Series synopsis
The Abbott and Costello Show is an American comedy television series that premiered on Syndication on December 5, 1952. It ended on May 1, 1954. It stars Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Joe Besser and Pat Flaherty.
Bud and Lou are unemployed actors living in Mr. Fields’ boarding house. Lou’s girlfriend Hillary lives across the hall. Many situations arise leading to slapstick and puns.
Premise
Bud and Lou are unemployed actors living in Mr. Fields’ boarding house. Lou’s girlfriend Hillary lives across the hall. Many situations arise leading to slapstick and puns.
Premise: The comedic duo engages in humorous scenarios.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Bud Abbott as Bud Abbott
- Lou Costello as Lou Costello
- Joe Besser as Stinky Davis
- Pat Flaherty as Jail Guard
- Teddy Infuhr as Fresh Kid
- Glenn Strange as Tessie's Steady Boyfriend
- Percy Helton as Hap
- Virginia Christine as Mrs. Jackson
Supporting cast
- Charles Williams as Duncan
- Maudie Prickett as Woman in Casino (uncredited)
- Charlie Hall as Jake - Roofer
- Ralph Sanford as Police Sergeant
- Dick Wessel as Larry
- Sarah Padden as Old Lady on Street
- Dick Gordon as Col. Davis
- Phyllis Coates as Millie Montrose
- Paul Fix as Lefty the Shiv
- Russell Custer as Man at Auction (uncredited)
- Ben Welden as Gaston - Restaurant Manager
- Barbara Billingsley as Becky the Cashier (uncredited)
Guest cast
- Joe Besser as Stinky Davis
- Pat Flaherty as Jail Guard
- Teddy Infuhr as Fresh Kid
- Glenn Strange as Tessie's Steady Boyfriend
- Percy Helton as Hap
- Virginia Christine as Mrs. Jackson
- Charles Williams as Duncan
- Maudie Prickett as Woman in Casino (uncredited)
- Charlie Hall as Jake - Roofer
- Ralph Sanford as Police Sergeant
- Dick Wessel as Larry
- Sarah Padden as Old Lady on Street
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 96 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 44 | ||
| Season 1 | 26 | December 5, 1952 | May 29, 1953 |
| Season 2 | 26 | November 7, 1953 | May 1, 1954 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Chris & Paddy Costello on Season 1 Chris and Paddy Costello's opinions on Season 1. |
|
| 2 |
Who's on First Famous comedic skit performed perfectly by Abbott and Costello! |
|
| 3 |
10,000 Kids and a Cop (1984 Short) A Short Film on a Youth Foundation set up in Lou's Son's Honor |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Drug Store Bud and Lou find jobs in Fields' drugstore and nearly wreck the place. This episode opens with the famous "Jonah and the Whale" routine. |
December 5, 1952 |
| 2 |
The Dentist's Office When Lou gets a toothache he attempts to get arrested so he can receive free treatment while incarcerated. |
December 12, 1952 |
| 3 |
Jail Lou damages Mrs. Crumbcake's waterpail and she drags him into court claiming .79 cents in damages. In jail, Lou's crazed cellmate becomes enraged whenever he hears "Niagara Falls." |
December 19, 1952 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Paper Hangers To pay back rent, Bud and Lou attempt to wallpaper an apartment. Later, as waiters in a restaurant, they brawl with hoodlums. |
November 7, 1953 |
| 2 |
Uncle Bozzo's Visit Lou's eccentric opera singing uncle comes to stay with the boys for a couple of months. |
November 14, 1953 |
| 3 |
In Society A wealthy society matron pays Bud to attend a formal reception and impersonate the Duke of Gluten. Lou comes along pretending to be his cousin, the Earl of Waldo. |
November 21, 1953 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Syndication |
|---|---|
| First aired | December 5, 1952 |
| Last aired | May 1, 1954 |
| Status | ended |