Core Run Years and Network
The Carol Burnett Show aired on CBS from September 11, 1967, to March 29, 1978. This covers 11 seasons and 395 episodes, making it one of the longest-running and most influential sketch-comedy programs of its era.
Seasonal Pattern and Finale
The show typically followed a September-to-March schedule for each season, with breaks for summer reruns. The series finale on March 29, 1978, was a prime-time special that marked the end of the show’s original run on broadcast television.
Episode Count and Season Summary
Across its 11 seasons, The Carol Burnett Show delivered a mix of sketch comedy, musical numbers, and guest stars. The episode count per season varied slightly, but the series maintained a consistent presence on CBS through the late 1960s and most of the 1970s.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | September 11, 1967 | Network series premiere records |
| End Date | March 29, 1978 | Network finale announcement and broadcast logs |
| Network | CBS | Network scheduling archives |
| Total Seasons | 11 | Industry databases and syndication materials |
| Total Episodes | 395 | CBS official archives and syndication listings |
Notable Context and Syndication
After its original run, The Carol Burnett Show entered syndication and won multiple Emmy Awards. Its format influenced later sketch shows, and select episodes remain staples of classic TV retrospectives. The gap between its finale in 1978 and subsequent specials underscores its status as a defining sitcom-era program rather than a short-lived variety experiment.
How to Verify Run Dates
To confirm the years The Carol Burnett Show ran, consult CBS network archives, the Library of Congress catalog, or reputable media databases. These sources consistently list the September 1967 to March 1978 window, with 395 episodes spread across 11 labeled seasons.
Quick Reference
- Years on air: 1967–1978 (original run)
- Network: CBS
- Season span: 11
- Episode count: 395
- Finale: March 29, 1978
Legacy and Influence
The show’s multi-season format allowed recurring characters and evolving sketches, setting a template for future variety-sitcom hybrids. Its success in primetime during the late 1960s and 1970s helped normalize weekly comedic programming that blended music, parody, and heartfelt family-oriented humor.