8 Awful ’70s/’80s Variety Show Performances That Were Hard to Watch

The 1970s were packed with variety shows that tried to blend comedy, music, and skits into entertaining packages. However, not every performance hit the right note. Some moments were so poorly executed or awkward that they became infamous for all the wrong reasons. Here are eight that stood out.

1. The Brady Bunch Kids Singing Pop Hits

The Brady Bunch kids often performed musical numbers on their spin-off variety show, and the results were almost always cringeworthy. Dressed in matching polyester outfits, their attempts to sing popular hits felt forced and unnatural. Their lack of harmony and over-rehearsed dance moves didn’t help matters.

Many viewers found these performances embarrassing because the actors seemed uncomfortable. Rather than highlighting their talents, these musical interludes only reminded audiences that they were better suited to scripted dialogue than live singing. The awkwardness became a running joke among fans.

2. Paul Lynde’s Halloween Special

Paul Lynde was a staple of ’70s television, but his infamous Halloween special took camp to a new level. Featuring odd celebrity cameos like KISS and Margaret Hamilton, the mix of spooky themes and bad jokes fell flat. The performances felt out of place, confusing audiences.

While Lynde’s charm worked in smaller doses, this over-the-top special stretched his appeal too thin. Viewers were left wondering what they had just watched as the absurd sketches dragged on. It became a symbol of how wild and inconsistent variety shows could be.

3. The Star Wars Holiday Special’s Musical Numbers

The infamous Star Wars Holiday Special featured musical numbers that felt completely disconnected from the franchise’s tone. Bea Arthur singing to cantina patrons and a bizarre ballad from Carrie Fisher left audiences bewildered. It was hard to believe these scenes made it past production.

Fans of Star Wars were especially disappointed by how cheesy these performances were. The songs did little to enhance the story, and many considered them unnecessary filler. The special has since become a cult curiosity, but not for the reasons intended.

4. Donny and Marie Osmond Covering ‘Wild Cherry’s Play That Funky Music’

The wholesome image of Donny and Marie Osmond clashed hilariously with their attempt to cover Wild Cherry’s funky anthem. Their clean-cut delivery drained the song of its edge, turning it into a performance that felt more like parody than homage.

This mismatch highlighted how out-of-touch some variety shows could be when trying to appeal to younger audiences. Instead of celebrating funk, the Osmonds’ version came off as awkward and sanitized. It remains a head-scratcher for anyone revisiting ’70s pop culture.

5. John Travolta’s Disco Duet on ‘The Redd Foxx Show’

Before his movie stardom, John Travolta appeared on The Redd Foxx Show to perform a disco-inspired duet. The routine featured stiff choreography and cheesy lyrics that failed to capture the disco era’s energy. Even Travolta’s natural charisma couldn’t save it.

This performance was a reminder that not every star transition goes smoothly. Travolta seemed out of his element, and the overall production lacked polish. It’s a forgotten footnote in his career that fans rarely mention.

6. The Jackson 5’s Comedy Skits

While The Jackson 5 dazzled audiences with their musical talent, their comedy skits on their variety show were another story. The poorly written jokes and awkward timing made their attempts at humor hard to watch. Their natural charisma couldn’t make up for weak material.

Audiences often wished the show had focused solely on their music. The skits felt like an unnecessary addition that didn’t play to their strengths. Despite this, their musical numbers remain some of the highlights of ’70s television.

7. Cher and Elton John’s Odd Duet

Cher’s variety show often featured high-profile guests, but her duet with Elton John left many scratching their heads. The performance was overly theatrical, with costumes and staging that overshadowed their undeniable vocal talent. It felt more like a spectacle than a genuine collaboration.

Both artists are known for their larger-than-life personas, but this performance lacked cohesion. Fans expected a memorable musical moment but were instead treated to a mismatched display that felt more awkward than entertaining. It’s a rare misstep for these two legends.

8. The Mandrell Sisters’ Puppet Segment

Barbara Mandrell and her sisters were beloved country stars, but their variety show occasionally veered into bizarre territory. One segment featured them performing alongside puppets, and the result was unintentionally hilarious. The puppets’ stiff movements clashed with the sisters’ polished singing.

The segment felt unnecessary and out of place, leaving viewers confused. While the Mandrells were undoubtedly talented, this experiment in variety show gimmicks didn’t land. It’s a moment that’s best left in the past.