The Abbott and Costello Show

Classic comedians William "Bud" Abbott and Lou Costello are known primarily for their onstage comedy routines—particularly the baseball-themed "Who's on First?"—and their films, including Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), which was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2001 by the Library of Congress. But they also starred in a television sitcom, The Abbott and Costello Show (1952–54). Though short-lived, it is well heralded: Entertainment Weekly and Time magazine have both named it among the best TV shows of all time, and it remains consistently entertaining today. The show's plots serve as a springboard for the pair to perform many of their best routines, including the aforementioned "Who's on First?," here presented in a hilarious version that stretches to nearly eight minutes. Series costars included Hillary Brooke, who had previously appeared in two Abbott and Costello films, and Joe Besser, who would later go on to become a member of the Three Stooges. Entertainment One released the complete series in a nine-disc DVD set last year (see Trailers, LJ 2/1/10), but this bargain-priced, single-disc six-episode selection (all from the first season) should provide the necessary highlights for curious patrons.—David Rapp, Library Journal