Fernwood 2 Night

5.7
197730m

Fernwood 2 Night was a comedic television program that ran from July 1977 – September 1977. It was created by Norman Lear and produced by Alan Thicke as a spin-off/summer replacement from Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. It was a parody talk show, hosted by Barth Gimble and sidekick/announcer Jerry Hubbard, complete with a stage band, Happy Kyne and His Mirthmakers. Barth was the twin brother of Garth Gimble from Mary Hartman. Like Mary Hartman, Fernwood 2 Night was set in the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio. The show satirized real talk shows as well as the sort of fare one might expect from locally-produced, small-town, midwestern American television programming. Well-known actors usually appeared playing characters or a contrivance had to be written for the celebrity to appear as themselves. After one season of Fernwood, the producers revamped the show the following year as America 2-Night. In this second version, Barth and Jerry's show moved to California and was broadcast nationally on the fictional UBS network, whose slogan was "We put U before the BS". This change allowed the show to now have well-known actors on the show as themselves.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Fernwood 2 Night [trailer]

Fernwood 2 Night [trailer]

Seasons

65 Episodes • Premiered 1977

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 1: Talk to a Jew

1. Talk to a Jew

Barth talks about his unusual day-to-day contract. Howard Palmer, a man in an iron lung, plays the piano. ""Talk to a Jew"" -- Morton Rose answers audience questions. (""When is Barbra Streisand's next movie coming out?"")

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 2: Leisure Suits Cause Cancer

2. Leisure Suits Cause Cancer

Barth thanks the viewers for their support that got him renewed for another episode. Rocket to Stardom: Baby Irene sings ""I Didn't Know the Gun Was Loaded"". Barth talks to her about gun control. Happy talks about his nostrils. From Fernwood Commmunity College: Doctor Richard Osgood has proof that leisure suits cause cancer. (You see, they dress up the mice in tiny leisure suits... No, really!) Bury the Hatchet: Iris and Joseph Case want their son, a Catholic priest, to come back to them. Howard Palmer plays, while Baby Irene dances.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 3: The Wonderblender

3. The Wonderblender

Barth introduces his dad. The body language of April McTear -- contortionist. Lou Moffatt plugs Blendermatic, the Wonderblender. The owner of the Butterfly Deli, Susan Cloud (""...the body _requires_ burgers""). Barth's father Garth Sr. and his idiot dog perform,

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 4: Corporal Punishment I

4. Corporal Punishment I

Hula hoopist Darius Washington. South Vietnamese gardener Mein Ko Thein (?) plugs his book: ""Yankee Doodle Gook"". The Other Side of the News:High School Principal Marshall O. Petty discusses corporal punishment by demonstrating it on Debbie Dunbar. Lastly, Garth Sr. and his dumb dog.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 5: Corporal Punishment II

5. Corporal Punishment II

Barth talks with Debbie Dunbar's mother. Since ""last weeks"" on-air spanking, Debbie has gotten several lucrative modeling jobs. Russ Tuttle, the Fernwood coroner talks about cut rate funeral alternatives; Mrs. Dunbar appears with both of her daughters, shamelessly plugging the phone number for her ""talent agency"". Jerry rambles on about families. Barth sings ""Feelings"" while Debbie does cheerleader stuff. Once again, Garth and Louie.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 6: Fernwood Fascinating Females

6. Fernwood Fascinating Females

Vernon Taylor (AKA ""Uncle Sam, Jr"") reads one of his poems, Candy Lee Hargrove talks about the Fernwood Fascinating Females League.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 7: Hearing Ear Dogs for the Deaf

7. Hearing Ear Dogs for the Deaf

Pet control center director Connie Bushman on Hearing Ear Dogs for the Deaf. Also: dancer Lisa Martin; Garth Gimble, Sr. and his dog.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 8: Congressman Chambers

8. Congressman Chambers

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 9: No-frills Hospitals

9. No-frills Hospitals

Ambassador-at-large Harold Mislap talks about his efforts to bring tourism to Fernwood, Dr. Richard Osgood presents his no-frills hospital plan.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 10: Ethnic Myths

10. Ethnic Myths

Daredevil Virgil Simms; Emanuel Kasinski on his latest findings on ethnic myths and prejudice.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 11: Lillian Dunbar

11. Lillian Dunbar

Grandmother Lillian Dunbar and presidential namesake James Earl Carter.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 12: Uncle Sam, Jr (I)

12. Uncle Sam, Jr (I)

Candy discusses gynacology and the need for female gynacologists. Bart plays the guitar while Happy and Vernon accompany him.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 13: Tony Rolletti and Susan Cloud

13. Tony Rolletti and Susan Cloud

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 14: Breeding Athletes

14. Breeding Athletes

Barth challenges Jimmy Carter to come on the show and compete with him to prove just who is a star. Lou Moffet offers tips on home music ripoffs and the presents the American Guitar Studios home study course offered by Gimblco Enterprises. Happy & band member Tommy Maranucci sit and chat.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 15: Animal Sexuality

15. Animal Sexuality

Professional football consultant Emanual Kasinski on the breeding of large men.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 16: Garth Gimble Memorial Tennis Classic

16. Garth Gimble Memorial Tennis Classic

This episode is tentatively scheduled for air on TV LAND July 20th at midnight. Original production number: 127 Barth promotes the planned Garth Gimbel Memorial Tennis Classic. W.D. ""Bud"" Prize (Kenneth Mars) returns, and bows to public demands that he reveal the secret of his chinadonture treatment. In a rebuttal to Dr. Van Moot (aka Dr. Osgood), Phil Maltby (Morgan Upton) of Phil's Fashion Funwear and Medical Research Lab explains that leisure suits, far from causing cancer, actually can help cure disease. ""Bud"" Prize is so stimulated by this revelation that he falls asleep.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 17: Dating Service for Dogs

17. Dating Service for Dogs

Connie Bushman talks about her dating service for dogs. Radio personality Terry Guy plugs his disc jockey correspondence course.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 18: Lou Moffatt on Land Deals

18. Lou Moffatt on Land Deals

Lou Moffatt on land deals; Bassist Eddie Thomerson. Sylvia Miller also appears and discusses how a martian violated her with a beam of blue light.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 19: Uncle Sam Jr. II

19. Uncle Sam Jr. II

Vernon Taylor, better known as Uncle Sam, Jr. is back and as passionate as ever.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 20: Comedy Sales Techniques

20. Comedy Sales Techniques

Insurance salesman Elliott J. Tubbs demonstrates his comedy sales techniques. Happy Kyne on shut-ins.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 21: Tom Waits

21. Tom Waits

Tom Waits. ""Bud"" Prize on using CB radio to bring in tourists.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 22: Dumbness measuring machine

22. Dumbness measuring machine

A dumbness measuring machine is demonstrated. Actually, more like a dumbness alarm. Say a dumb thing, and the alarm goes off. Like every time that Jerry opens his mouth.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 23: no info

23. no info

Happy Kyne shares the latest gizmo developed by the Olfactory Center of Toledo; the nose aid.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 24: Singers and salesmen

24. Singers and salesmen

Mario Dorsett on his success as a singer; Tony Rolletti; Mrs. Walter Donker, whose husband sells cars.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 25: Criminal Justice

25. Criminal Justice

Gilbert Ulysses Nelson discusses the treatment of criminals.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 26: Still a Dream

26. Still a Dream

Local opera singer Donny Lee Savage; Dr. Hugh Slocum on his latest scientific discovery; Amateur photographer Marianne Cox.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 27: Fernwood Blood Drive

27. Fernwood Blood Drive

Singing duo Doug and Diana Mitchell; Fernwood blood drive chairman Larry Guy.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 28: Ratings Week

28. Ratings Week

Singer Laurie Gallagher performs, accompanied by her mother on drums. Also: Bud Prize and Sylvia Miller.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 29: Barbershop Trio

29. Barbershop Trio

Doctor Alexander Beach discusses his findings on marijuana. How the Humdinger Barbershop Quartet became a trio.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 30: Two Ladies Against Pornography

30. Two Ladies Against Pornography

Nettie and Barbara Forman on the elderly.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 31: Church of the Devine Lemonade

31. Church of the Devine Lemonade

The founder of the Church of the Devine Lemonade, Billy Jenkins. George and Sally Krepps discuss the La Fromage method of childbirth.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 32: Roger Bellman

32. Roger Bellman

Marin Worth reads one of his poems. Also: Susan Cloud and chauffeur Earl Simmons.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 33: The Fitness Twins

33. The Fitness Twins

Fernwood mayor Merle Jeeter honors champion Girl scout cookie seller Wendy Price. Also: contortionist Mike Timmins and Mary Lou Bridgewater.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 34: You Are You

34. You Are You

Alberta Cornwall on how colored clothing affects moods; poet Vernon Taylor.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 35: The Barber

35. The Barber

Hair stylist Sal Magglione and Presidential namesake James Earl Carter.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 36: X-Rated Shopping Mall

36. X-Rated Shopping Mall

Sportscaster Jane Tiffany and W. D. ""Bud"" Prize.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 37: Tony Rolletti's autobiography

37. Tony Rolletti's autobiography

Tony Rolletti plugs his autobiography. The Mirth-Makers perform ""Rock Around the Clock"".

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 38: Getting the most from your warranty

38. Getting the most from your warranty

Virgil Simms tells how to get the most out of your new-car waranty. Basically, you make sure that it goes into the shop just before that waranty expires.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 39: Nudists

39. Nudists

Linda Barry, owner of the Fernwood Nudist Colony. Toy maker George Ellsworth.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 40: Wrestling

40. Wrestling

Jane Tiffany; Sylvia Miller; Wrestler Rock Mondo and his assisstant.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 41: Tony and Chance Rolletti

41. Tony and Chance Rolletti

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 42: Solving Water Shortages

42. Solving Water Shortages

Representative Chambers on solving water shortages with icebergs. Lucy and Ed Campbell show how they display affection.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 43: Sex Therapy

43. Sex Therapy

Vern Taylor; Sex therapy clinic founder Matthew Johnson; Happy sings about tooth decay.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 44: Real Estate Tips

44. Real Estate Tips

Comic Buddy Brown; Author Dottie Ann Lee; Eddie Thomerson's real estate tips.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 45: Skateboard Angel

45. Skateboard Angel

Larry Guy takes questions from the audience; The Mirth-Makers play ""Skateboard Angel"".

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 46: Mobile Home Daredevil

46. Mobile Home Daredevil

Las Vegas entertainer Debbie Dunbar; Mobile home daredevil Virgil Simms.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 47: Rev. Chung Hee

47. Rev. Chung Hee

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 48: Pot Sniffing

48. Pot Sniffing

Impressionist Reggie Morrison; Principal Marshall Petty; Susan Cloud.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 49: Pet Mating Service

49. Pet Mating Service

Connie Bushman on her computer pet mating service; Sherry McCormick performs "" I Like Dreamin'""; The Birchfield, Ohio mayor tells how he spent 90 days in jail.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 50: Harrison Edwards' Moon

50. Harrison Edwards' Moon

Historian Harrison Edwards. Also: Tony Rolletti and Jane Tiffany.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 51: Behind Hollywood

51. Behind Hollywood

Author Duane Goff plugs his book, ""Behind Hollywood"". The Mirth-makers perform ""Fifteen and Free"".

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 52: Etiquette Guidelines

52. Etiquette Guidelines

Barth starts the show with a slide show of his travels around Hollywood. Guests for this episode are etiquette authority Meg Endicott and her new book, Etiquette Guidelines for the Future and U.S. Defense Department representative, Col. Morris Chandler, announcing the newly formed War Deprogramming Center, a facility that helps war veterans ease back into the civilian life by first returning them to the war.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 53: Aunt Edity

53. Aunt Edity

The show starts off on a somber note when Barth announces that the recently hired sportscaster, Jane Tiffany, was injured and is now in a coma, her prognosis uncertain. They proceed to hold an impromptu tribute to her which was quickly thrown together without hardly any thought or preparation and it shows. The first guest claimed to be Barth's Aunt Edith but is in fact Barth's former "patron" from Miami. This much older woman has tracked him down for the promised "services to be rendered" once she "put mirrors on every ceiling." The next guest claimed to be an accomplished dancer who defected from the Soviet Union but it becomes obvious that Serge Nabokov was kicked out because, as his mother put it, "you stink.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 54: no info

54. no info

Barth says a prayer on the show before introducing former daredevil now auto mechanics instructor Virgil Simms. He talks about being an auto-mechanics instructor at the Fernwood Community College. Also appearing is Elliot J Tubbs, the newly appointed National Liquor Lobby representative furthering the alcohol industry's cause. Barth ends the show with a song about truckers and fruit.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 55: no info

55. no info

The show begins with Barth and Jerry reacting to some comments made by Tom Snyder. With the band's strike over, things return to normal. Tonight's guests include Edward Bailey, a hamburger bun juggler from the Bun-N-Run, Dr. Harlen Washburn, who describes his vision of integrated education and returning guest Baby Irene performing Animal Crackers.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 56: Theological Correspondence Course

56. Theological Correspondence Course

Father George Reese plugs his theological correspondence course, and accordianist Frankie ""Kid"" Carbone.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 57: Singles Mingles Club

57. Singles Mingles Club

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 58: Lattimore Diet Program

58. Lattimore Diet Program

Six-year-old trombonist Kevin McCormick. Mrs. Lillian Lattimore describes her diet program.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 59: Battery Powered Car

59. Battery Powered Car

Virgil Simms introduces his battery powered car. Emanual Kasinski on Gay Liberation.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 60: Harry Shearer

60. Harry Shearer

Harry Shearer discusses his work in TV news.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 61: Amusement and Healing Parks

61. Amusement and Healing Parks

Bob and Joanne Herlick recite Shakespeare. Nelson Phipps of the Amusement and Healing Parks.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 62: Indian Princess

62. Indian Princess

On the show tonight: Indian princess Shosen Rising Star and psychologist Stanley Turnbull.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 63: Fan Club President

63. Fan Club President

Barth Gimble fan club president Mercedes Blyweiss presents an award to Barth.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 64: The Ransom

64. The Ransom

Happy Kyne talks about where songwriters get their inspiration. Happy and the Mirth-Makers sing ""Ice Cream Baby"". Barth interviews three heavily-disguised criminals. Barth explains to Jerry how cartoons work. Bud Prize talks about the ransom note. Somebody has his chow-chow! Barth gets a singing telegram -- actually a summons from Miami.

Still image for Fernwood 2 Night season 1 episode 65: Save "Fernwood 2Night" Telethon

65. Save "Fernwood 2Night" Telethon

Barth and Jerry stage a telethon to save the show. Final episode of the series. Continues the next summer as ""America 2Night"".

Cast

Photo of Fred Willard

Fred Willard

Jerry Hubbard

Photo of Frank De Vol

Frank De Vol

Happy Kyne

Photo of Martin Mull

Martin Mull

Barth Gimble

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