
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Show Summary
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The star of controversial young comic Richard Pryor was very much on the rise, when he was approached by NBC, in 1977, to do a 1-hour special for the network. He had already experienced phenomenal success as a nightclub performer, and had his popularity was soaring, after his performances in the movies 'Silver Streak', and 'Greased Lightning'. The special - Entitled, simply: 'The Richard Pryor Special?' - Was aired in May of 1977. It was a smashing success, both critically, and commercially, and led to NBC's offer of a regular, weekly variety series, which Pryor soon accepted. Over his years as a nightclub comic, Pryor had developed a method of performing that led him to use material that was considered very risqu for TV, and, despite his misgivings, from the very start, he signed a contract to do 10 shows. But battles with network censors, over his material soon caused the angry Pryor to back out. NBC managed to sweet-talk him back, and he reluctantly agreed to only 4 shows, though - Being scheduled opposite ABC's super hits: 'Happy Days', and 'Laverne And Shirley' - He knew the series was doomed before it began. Pryor was determined to do it his way, however, despite network pressure, but the censors were relentless. In fact, the opening sequence of his very first show was cut, shortly before air time. In that sequence, Pryor appeared apparently naked (He was actually wearing a body stocking), as he commented on how he'd not given anything up in his battle with the network censors, as the shot slowly widened, to show that his genitalia were missing. Produced by Rocco Urbisci, for Burt Sugarman Productions, and directed by John Moffitt, the show was much different from other variety shows, with an interesting mixture of satire, slapstick, improvisation, music, dance, and even a bit of heavy drama thrown in, with a talented supporting cast (Which included future mega-star Robin Williams), and Pryor's unique brand of comedy keeping it all together.moreless
| S 1 : Ep 4 | Episode 4 | Aired 10/20/77 | |
| S 1 : Ep 3 | Episode 3 | Aired 9/27/77 | |
| S 1 : Ep 2 | Episode 2 | Aired 9/20/77 | |
| S 1 : Ep 1 | Episode 1 | Aired 9/13/77 | |
| S 1 : | The Richard Pryor Special? | Aired 5/5/77 |
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Sam El just doesn't get it....
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