On one episode they were joking about President Ford but the humor was funny and not offensive. Today the comedians get personal and hateful when they joke about our political leaders. They have lost the art of making everyone laugh at a political joke and nobody is offended.
Fred Willard's death today brought me here. I remember watching these way back along with" Mary Hartman- Mary Hartman." ITILII is right they were funny back in 77 and I think they still hold up. Thanks to whoever put these up along with leaving the commercials in. Rest In Peace Fred.
I always loved the opening shot of the audience. Mull’s character was the epitome of smarminess, which was the key to what made the show so funny. And the blank look on Jerry’s face was priceless. And no one can shake a booty like Happy.
I was told the audience were bused in from retirement homes with half of them not knowing where they were or even able to comprehend what was going on! Priceless...lol!
After my father died, I never slept..... this show kept me alive for those months when I didn’t want to live. Depression! Thank you Martin and Fred. Came to Hollywood to meet you the summer of 1978, unfortunately you were on break. RIP Fred Willard.
the summer Star Wars came out. My first drive out East, from Denver to Morganton NC. Went to Carowinds that Saturday The Sylvers were the attraction. Boogie Fever was their hit. Maybe.
I had forgotten about Happy Kyne and the Mirthmakers! 70's cheese at its finest. The actor who played Happy Kyne is actually quite famous for other work associated with movies and tv - Frank DeVol.
And the guitarist is Tommy Tedesco from the Wrecking Crew, one of the most successful and prolific studio musicians who played on a large number of Sixties hits.
Great show, where many of us were introduced to the unique and sublime Fred Willard. I think that is the legendary studio guitarist Tommy Tedesco in the band.
I used to watch this show on Nick at Nite when I was 9-10 years old. It was my absolute favorite show...used to sneak downstairs at 2am just to watch it. Had them recorded on VHS tapes. Oh the memories...great to see this again!!😂
Don't you just love those exotic set pieces, the TV tray tables? Pure class. The only thing missing from this episode is William W.D. "Bud" Prize with his innovative chin strap, selflessly giving hope to longstanding and neglected sufferers of improper chin alignment. Sure, his contraption looked unusual, but boy did it work like a charm!
Several years ago on eBay I managed to find the complete series on DVD's that surprisingly includes many of the commercials from back in the day. They are raw recordings, looking like they were lifted from videos......but a fantastic find! RIP Fred Willard.
I forgot about this show...now I'm obsessed with it, so many good actors, Dabney Coleman also a legend ...his show Buffalo Bill was awesome. Happy Kyne (the Band Leader) is Frank De Vol, he wrote and composed numerous Movie and TV scores "Music by De Vol." Dr. Osgood (Craig Richard Nelson) made various cameos in TV and Movies he was the Director for Quantum Leap and Square Pegs shows...and finally Alan Thicke was a writer too.
nothing better than the parelle universe that is Fernwood.. I swear to all the is Holy that I watched this every night and lived next to as well as had a crush on Mary Hartmann
Loved that show back in the day. Fred Willard just passed - that's what brought me here. Very talented guy - looking forward to watching more of these clips! RIP Fred.
Omg ill remember this show like mary Hartman mary Hartman fred Willard Martin mull what a team late night they don't like these anymore late 70s gold RIP fred Willard god blessed
He may have been correct. It makes fun of itself and the tv shows today are all communist propaganda. Go watch the View if you have a strong stomach and you'll see what he meant.
Good Lord, those horrible commercials...I was 12-13 when Fernwood 2 Night and America 2 Night came out, and I loved it even at that age. I really appreciate it as an adult, thanks for sharing these! But oh, those awful commercials...glad you included them too!
Incredible. This was normal...oh gosh...it's almost embarrassing how stupid marketers thought we were. It all changed in the 80s when the new marketing ways came.
Hiliarous use to watch this on nick at nite when I was 7 in 1991 until I was nine in 1993 recorded a lot of nick at nite at the time use to air this show at midnight for I remember correctly 😊
This must be the first episode because IMdb says the first episode is called "Talk To A Jew" (who they have as a guest) and Dabney Coleman is listed in the credits as the mayor. Thanks again for the cool posts, TV commercials are awesome also.
Every week I would watch this show and Mary Hartman. My friends would come over and watch it it would look at me like I was nuts because they didn't know that it was a spoof
That Lifebuoy ad was creepy, "Now, she should be worried"...what, is he gonna violate her? Oh, the '70's! Great, first episode of FERNWOOD 2night. You could tell how they were just trying to figure out their characters and the dynamic. What a great, classic show. I wish it had been on for many years, as opposed to just 2 seasons.
(starting at 12:30) I don't know how much of this is improvised, although I suspect most of it was... but Martin Mull and Fred Willard are exactly what you would expect, and Dabney Coleman, reprising his role from "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," enters near-Jonathan Winters territory. (If you're not familiar with the pedigree of "Fernwood 2-Night," look it up, it's worth it.) Addendum, one year later: I just watched the credits, and noticed that Alan Thicke was one of the producers, and Harry Shearer, a "consultant." No wonder this show was so good, right from the beginning. (I am not going to insult anyone reading this by explaining who they are.)
Would love to see the Rolletti Sherwood wedding. She wore my wedding gown and I almost died of embarrassment in my own living room. If anyone has this episode can you post it ? Thanks
RIP Martin Mull. One of the funniest guys ever.
This "talk show" is a million times better than the crap on tv these days !!!
Very enjoyable & memorable :)
It was pretty awesome...so funny, actually funny 👍🏻😊
What a basic thing to say
As a parody, it is better which says a lot. I love "Born Again Surfers".
On one episode they were joking about President Ford but the humor was funny and not offensive. Today the comedians get personal and hateful when they joke about our political leaders. They have lost the art of making everyone laugh at a political joke and nobody is offended.
Fred Willard's death today brought me here. I remember watching these way back along with" Mary Hartman- Mary Hartman." ITILII is right they were funny back in 77 and I think they still hold up. Thanks to whoever put these up along with leaving the commercials in. Rest In Peace Fred.
Mary Hartman used to creep me out as a child. I watch it now and get it but back then... 😬
And “Soap”….
I became a true fan of Fred Willard through Fernwood Tonight
I always loved the opening shot of the audience.
Mull’s character was the epitome of smarminess, which was the key to what made the show so funny.
And the blank look on Jerry’s face was priceless.
And no one can shake a booty like Happy.
Right. Great memories of the Summer of 1977.
I was told the audience were bused in from retirement homes with half of them not knowing where they were or even able to comprehend what was going on! Priceless...lol!
... and those ads! At first, I thought they were parody, too -- but they're for real. Just 45 years old is all...
Haven't really seen anything better than this television spoof since just my kind of humor
After my father died, I never slept..... this show kept me alive for those months when I didn’t want to live. Depression! Thank you Martin and Fred. Came to Hollywood to meet you the summer of 1978, unfortunately you were on break. RIP Fred Willard.
Strange.
RIP Fred, you've left so many brilliant performances that we'll enjoy for years
RIP Fred. I used to watch this show back in the 1970s. Martín Mull and Fred Willard were magic together. Hilarious stuff.
Summer of 1977 watching Fernwood with Judy every night at her house sitting job...great summer...
the summer Star Wars came out. My first drive out East, from Denver to Morganton NC. Went to Carowinds that Saturday The Sylvers were the attraction. Boogie Fever was their hit. Maybe.
Rest in Peace Fred Willard. You were great!!
RIP Fred Willard you wonderful funny man. Thanks for the laughs. Heaven got a little funnier at our expense.
I had forgotten about Happy Kyne and the Mirthmakers! 70's cheese at its finest. The actor who played Happy Kyne is actually quite famous for other work associated with movies and tv - Frank DeVol.
He co-wrote a #1 hit for the Supremes, "The Happening." And the theme song for "The Brady Bunch."
And the guitarist is Tommy Tedesco from the Wrecking Crew, one of the most
successful and prolific studio musicians who played on a large number of Sixties hits.
RIP Fred Willard
I remember being a kid when these came out and loving the show. To me this is the ancestor of early Letterman.
the absolute genius of norman lear
Hilarious. Mull and Willard ahead of their time. Laugh out loud
What a classic! We were all lucky to have lived in those times. DeVol is my hero.
R.I.P. Jerry Hubbard!
loved loved watching this show back when I was probably 12,13 years old
Great show, where many of us were introduced to the unique and sublime Fred Willard. I think that is the legendary studio guitarist Tommy Tedesco in the band.
Fred really was the right compliment for Marty. He ignites the humor. Will miss him. Loved this show.
This show was funny as hell. I wish it was on DVDs.
I used to watch this show on Nick at Nite when I was 9-10 years old. It was my absolute favorite show...used to sneak downstairs at 2am just to watch it. Had them recorded on VHS tapes. Oh the memories...great to see this again!!😂
Don't you just love those exotic set pieces, the TV tray tables? Pure class. The only thing missing from this episode is William W.D. "Bud" Prize with his innovative chin strap, selflessly giving hope to longstanding and neglected sufferers of improper chin alignment. Sure, his contraption looked unusual, but boy did it work like a charm!
RIP Fred. Thanks for all the laughs!
I really hope they release these on DVD someday. I can remember loving watching this late night show. Classic.
Pale Horse it's up to Sony to release it on DVD 😊
@@only257 Well, we've waited over 40 years. My patience and years are running out!! 😜 Come on Sony!!!
This and Mary Hartman Mary Hartman Mary Hartman were excellent reasons to stay up late.
Several years ago on eBay I managed to find the complete series on DVD's that surprisingly includes many of the commercials from back in the day. They are raw recordings, looking like they were lifted from videos......but a fantastic find! RIP Fred Willard.
R.I.P Fred Willard. You were an incredibly funny guy. Thanks for the laughs.
#RIPFredWillard - one of the most peculiar guys on TV.
I forgot about this show...now I'm obsessed with it, so many good actors, Dabney Coleman also a legend ...his show Buffalo Bill was awesome.
Happy Kyne (the Band Leader) is Frank De Vol, he wrote and composed numerous Movie and TV scores "Music by De Vol." Dr. Osgood (Craig Richard Nelson) made various cameos in TV and Movies he was the Director for Quantum Leap and Square Pegs shows...and finally Alan Thicke was a writer too.
nothing better than the parelle universe that is Fernwood.. I swear to all the is Holy that I watched this every night and lived next to as well as had a crush on Mary Hartmann
Loved that show back in the day. Fred Willard just passed - that's what brought me here. Very talented guy - looking forward to watching more of these clips! RIP Fred.
used to love this show....
Excellent retrospect. Thank you for posting this treasure. The set design was awesome.
A precursor to the "Larry Sanders Show", both were excellent.
And a predecessor to the "Sammy Maudlin" sketches on SCTV a couple of years later!
Omg ill remember this show like mary Hartman mary Hartman fred Willard Martin mull what a team late night they don't like these anymore late 70s gold RIP fred Willard god blessed
RIP Fred WIllard
I loved this show. My 7th grade science teacher said, "the show was influenced by communist propaganda." Lol haha 😆and he was serious. 😆
He may have been correct. It makes fun of itself and the tv shows today are all communist propaganda. Go watch the View if you have a strong stomach and you'll see what he meant.
No one seemed to mention that the show was Fernwood Tonight, not America Tonight, but Fred was great on it and so was the incredible Martin Mull.
The drummer is the real deal,...He was with the Tonight Show Orchestra for years...
All the musicians in the band, Happy included, were the real deal. They were some of the top session guys in LA.
That was the best version of Shake your Booty, especially with the dance choreography.
Wow.....they have the old t.v. trays!
Thanks for leaving the commercials in!
RIP Jerry Hubbard!
this show was on in 1977...remember those nights well watching those shows in Los Altos Hills with my gf
Me too. Tell her Hi if you see her.
Thank you! I've been looking for this forever! A very influential show for me!
Good Lord, those horrible commercials...I was 12-13 when Fernwood 2 Night and America 2 Night came out, and I loved it even at that age. I really appreciate it as an adult, thanks for sharing these! But oh, those awful commercials...glad you included them too!
Oh, such dear memories of an era of TV 📺 long gone. Even the commercials.
Fred Willard played a great straitman
I was 5 sooo missed this Sorry Fred RIP
What a doll.
OMG !! PLEASE WAIT FOR THE COMMERCIALS !!!!!! I SWEAR !!
Incredible. This was normal...oh gosh...it's almost embarrassing how stupid marketers thought we were. It all changed in the 80s when the new marketing ways came.
Rest in peace martin mull
This is Fernwood 2Night, episode 1, 1977 (not America 2Night, '78). Full episodes can be found on dailymotion (free)
Loved this stuff back in the day. The again I smoked alot of dope in high school and ate paint chips in my youth.
No glue-sniffing?
I wish it was America 2-Night...
At the time I really thought this show was reaching. Now I see it as way ahead of its time. Perhaps the inspiration for the Larry Sanders show?
R.I.P. Fred Willard
Even commercials were better back then. The cameos on the Tab spot. Thanks - Lumpy
Color tile Wow.i used to work for one
ty for this memory of laughing on the floor of my best friend's kitchen watching the chinodontist patient - YAY BARTH
Yes, indeed. Fred ur the best. RIP.
I just love the metal snack table (and the Exit sign)
RIP, Fred Willard :(
I use to watch this all the time on Nick At Nite...
Channel 48 philly.
Dabney Coleman as the mayor, years before 'Nine to Five' and 'Tootsie'! Loved 'Fernwood'. R.i.p. to Martin, Fred, Dabney, and Frank DeVol.
Cynthia - Fred Willard back in the spirit - just found out about fernwood 2night. What a blessing you had and were😇
Hiliarous use to watch this on nick at nite when I was 7 in 1991 until I was nine in 1993 recorded a lot of nick at nite at the time use to air this show at midnight for I remember correctly 😊
The commercials are priceless !!!!
How did we forget this show
love that optical audio track crackle and hiss!
This must be the first episode because IMdb says the first episode is called "Talk To A Jew" (who they have as a guest) and Dabney Coleman is listed in the credits as the mayor. Thanks again for the cool posts, TV commercials are awesome also.
It is the first show,first season.
I never watched this show when it was on - I wouldn't have gotten it ;-) The Mirthmakers had a great groove!
Awesome show.. hard to beleive 42 years ago... Jerry Hubbard.. aka Fred Ward.. for great straight guy for Martin Mull.. God bless Fred Willard...
LOVE FERNWOOD TONIGHT !
RIP FRED WILLARD
I watched this show in reruns...in the late 80s, at 2 8clock in the da mornin..HaHaHahhhh.
Dabney Coleman is the Mayor....wow
By the way, this is Fernwood Tonight
Stan Tooley agreed I think this is the first episode👻
Every week I would watch this show and Mary Hartman. My friends would come over and watch it it would look at me like I was nuts because they didn't know that it was a spoof
Great memories!
Long live Fred Willard.
very remarkable is RIGHT
This show and "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" were hilarious little shows of the early seventies
Late 70s, but who's counting?
The "MH MH" entire series is on dvd. This show should be too!!!
RIP Fred. Everything you touched was better for it
That Lifebuoy ad was creepy, "Now, she should be worried"...what, is he gonna violate her? Oh, the '70's! Great, first episode of FERNWOOD 2night. You could tell how they were just trying to figure out their characters and the dynamic. What a great, classic show. I wish it had been on for many years, as opposed to just 2 seasons.
That Ovaltine commercial. Yea, It is a replacement for vegetables.
@@fractuss Ovaltine, Wonder Bread and Listerine. Nothing else needed. Thanks - Lumpy
And it is when you're in the synagogue that you wear the ones without the propeller?
The Mossad are probably tracking you right now. Best comment of today.
@@teej783 Actually, that was 9 months ago. But thanks.
(starting at 12:30)
I don't know how much of this is improvised, although I suspect most of it was... but Martin Mull and Fred Willard are exactly what you would expect, and Dabney Coleman, reprising his role from "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," enters near-Jonathan Winters territory.
(If you're not familiar with the pedigree of "Fernwood 2-Night," look it up, it's worth it.)
Addendum, one year later:
I just watched the credits, and noticed that Alan Thicke was one of the producers, and Harry Shearer, a "consultant." No wonder this show was so good, right from the beginning.
(I am not going to insult anyone reading this by explaining who they are.)
This was all there was on TV on late night school nights....except Carson and Twilight Zone reruns.
Bruce Mahler the iron lung guy was the blabbermouth rabbi on Seinfeld.
So they really talked to two Jews on that episode.
I thought that was him, but the video was so fuzzy. Nice call.
Also a regular on the show called Fridays! UA-cam has sketches of him as a puppeteer with raw chicken and a Mexican DJ, hilarious!
First episode of Fernwood Tonight that is. America Tonight (which is how you labeled it) was the second year of the show
these are great! Do you know which episode is the Shari Lewis Lambchop one?
MERLE.. AKA Dabney Coleman... loved Fernwood tonight.. LMAO
This video reminds me that I have to get my cataracts checked.
Dialing for Dentures.
Would love to see the Rolletti Sherwood wedding. She wore my wedding gown and I almost died of embarrassment in my own living room. If anyone has this episode can you post it ? Thanks
With the lack of pixels, I thought I was being tested for cataracts. Great show anyway.
This show had a two person Reno 911 feel to it.
His desk is a TV dinner tray table! 🙌
Jerry Hubbard was only a slightly more ridiculous version of Ed McMahon--hilariously played by Willard.
P.S. This is Fernwood 2 Night, not America 2 Night.
The cheesy 70s! Those were the days ...