The Joey Bishop Show

During the mid-1960's color boom, many TV programs on the air at the time went from black-and-white to color. But there was one program where the reverse happened: Joey Bishop's early 1960's sitcom. Here's the bit: During most, if not all, of the show's run on NBC-TV, it was filmed and aired in what the Peacock Network called "living color". However, for what turned out to be its final season when the series went to CBS-TV, it went from living color to drab black-and-white (the "Tiffany Network" didn't start "going color" until after the Bishop show left the air for good in 1965). One other detail should be noted: During the NBC years, Mr. Bishop wore his hair parted to the right, however in the program's last season on CBS, his hair part shifted to the left, as indeed it would be set on his 1967-69 ABC-TV talk show (and, for that matter, to this day).

IMO - Had this early-1960s TV Sit/Com not made frequent use of "canned laughter", then, you can be certain no one (in their right mind) would be laughing, or giggling (or, even snickering, for that matter) at the comedy that was delivered here.

Personally, I failed to see the humor of the situations in this show that centered around a dull, middle-aged man (Joey Bishop) who was still living with his mother (as were his younger brother, his sister, and his sister's husband, too) and who was repeatedly being fired from his job.

As a "so-called" comedian - I found Joey Bishop's persona to be so dry, flat, and uncharismatic that I could only describe him as being nothing but a big, egocentric bore.

I cannot believe that in its day this decidedly dreary TV show apparently had its audiences at home breaking out into peals of uncontrollable laughter.... Like - Duh!

Starring Joey Bishop as comedian Joey Barnes, this series allowed its star to basically play himself. While quick quips make the grade for guest hosting "The Tonight Show", they have almost no place in a scripted show like TJBS. I would argue that many of the most successful comedy series of the early 60s were stale and lacking (when compared to other top comedy series), but that is no excuse for the lackluster efforts of any one show.

The additions of (the wife) Abby Dalton and the hilarious idiosyncracies of (the building super) Joe Besser certainly helped, but the deadpan comedy misfirings of star Joey cannot be overlooked. Many times his schtick works against the comedic efforts of his costars. For example, in one scene Corbett Monica is demonstrating his impersonation of a housefly. Joey ridicules the routine throughout, eventually tossing Corbett out of the apartment.

Though Joey had talents--- comedic and musical--- this series did not showcase them in the best light. Compare this show with "The Jack Benny Show", for example, which always felt fresh and creative. To those who think "Son of a gun" is waggishly amusing, I wryly reply, "Well!"

The other reviewer described the first season, the second season evolved with, Joey getting his own show, marrying Abbey Dalton, etc. These shows have a better supporting cast and some genuinely funny characters and one-liners. Not the best, but not a one star either.

Enjoyable, nostalgic humor. Great guest stars and cast. And I love Joey, Joey, Joey...that son of a gun! 😁