To my knowledge, Chuck Barris never sold a show to CBS. Until The Gong Show, he hadn't sold anything to NBC, either. Up until Gong launched in 1976, Barris was almost exclusive to ABC, with his remake of Treasure Hunt in syndication.
Carol Burnett was a fan of Gong, and thought it might be a good idea to stitch the show into a Family skit on her variety show. So, in 1977, you had Eunice (Burnett) seeing an appearance on Gong as a means of making the big time, at a time when her family is struggling.
Allen Ludden, Jaye P. Morgan, & M*A*S*H's Jamie Farr are the judges. Ya gotta feel sorry for Morris Albert, whose "Feelings" gets a rough rendition from Eunice.
For Ludden, this was his return to CBS after the cancellation of Password nearly 10 years earlier, and a favor to Burnett, a long time friend. Look quick for a cameo by Eydie Gorme.
In two weeks: An old time radio Thanksgiving with Father Knows Best.
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