The Ed Sullivan Show was an American television variety show that aired on CBS from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971. It was originally called Toast of the Town until 1955, after which it was officially renamed The Ed Sullivan Show. The program was hosted by Ed Sullivan, a New York entertainment columnist known for his reserved and somewhat stiff hosting style, earning him the nickname "the Great Stone Face"
. The show featured a wide range of entertainment acts including singers, comedians, dancers, opera performers, and novelty acts. It became famous for showcasing groundbreaking performances by legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and The Jackson 5. It was a cultural touchstone of American television, influencing the entertainment landscape for over two decades
. One of the most notable moments was Elvis Presley's debut on the show on September 9, 1956, which drew a record audience of over 60 million viewers, representing 82.6% of the TV audience at the time. Presley appeared on the show three times, with his performances helping to cement the show's place in television history. Sullivan initially resisted booking Presley but changed his mind after Presley’s success on competing shows
. The Ed Sullivan Show was known for its variety format, combining vaudeville- style acts with the emerging medium of television. It aired live from New York City on Sunday nights and was produced by Sullivan himself along with CBS. After its end in 1971, it was replaced by the CBS Sunday Night Movie
. In recognition of its impact, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked No. 15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2002 and No. 31 in the 60 Best Series of All Time in 2013
. In summary, The Ed Sullivan Show was a pioneering and influential variety television program that introduced millions of viewers to some of the most iconic entertainers of the 20th century, making it a landmark in American TV history.
