Many people wondered how a physical comedian like Red Skelton could have been such a huge radio star, because when he moved into the TV medium, his comedy became even more vivid and enthralling.

The former circus clown began his show on network television in 1951, moving from NBC's Sunday lineup to CBS's Tuesday night lineup within two years. After a little more tweaking to the show's length and timeslot, that's where the series settled for the better part of 16 years. It was one of the few programs back then to be broadcast in glorious color, which was just the way Skelton liked it.

Red Skelton opened each episode with a monologue that was full of recurring characters, like George Appleby, a poor, dominated husband, and the memorable Gertrude and Heathcliff, two seagulls that Skelton imitated by sticking his hands under his armpits to simulate wings. A guest star spot would air next, usually a singing performer, who would pull double duty by participating in a comedy skit with Skelton.

The many characters in Skelton's repertoire were the basis for most of the sketches on the show. Red had them rolling in the aisle when he put on the mannerisms of Clem Kadiddlehopper, an uncouth hick; San Fernando Red, a shifty real estate agent; and Cauliflower McPugg, a boxer that had taken too many right crosses to the head. Perhaps the most memorable character was Freddie the Freeloader, a kind-hearted bum, in Emmett Kelly clown makeup. Freddie often ended up as a silent character, with Skelton miming his way through the skit, a habit that became a staple of the show in later years.

The Red Skelton Show fell prey to CBS's purge of down-homey, rural-themed shows in the early 70s and the series moved back to NBC in 1970. The network made substantial changes to the show, reducing its length and introducing a cast of regulars for the comedy sketches. Unfortunately, the new arrangement didn't mesh with Skelton's style and the revamped series ended just a year later.