Hee Haw!

Hee Haw!

Hee Haw debuted in 1969 on CBS and ran for 3 seasons, until it was cut as part of the “Rural Purge” of country-oriented shows in 1972. The show was slaughtered by critics and TV execs considered it embarrassing. If they were right, the show would have died there.

A fitting come-uppance was the smashing success of the show in syndication, away from the big 3 networks. TV audiences loved the show, running for 22 seasons over 25 years, ending in 1997. The show was perceived as a country version of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in,” with Buck Owens and Roy Clark, both country music talents, serving as hosts.