Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

An American sketch comedy television program hosted by comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968-1973) is an American sketch comedy variety series created by George Schlatter and Ed Friendly for NBC. Hosts Dan Rowan and Dick Martin anchor a rapid succession of short sketches, one-liners and visual bits, with announcer Gary Owens and regulars Ruth Buzzi, Lily Tomlin and Alan Sues popping in and out of the fast-cut assembly. Rather than following a single storyline, each hour is a restless collage of topical jokes, recurring catchphrases and playful slapstick that rushes from one gag to the next before a viewer can settle in. The show runs six seasons and 140 episodes, and its engine is simply momentum: a constant supply of punchlines, cameo bits and comic rhythm that keeps the energy high. Its tone is breezy, irreverent and joyful, with a sly, counterculture edge that pokes fun at the politics and social conventions of late sixties and early seventies America. Fans of Saturday Night Live, The Carol Burnett Show and Monty Python's Flying Circus will find a kindred spirit in its cheeky, ensemble-driven variety format and its love of catchphrase-driven comedy.

Critics broadly regard Laugh-In as a groundbreaking, fast-paced sketch series that defined late-1960s television comedy, though its humor is often seen as dated.

• Saturday Night Liveshared sketch comedy format, rapid-fire topical gags, variety show energy
• The Carol Burnett Showshared comedic variety format with recurring cast and catchphrases, 1960s-70s counterculture humor
• Monty Python's Flying Circusshared absurdist sketch structure and irreverent mood

Created by

George Schlatter, Ed Friendly

Release Date

1968-01-22

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

8.0 / 10 (37)

What is Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In about?

A fast-paced American sketch comedy variety show hosted by Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, built from quick gags and recurring bits.

What is Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

What did critics think of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In?

Critics broadly regard Laugh-In as a groundbreaking, fast-paced sketch series that defined late-1960s television comedy, though its humor is often seen as dated.

Which shows are like Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In?

Shows with a similar feel include Saturday Night Live, The Carol Burnett Show, and Monty Python's Flying Circus.

How long is Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In?

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: 6 seasons, 140 episodes.

Is Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In still running?

No, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In has ended.

Where can I watch Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In?

In United States, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In streams on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Plex Player, Plex Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Tubi TV, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon MX Player.