The Merv Griffin Show

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the Seinfeld episode, see The Merv Griffin Show (Seinfeld episode).

The Merv Griffin Show was a long-running American television talk show, starring singer Merv Griffin. The series ran from October 6, 1962 to June 2, 1963 on NBC, September 20, 1965 to September 26, 1969 in first-run syndication, from September 29, 1969 to September 1, 1972 at 11:30 PM ET weeknights on CBS and again in first-run syndication from September 4, 1972 to June 6, 1986.

In 1965, Griffin launched a syndicated version of his talk show for the "Group W" division of Westinghouse Broadcasting. The Merv Griffin Show aired in a variety of time slots throughout North America (many stations ran it in the daytime, some broadcast it opposite Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show, and it was carried for many years in prime time on WNEW in New York). Stations had the option of carrying either a 60-minute or a 90-minute version. Merv's announcer-sidekick was the veteran British character actor Arthur Treacher, who had been his mentor. Treacher would introduce Griffin with the phrase: "And now, the dear boy himself," after reading off the list of guests for that evening's show. After Treacher left the show, Griffin would do the announcing himself, and walk on stage with the phrase: "And now..., here I come!"

On a few occasions Frank Sinatra would make an appearance with his side kicks Jilly Rizzo, Pat Henry and the ever present Petey Bear.

A typical show would begin with a short introduction by Griffin, during which he would sometimes sing a song. Various celebrity guests would follow, conversing with Griffin. Generally the show originated in Los Angeles, but Griffin often taped in Las Vegas. In addition, from 1969 to 1970 the show was located at the Cort Theatre in New York City. One set of popular and regularly returning artists were Motown's premier girl-group, The Supremes who made guest appearances in 1971, 1975 and 1976, with a rotating line up in each show.

From the 1970s to the early 1980s, the show was taped at Caesars Palace.^[1]

Griffin's longtime bandleader was Mort Lindsey.

Seinfeld spoofed the show in Season 9, Episode 6, “The Merv Griffin Show,” in which Cosmo Kramer pretends that he hosts his own talk show using discarded material from the Merv show.

Andy Kaufman's appearance on the show was edited into the 1999 biopic Man on the Moon, with Griffin being played by character actor Mike Villani. The movie claims that all guests of the show receive an autographed photograph of Mr. Mervyn Griffin, coupons, and Turtle Wax.^{[citation needed]}

Over the 25 years, Griffin interviewed 25,000 guests.