The Carol Burnett Show (also known as CBS) is a sketch comedy television show that touched the hearts of many in the 1970s with 278 episodes. It originated from the CBS Television City's Studio 33, which was also known as the Bob Barker Studio.
This popular variety show which was a household name became famous with sketches such as "As the Stomach Turns", "Went with the Wind" - a parody of "Gone with the Wind" which features a scene with Carol Burnett in a dress made from a window curtain, including the curtain rod. Some of the other popular sketches were "Carol & Sis", "Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins", "Nora Desmond", "Stella Toddler" and much more. "The Family" was another great sketch which continued into a popular show called "Mama's Family".
A section that was frequently repeated was "Kitchen Commercials", where the actors parodied TV commercials that drove the woman (played by Carl Burnett) crazy. This show usually featured highly recognized guest stars, and it was frequently nominated for the Emmys and won three times.
An interesting feature into these shows was that Burnett used to conduct a 3-4 minute question-and-answer segment, just before the start of each episode from the CBS Studio 33. Burnett would ask for the lights above the audience to be turned on, saying, "Let's bump up the lights......." and then randomly pick a member from the audience who raised their hand to answer a question. This turned out to be an informal session which was loved by many, mainly being possible due to the design of Studio 33; the cameras were installed to the left and right of the stage, with one below in the pit as well and another suspended, so that the actors were very close to the audience.
Through this program Carol Burnett became well known for her acting and talent and was able to touch the hearts of many viewers. She never failed to end each show with a tiny tug to her ear - an indication and message to her beloved grandmother to say that she is doing well and that she loved her.
Other than Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence was the only cast member to stay-on with the series until the very end. Tim Conway, even though he created a great impact on the show, did not become a full-time cast member until 1975. Harvey Korman left the show before the end of the final season, and original cast member Lyle Waggoner left the series in 1974.