Why Did The Great Turkey Give-Away Episode Win an Emmy?

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SUMMARY

The episode "The Great Turkey Give-Away" from the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati won the Emmy award for funniest show of the year due to its comedic brilliance, particularly in its juxtaposition of the Hindenburg disaster with the chaos of live turkeys being dispensed from a helicopter. The iconic line, "With God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly," has become a hallmark of television comedy. The discussion highlights the enduring appeal of WKRP in Cincinnati and its impact on viewers, alongside mentions of other beloved comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with classic sitcoms, particularly WKRP in Cincinnati
  • Understanding of television award shows, specifically the Emmy Awards
  • Knowledge of comedic techniques, such as juxtaposition and timing
  • Awareness of iconic television quotes and their cultural significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Emmy Awards history and notable winners in comedy categories
  • Explore the impact of WKRP in Cincinnati on modern sitcoms
  • Analyze the use of humor in classic sitcoms versus contemporary shows
  • Investigate the significance of memorable quotes in television history
USEFUL FOR

Television enthusiasts, comedy writers, and fans of classic sitcoms seeking to understand the cultural impact of iconic episodes and their comedic elements.

Artman
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For me the show was WKRP in Cincinatti and the episode was "The Great Turkey Give-away." Hilarious comparison between the Hindenburg disaster and the dispensing of live turkeys from a helicopter over a supermarket parking lot.

I knew when I saw it that that show should win an award. It did win the funniest show of the year Emmy award for that episode.

Classic line: "With God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!"

What are your favorite funny shows?
 
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The WKRP turkeys were my second favorite. My favorite was the death of Chuckles the Clown on the Mary Tyler Moore show.

A little song, a little dance,
A little seltzer down your pants...

Njorl
 


I completely agree with you, the "Great Turkey Give-away" episode of WKRP in Cincinnati was absolutely hilarious! The way they juxtaposed the Hindenburg disaster with the chaos of live turkeys flying everywhere was pure genius. And that line, "With God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly," is definitely a classic. It's no surprise that it won the funniest show of the year Emmy award.

As for my favorite funny shows, there are so many to choose from! I love shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine for their quick wit and clever humor. And of course, classic sitcoms like Friends and Seinfeld never fail to make me laugh. But I have to say, WKRP in Cincinnati definitely holds a special place in my heart for its timeless comedy.