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The Paul Lynde Show

  • TV Series
  • 1972–1973
  • 30m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
252
YOUR RATING
Paul Lynde and Elizabeth Allen in The Paul Lynde Show (1972)
Comedy

Paul Simms, a quiet, respectable attorney living with his wife and two daughters has his life turned upside down when his eldest daughter's new husband, Howie, takes up residence in the Simm... Read allPaul Simms, a quiet, respectable attorney living with his wife and two daughters has his life turned upside down when his eldest daughter's new husband, Howie, takes up residence in the Simms' household which drives Paul to distraction.Paul Simms, a quiet, respectable attorney living with his wife and two daughters has his life turned upside down when his eldest daughter's new husband, Howie, takes up residence in the Simms' household which drives Paul to distraction.

  • Creators
    • Ron Clark
    • Sam Bobrick
  • Stars
    • Paul Lynde
    • Elizabeth Allen
    • John Calvin
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.7/10
    252
    YOUR RATING
    • Creators
      • Ron Clark
      • Sam Bobrick
    • Stars
      • Paul Lynde
      • Elizabeth Allen
      • John Calvin
    • 11User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination total

    Episodes26

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season

    Photos23

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    Top Cast92

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    Paul Lynde
    Paul Lynde
    • Paul Simms
    • 1972–1973
    Elizabeth Allen
    Elizabeth Allen
    • Martha Simms
    • 1972–1973
    John Calvin
    John Calvin
    • Howie Dickerson
    • 1972–1973
    Jane Actman
    • Barbara Simms Dickerson
    • 1972–1973
    Pamelyn Ferdin
    Pamelyn Ferdin
    • Sally Simms
    • 1972–1973
    Herb Voland
    Herb Voland
    • J.J. McNish…
    • 1972
    Dick Wilson
    Dick Wilson
    • George…
    • 1972–1973
    Jerry Stiller
    Jerry Stiller
    • Barney Dickerson
    • 1972–1973
    Anne Meara
    Anne Meara
    • Grace Dickerson…
    • 1972–1973
    Allison McKay
    Allison McKay
    • Alice…
    • 1972
    James Gregory
    James Gregory
    • T.R. Scott
    • 1973
    Charlotte Rae
    Charlotte Rae
    • Aunt Charlotte…
    • 1972
    Richard X. Slattery
    Richard X. Slattery
    • Sullivan
    • 1973
    Mabel Albertson
    Mabel Albertson
    • Mabel…
    • 1973
    Joel Lawrence
    • Officer…
    • 1972
    Dick Van Patten
    Dick Van Patten
    • Dr. Willis…
    • 1972–1973
    Ray Walston
    Ray Walston
    • Mr. Tamura
    • 1972
    Barbara Rhoades
    Barbara Rhoades
    • Eve Loring
    • 1972
    • Creators
      • Ron Clark
      • Sam Bobrick
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    6.7252
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    Featured reviews

    8majtaylo

    Not as bad as people say

    I've seen 23 of the 26 episodes and this show really isn't as bad as most reviews let on. While it is nearly impossible to believe Paul as a straight family man, it doesn't hurt the show at all. The writing and plots tread on very familiar ground--that of many other sitcoms of the 60's and 70's--so at times, the show can get predictable. Having Paul head the show, however, is what gives it a unique twist and even when the plots may seem like they've been done before they still feel new. The first time I watched the show I was reminded of the feeling I got the first time I watched the Joey Bishop Show sitcom from the mid 60's. Lynde's character can be described as a flamboyant 1970's Joey Barnes. I do agree with the other review regarding cast chemistry which is pretty thin. Some highlights do come from the various guest stars that are sprinkled throughout, including Jerry Stiller. Recommended and entertaining!
    10miacraig101

    Brilliant!! Underrated!! Genius!! Cutting edge!

    Probably the single most underrated sitcom of the 70's. Brilliant performance by Sir Paul and deserving of acting and writing awards! A solid supporting cast and fun, quick, witty plot lines that gave everyone great one liners and quick comebacks.
    Little-Mikey

    "The rats are winning!"

    I remember this show. Say what you may, I thought the show was hilarious! The opening credits begin with Paul Simms stepping out of his car. His neighbor yells "How goes the rat race?" Looking over with that unmistakable sneer, he replies "The rats are winning!" Not only must Paul Simms deal with the rat race at work but must also face home-life with his son-in-law, Howie, who not only is smarter than Paul, but is determined not to let materialism get the best of him. In other words, Howie is lazy and has no ambition to do anything more than to live off his father-in-law! His younger daughter is not only nice and well-mannered, but sneaky and forever trying to pull a thing or two over her dear old dad. One episode involved her planning to go out with her girl friends to see "Oh, Bombay" (which is a nude musical like "Oh, Calcutta"). When he got wind of the plan, he grabbed the phone from his daughter and sneered, "Go back to your Cosmopolitan centerfolds" before promptly hanging up the phone. One of the funniest episodes involves Paul Simms and his straight faced long suffering wife, Martha, meeting Howie's parents. Unlike the Simms, Howie's father is the straight faced long suffering husband and Howie's mother is snide and sarcastic, the female version of Paul Simms. This show never failed to leave me laughing. The late, great Paul Lynde was that kind of comedian. He could crack me up just by giving the time of day. It be great if this series could rise from the past as a DVD set!
    10stixxmurphy

    Paul at his funniest

    Some people just dont get Paul Lynde sense of humor. This show from start to finish was entertaining and had me laughing. The point about Paul Lynde saying one or two liners but not for 30 minutes. A Statement not worth reading about. This 30 minute show deals with Paul and his 2 teenage daughters. The writer for the show our clever and witty. Some others will say they can't imagine Mr. Lynde as a father. Its a comedy for god sake go with it. It's too bad that the show couldn't have another season. I say that about Police Squad also. Ive seen all the episodes and still find it entertaining and If you're a Paul Lynde fan, You will too.
    3amolad-1

    Big swing and a miss

    It's supposed to be about a harried lawyer with a wife and kids but with Lynde it's actually about a campy gay man with a wife and kids. A full season was probably fifteen episodes too long.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Pamelyn Ferdin, who played Sally, has said that she found Paul difficult to work with. When she was asked at what point she no longer wanted to do the show, she said that she didn't even want to do the pilot. However, Ferdin enjoyed working on the show and frequently shares her experiences about it (and her many other projects) on social media.
    • Quotes

      Sally Simms: Dad, how's the rat race?

      Paul Simms: The rats are winning.

    • Connections
      Featured in I Love the '70s: Volume 2: 1972 (2006)

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    FAQ17

    • How many seasons does The Paul Lynde Show have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 13, 1972 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Columbia/Warner Bros. Ranch - 411 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Ashmont Productions
      • Screen Gems Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 30m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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