Morecambe and Wise in America – Christmas Gold

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Jonathan Ross presents a new three-part series on how comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise cracked the US

Jonathan Ross on how Eric and Ernie cracked the US

Everyone knows that the most successful comedy double act this country has ever produced are Morecambe and Wise.

Less is known about their work on American TV.

This three-part series fronted by Jonathan Ross fills that gap by shining a spotlight on Eric and Ernie’s US adventures.

Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe on The Ed Sullivan Show

Eric and Ernie at play in the USA

Starting in 1963, the duo appeared more than a dozen times on The Ed Sullivan Show, becoming, along with the Beatles, part of the ‘British invasion’ that swept the US.

Fascinating archive footage shows how the duo tailored their act to suit US audiences – less wordplay and more visual gags. Their genius remains unchanged.

Continues Thursday 3 January.

TV Times rating: ****

Mandy Cooper
Mandy Cooper
TV Times Highlights Editor

As TV Times Highlights Editor I get to hear about all the latest TV shows coming soon. Here at TVT HQ we are in the privileged position of selecting the best programmes from across all the channels and streaming platforms. Our mission is to make it easier for our readers to decide what to watch - and give them lots of choice of genres - all the latest shows, plus some nostalgic choices we call hidden gems, too. My career began with a postgraduate degree in periodical journalism (ahem, yes old school!) in 1991 and I’ve worked in TV media since 2000.