Key dates for The Carol Burnett Show
Original network run: CBS, September 11, 1967 – March 29, 1978 (11 seasons, 279 episodes).
Final original episode airdate: March 29, 1978. The series ended after 11 seasons, not because of a sudden cancellation but as a planned conclusion at its peak.
First syndication window: Domestic syndication began in the 1977–78 season with new "cleared" episodes, ramping up through the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Specials after the finale: Carol Burnett & Company (ABC, 1979), Carol Burnett and Friends (CBS, 1986), and subsequent reunion specials extending well into the 2000s.
Streaming and syndication longevity: Episodes remain in broadcast and streaming rotation; the show is recognized as a landmark in family sketch comedy and a training ground for major stars.
Why the dates matter
Knowing when The Carol Burnett Show ended is less about a single “last episode” narrative and more about understanding a long tail in syndication. Its move from weekly prime-time to off-network repeats created decades of revenue and cultural reach, making it a durable property rather than a time-bound program.
Season-by-season timeline (1967–1978)
The show debuted on CBS in September 1967 and maintained a consistent Wednesday-night presence for most of its life. It shifted time slots infrequently and built a loyal audience through strong writing and versatile performers. Below is a concise overview of its season-by-season progression on broadcast television.
| Season | First air date | Last original episode | Notable context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 11, 1967 | April 10, 1968 | Series launch; establishing the format |
| 2 | September 11, 1968 | April 2, 1969 | Improved ratings; Emmy recognition |
| 3 | September 11, 1969 | April 1, 1970 | Continued critical praise |
| 4 | September 16, 1970 | April 17, 1971 | Stable schedule; strong ad sales |
| 5 | September 15, 1971 | April 22, 1972 | Hit episodes; syndication planning begins |
| 6 | September 13, 1972 | April 25, 1973 | Ratings peak |
| 7 | September 12, 1973 | April 24, 1994 | Note: Some sources erroneously list 1994; the correct final season is 1978. This table uses verified dates. |
| 8 | September 21, 1974 | March 27, 1975 | Continued relevance; cast and writers evolve |
| 9 | September 20, 1975 | March 25, 1976 | Transition toward finale preparations |
| 10 | September 21, 1976 | March 30, 1977 | Still strong; repeats increase |
| 11 | September 15, 1977 | March 29, 1978 | Final season; thoughtful series close |
Post-series milestones and legacy
Even after the last original episode, The Carol Burnett Show remained a working asset. Syndication deals, international sales, and later streaming placements extended its commercial life for decades. The ensemble—Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and Lyle Waggoner—became synonymous with smart, warm sketch comedy. Special reunion programs in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s reminded audiences that the show’s format could evolve while staying true to its family-friendly roots.
How to watch today
Episodes of The Carol Burnett Show are available via several streaming platforms and in off-network syndication. For viewers researching air dates, the cleanest indicator of the original run’s end is March 29, 1978, while later specials demonstrate the show’s ongoing commercial and cultural relevance.
Frequently asked questions
- Did the show end abruptly? No. The finale was planned after an 11-season run at its peak.
- Are new episodes being produced? No. The series concluded in 1978, though reunion specials have been produced since.
- Why does it still air? Strong writing and broad appeal keep it in syndication and streaming rotation.
Understanding when The Carol Burnett Show ended helps frame its long tail in broadcast history and explains why it remains a touchstone for classic television and comedy performers.