Short Synopsis
A behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, the provocative, politically charged program that shocked the censors, outraged the White House, and forever changed the face of television.

Full Synopsis
Decades before The Daily Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour proved there was a place on television for no-holds-barred political comedy with a decidedly antiauthoritarian point of view. In this explosive, revealing history of the show, veteran entertainment journalist David Bianculli tells the fascinating story of its three-year network run—and the cultural impact that's still being felt today.

Before it was suddenly removed from the CBS lineup (reportedly under pressure from the Nixon administration), The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a ratings powerhouse. It helped launch the careers of such comedy legends as Steve Martin and Rob Reiner, featured groundbreaking musical acts like the Beatles and the Who, and served as a cultural touchstone for the antiwar movement of the late 1960s.

Drawing on extensive original interviews with Tom and Dick Smothers and dozens of other key players—as well as more than a decade's worth of original research—Dangerously Funny brings listeners behind the scenes for all the battles over censorship, mind-blowing musical performances, and unforgettable sketches that defined the show and its era.

David Bianculli delves deep into this riveting story to find out what really happened and to reveal why this show remains so significant to this day.

"Compelling and immensely entertaining." ---Philadelphia Inquirer

"A straightforward chronicle that charts the rise and fall of a charming double act cut down in its prime." ---The New York Times

"A fast-paced, informative reminder of the importance of speaking out." ---Kirkus

"Dangerously Funny offers a revealing window into a familiar time." ---The Boston Globe

"[An] authoritative and entertaining examination of a comedic cornerstone." ---Publishers Weekly

"The raspy voice and rapid-fire delivery of narrator Johnny Heller fits the task." ---AudioFile