Heee Haw

Hee Haw was an American television variety show that combined comedy, music, and rural Southern culture. It was first aired in 1969 on the CBS network before being syndicated for many years, concluding its run in 1993. The show was created by Frank Peppiatt and John Aylesworth, who sought to offer a country music-themed comedy variety show similar in style to Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In but catering to a Southern or rural audience.

Format and Content

The format of Hee Haw was a mixture of sketch comedy, musical performances, and guest appearances by popular country music artists of the time. It was known for its recurring sketches and characters, such as Minne Pearl, Grandpa Jones, and Roy Clark, who also served as one of the show's hosts alongside Buck Owens. The show's setting was a fictional rural "Kornfield Kounty," and it often featured segments like "The Cornfield," where cast members would tell jokes to each other, and "PFFT! You Was Gone," a segment where a cast member would sing a humorous song about lost love.

Cultural Impact

Hee Haw had a significant cultural impact, especially in rural America. It celebrated rural Southern culture in a way that was both humorous and affectionate, avoiding the mockery that was common in other media representations of the South at the time. The show's blend of humor, music, and cultural pride resonated with a large audience, making it a staple of American television for over two decades.

Despite its popularity, Hee Haw faced criticism from some quarters for perpetuating stereotypes about rural Americans. However, many fans and scholars argue that the show's self-aware, tongue-in-cheek humor allowed it to comment on those stereotypes rather than simply reinforce them.

Legacy

After its original run ended, Hee Haw continued to influence American culture and television. It has been referenced in various other media and is remembered fondly by many for its unique blend of comedy and music. The show also helped to popularize many country music artists, giving them a national platform that was otherwise hard to come by at the time.

In recognition of its impact on American television and culture, Hee Haw was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. The show's legacy continues through reruns, and it remains a beloved part of America's television history.

See Also

• Country Music
• Variety Show
• Television in the United States