Today in Television History (October 1st, 1955): The First Episode of "The Honeymooners" Airs on CBS!
"Bang, Zoom, To the Moon!"
On October 1st, 1955, the first episode of the iconic sitcom, "The Honeymooners" aired on CBS in the United States. The show was created by and starred Jackie Gleason, and was based on a recurring comedy sketch of the same name that appeared on Gleason's variety show in the early 1950s. Most episodes revolve around Ralph Kramden's (Gleason) poor choices and outrageous adventures. The popularity of the original sketch led Gleason to make "The Honeymooners" a filmed half-hour series, replacing the variety series. Filmed in front of a live studio audience and broadcast live, the show was initially the No. 2 show in the United States, just behind "The Perry Como Show". The series eventually dropped to No. 19, and production ended in September 1956 after the "Classic 39" episodes were produced. "The Honeymooners" was also considered to be one of the first U.S. television shows to portray working-class married couples in a gritty manner.
