Product ID: AACSCO
Control Number: 7498134
Abbott and Costello Show 174 Episodes
The Abbott and Costello Show was one of the most popular and enduring comedy programs of the golden age of radio, showcasing the legendary duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello at the height of their fame. Known for their rapid-fire wordplay, slapstick antics, and classic routines like “Who’s on First?”, the series brought their vaudeville-honed chemistry to a national audience every week. A fast-paced blend of comedy sketches, musical interludes, and celebrity guests, the show became a cultural institution during the 1940s and early 1950s.
With its iconic routines and unforgettable catchphrases, The Abbott and Costello Show helped define radio comedy for a generation.
The Stars
Bud Abbott served as the straight man—slick, fast-talking, and forever exasperated—while Lou Costello was the childlike, bumbling comic foil, known for his whiny voice, exaggerated reactions, and endless misunderstandings. Together, they formed one of the most successful comedy teams in entertainment history.
Regular cast members included Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, Connie Haines, and announcer Ken Niles, with appearances by recurring characters such as Mel Blanc and Elvia Allman. The duo often welcomed guest stars from film, radio, and the armed forces.
Key Dates
• The Abbott and Costello Show premiered on NBC Radio on July 3, 1940, with an initial stint as summer replacements.
• The show became a full-season program in 1942, running on both NBC and later ABC Radio until June 9, 1949.
• At its peak, the show was broadcast to millions of listeners and adapted into a television series in the 1950s.
Other Information
Episodes were built around comedy sketches and musical performances, but the heart of the show was the interaction between Abbott and Costello. Routines like “Who’s on First?”, “Niagara Falls (Slowly I Turned),” and “The Susquehanna Hat Company” became legendary for their timing and clever structure.
The show was especially popular during World War II, providing laughter and relief to American troops and families. Lou Costello’s involvement in charity work, including fundraising for children’s hospitals, also deepened public affection for the team.
Unlike many scripted sitcoms of the era, The Abbott and Costello Show retained a vaudeville-style performance feel, relying heavily on live audience reactions, improvisation, and well-rehearsed timing. It was a cornerstone of American comedy before the transition to television, where Abbott and Costello continued their success with films and a TV adaptation of the show.
Today, The Abbott and Costello Show is remembered as one of radio’s great comedic treasures—an energetic, laugh-out-loud classic that continues to entertain audiences through recordings and historical retrospectives. Its routines remain staples of comedy history and are still studied and performed today.
Suggested Retail Price: $24.99
Mice Price: $19.49
Length: 25
Width: 174
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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