The Ed Sullivan Show

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/the-ed-sullivan-show

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the program format?Live television variety show
2. What is the original title?Toast of the Town
3. Who was Ed Sullivan?Ed Sullivan was a New York entertainment columnist who created the show. He chose the acts that appeared on the program and helped launch many artists' careers. He was known for his calm on-camera style and love of good entertainment.
4. Why was the show so famous?The show introduced many famous performers, like Elvis Presley and The Beatles, to a wide audience. It was one of the first TV shows that many people watched together each week. Because of its popularity, it helped shape American music and comedy.

Variety Show: A television or radio program featuring a diverse range of performances, often including music, comedy, dance, and specialty acts.
Cultural Touchstone: An element of culture that serves as a significant point of reference or shared experience for a society.
Appointment Viewing: The practice of watching a television program at the specific time it is broadcast, rather than recording or streaming it later.