The Carol Burnett Show was a true gem of television—a perfect blend of sketches, musical numbers, and that special brand of humor that felt both fresh and familiar. Carol Burnett and her ensemble cast, including Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway, created unforgettable scenes that had us doubled over with laughter. Here’s a look back at some of the funniest moments that still bring on the laughs today.
1. The “Went with the Wind!” Curtain Dress
In this brilliant spoof of Gone with the Wind, Carol’s take on Scarlett O’Hara descends the stairs in a curtain-rod ensemble, complete with a full set of drapes hanging from her shoulders, held aloft by curtain rods. Her line delivery made it one of the most iconic moments in comedy. It’s classic Carol—committed, ridiculous, and completely unforgettable.
2. The Dentist Sketch with Tim Conway
In this legendary sketch, Tim Conway plays a less-than-reassuring dentist as he tires to treat a patient played by Harvey Korman. Some might find this sketch a little too real, but that also means the team tapped into an aspect of life that could really use some humor added in. Oh, and floss.
3. The Family: “Mama’s Family” Argument
As the colorful Eunice, Carol brought a mixture of hilarity and relatability to family arguments. The dynamic between her, Vicki Lawrence as Mama, and Harvey Korman as Ed created a scene that had everyone cracking up. The offbeat humor, the bickering, and the exaggerated accents made this one of the show’s most memorable recurring sketches.
4. The Elephant Story
In this classic moment, Tim Conway tells an absurdly long and rambling story about elephants, leaving the cast in stitches—especially Vicki Lawrence, who is ready to laugh as much as any audience member. This sketch wasn’t planned to go so long, but Tim’s improvisation left everyone trying to keep it together, resulting in one of the funniest unscripted moments in improv history.
5. The Charwoman
Carol’s “Charwoman” character, with her mop and scruffy look, became one of her signature roles. She captured a whimsical mix of loneliness and humor that resonated with audiences, especially as she interacted with other characters in her own offbeat way. The Charwoman sketches brought gentle, poignant humor that showcased Carol’s range.
6. Mrs. Wiggins and Mr. Tudball
Tim Conway and Carol as Mrs. Wiggins and her boss, Mr. Tudball, were pure comedy gold. Conway’s fake accent and Carol’s ditzy, exaggerated antics created an odd-couple charm. The endless miscommunication between the two was a brilliantly funny take on workplace dynamics that still holds up today.
7. The Butler and the Maid: “As the Stomach Turns”
This soap-opera parody had the cast performing ridiculous storylines and over-the-top characters, with Carol’s fainting and dramatic pauses as the highlight. The exaggerated drama, plot twists, and sight gags in this soap spoof had us laughing at how perfectly it captured the absurdity of daytime soap operas.
8. The Old Folks at the Park Bench
Korman and Carol would play an elderly couple sitting on a park bench, often sharing funny or absurd conversations that highlighted both the innocence and cheekiness of their characters. Their chemistry and subtle gestures as they sat side-by-side brought a quiet, laugh-out-loud humor that never failed.
9. Worst Girl Scout Cookie Purchase Ever
Would you like to buy some cookies? If the customer valued their livelihood, the answer was always yes, or else Alice Portnoy would have something to say about it, usually backed by some mortifying blackmail material. This sketch was a familiar concept dialed up to 100 and then some, and it was easy to be breathless with laughter every time.
10. Nora Desmond
Carol’s hilarious impression of Gloria Swanson’s character from Sunset Boulevard, the washed-up, overdramatic actress Nora Desmond, was an instant hit. Carol’s exaggerated expressions and attempts at grandeur as Nora, often opposite Harvey Korman, made for some of the show’s funniest recurring sketches.
11. Airline Security Sketch
Tim Conway as an airline security guard took a simple scene to the next level with his improvised item searches. One overboard detection method after another is the perfect example of how to escelate a joke and still keep it fresh. Conway’s quirky timing and expressions added that extra twist of unpredictability.
12. George and Zelda
If there’s one thing this show is known for, it’s getting to watch actors expertly play off of each other, and Burnett working alongside Korman as husband and wife is a dream team. In this, she’s the nasal-voiced woman, with Lawrence occasionally playing her mother.
13. The Supermarket Checker
Carol as an indifferent, gum-chewing grocery checker was the perfect example of her commitment to character. Her easily-distracted, oblivious cashier drove customers (and viewers) crazy with her disregard for speed, adding hilarious commentary as she scanned items with casual disinterest.
14. The Interrogation Scene with Tim Conway and Lyle Waggoner
In this sketch, Tim Conway is an outrageous caricature of a German WWII soldier trying to interrogate a prisoner of war (Lyle Waggoner). Throughout it all, Conway himself clearly has an ulterior motive: get not just the audience but Waggoner himself to burst out laughing. Watching the two go back and forth is pure comedy.
15. Kitchen Commercials
In this classic Burnett special, viewers follow the chronicles of a poor woman tortured by television commercial mascots brought to life. It’s absurd, surreal, over-the-top, and full of meticulously choreographed physical comedy. In other words, Burnett at some of her best.
Looking back on The Carol Burnett Show reminds us of how clever, playful, and timeless comedy can be. The cast’s chemistry, unscripted moments, and pure commitment to making each other (and us) laugh created something special. Carol Burnett’s graciousness and the whole team’s dedication brought the audience into their world, making us feel like part of the magic. Watching these classic sketches today, we’re reminded just how much joy they brought—and still bring.
