Big Top (American TV series)

Big Top was a live American television program broadcast on CBS from 1950 to 1957. The show was a circus-themed variety show aimed primarily at children.

Hosted by Jack Sterling, the program featured a rotating cast of circus performers, including clowns, acrobats, animal trainers, and trapeze artists. The show was notable for its live format, which meant that the performers were under immense pressure to deliver flawless performances. Accidents were not uncommon, adding to the sense of spectacle and danger.

Big Top was broadcast from Camden, New Jersey, which allowed for easy access to performers traveling between engagements. The show’s popularity peaked in the early 1950s, coinciding with the golden age of television and the enduring appeal of the circus. While entertaining, the show's treatment of animals would likely be viewed differently by modern audiences. The series was ultimately canceled in 1957, likely due to a combination of factors, including rising production costs and changing audience tastes. However, Big Top remains a nostalgic memory for many who grew up watching television in the 1950s, and clips of the show can still be found online.