Most don’t know that The Honeymooners got its humble beginnings (see: whacky hijinks) from a recurring sketch that ran between 1951 and 1955, and then again in 1961 as a reboot of sorts.
The Jackie Gleason Show was a variety show, which showcased Jackie Gleason’s superb comedic talents. It was during the variety show, where he tested out his most memorable character, Brooklynite Ralph Kramden. Like The Honeymooners, the variety show was filmed in front of a live audience, as part of the DuMont network. The network featured all of Gleason’s shows including The Honeymooners, Cavalcade of Stars, and American Scene Magazine.
