Classic TV: The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour (1969)

CBS needed to retool their Wednesday lineup in the winter of 1969. Network suits remembered that country singer Glen Campbell had fronted a summer replacement series for the Smothers Brothers the previous summer, and realized they found their answer.

In all, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour ran for 4 seasons (1969-72), surviving the infamous "rural purge" of 1971, if but for a year's respite. Technically not a spin-off from the Smothers' show, although he had made a few appearances there, Campbell did get the services of comedian Pat Paulsen as a series regular. Curiously, when Paulsen landed his own series, he ended up at ABC. Go figure. Anyway, while one source compared Campbell to Perry Como, whose production company was largely responsible for NBC's Kraft Music Hall, Campbell's format had more in common with another NBC star, Dean Martin. Actor-comic Dom DeLuise made frequent appearances on both shows, which helped strengthen the connection.

The lineup of guest stars was just as eclectic. For example, on this show, Glen shares the stage with Neil Diamond, Liberace, Linda Ronstadt, & Larry Storch (ex-F-Troop)

Rating: A.