Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Join humorist Al Kustanowitz for this nostalgic trip back to Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, TV’s predecessor to “Saturday Night Live.” Co-written by Lorne Michaels, “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” revolutionized television comedy in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Originating as a one-time special, the show quickly gained popularity for its rapid-fire jokes, satirical sketches, and catchphrases that became part of American pop culture. Al will explore the show’s origins, its innovative format that broke away from traditional variety shows, and its roster of famous guests, including Richard Nixon, who made a memorable cameo. Key segments like “Sock it to Me,” “The Fickle Finger of Fate,” and “Here Comes the Judge” will be highlighted for their comedic brilliance. Al will also examine the show’s influence on later television programs, showcasing how “Laugh-In” left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.