The Morecambe & Wise Show (1978 TV series)

The Morecambe & Wise Show (1978 TV series) was a series of six episodes of the iconic British comedy programme The Morecambe & Wise Show broadcast on ITV in 1978. Following a move from the BBC, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise brought their distinctive brand of slapstick, song, and dance, infused with celebrity guests, to a new network. The series retained many of the elements that made the duo household names, including elaborate song and dance routines, comedic sketches, and the recurring "play what I wrote" segment. The 1978 series featured guest stars such as Peter Cushing, Elton John, and Glenda Jackson, all of whom participated in the duo's self-deprecating and often anarchic humour. Although only consisting of six episodes, the series was a ratings success for ITV and is considered a continuation of the duo's golden age of television comedy. The change in channel did not significantly alter the core appeal of Morecambe and Wise's performances, and the 1978 series is often viewed alongside their BBC work as a key part of their legacy.