The Flip Wilson Show

Broke barriers in variety television and minted catchphrases for a multiracial audience.

Why it matters

Episode guide

43 episodes across 4 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.

At a glance

The devil made him do it — and NBC made Flip Wilson the first Black host to own a major hit network variety franchise on his own brand terms. The Flip Wilson Show (1970–1974) mixed characters like Geraldine and Reverend Leroy with guest stars in a colorful early-70s variety blast. Wilson's charm disarmed; the sketches invaded playgrounds. It was barrier-breaking packaged as pure entertainment. Variety's door opened wider.

Network & studio

• NBC — broadcast network

Why watch now

Wilson's character comedy at national scale — Geraldine alone is historic comic creation. Landmark variety with genuine laughs, not just significance.

Cultural impact

The Flip Wilson Show proved a Black comedian could headline a top network variety hit and made Wilson's characters national property. It expanded who got the keys to Saturday/early-week entertainment real estate. Catchphrases outlived the format's golden age.

Creators

Flip Wilson · Bob Henry

Key cast

• Flip Wilson as Host / Geraldine Jones / Reverend Leroy

Flash facts

• NBC variety series hosted by Flip Wilson; aired 1970–1974.
• Often cited as the first successful network variety show with a Black performer as the central brand host of its kind.
• Famous characters included Geraldine Jones and Reverend Leroy.
• Mixed sketch comedy, musical guests, and Wilson's stand-up-honed persona.
• Became a major early-1970s ratings and pop-culture success.

FAQ

Back to the decade

More from the 1970s — Relevance Goes Prime Time. All shows.