The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that ran from 1951 to 1971. It was 2nd to Gunsmoke and 3rd to The Ed Sullivan Show. Skelton, had been a radio star and also appeared in motion pictures. Although his series was associated with CBS, for 15+ years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received 3 Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961.