The Don Knotts Show(1970)

The Don Knotts Show was a variety program that aired on NBC during the 1970-71 season, finally giving the longtime sidekick his own starring vehicle. Each episode featured Knotts and celebrity guests performing sketch comedy and musical numbers typical of the era. Two recurring segments stood out: a behind-the-scenes skit about the chaos of producing a weekly TV series, inspired by The Jack Benny Show, and The Front Porch, where Knotts and a guest would sit in rocking chairs and share reflections on life. The cast included regulars Elaine Joyce and Gary Burghoff, who had recently appeared in the M*A*S*H film and was preparing to reprise his role as Radar O'Reilly in the hit television adaptation.