The Smothers Brothers Show Wasn't 'Canceled,' They Were Fired

Tom and Dick Smothers could never quite replicate the success of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," but they nevertheless went on to enjoy long, storied careers, both together and separately. From tours and documentaries to successful Broadway shows and multiple movie and TV appearances, they may not have been the kind of A-list household names some of their old show's alumni became, but they've certainly been around.

Even if the Smothers Brothers had completely disappeared from the limelight after "Comedy Hour," their legacy would have been secure. Not only was the show's subject matter groundbreaking for its day, but it inspired others to find their voices on social issues and helped several amazing up-and-coming talents on their way to fame — from "Only Murders in the Building" star Steve Martin to Rob Reiner. The prestige their pioneering TV work and struggles with censorship attempts earned them wasn't lost on the brothers. 

"In retrospect, it's been a blessing in disguise because it was a major point in our lives and other people's lives, and 10 years later, we get this residual respect from it," Tom Smothers reflected on the show's end in the 1982 David Letterman interview.