When pressed to explain the high weirdness of America’s bicentennial year, simply cite The Paul Lynde Halloween Special which aired in 1976 as an ABC special. Special guests included:
• Tim Conway from The Carol Burnett Show
• Roz Kelly aka Fonzie’s girlfriend Pinky Tuscadero
• Margaret Hamilton aka The Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz
• Billie Hayes aka Witchie-poo from H.R. Pufnstuf
• Billy Barty aka Hugo from Dr. Shrinker and Sigmund from Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
• Florence Henderson from The Brady Bunch
• Betty White from The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Lynde and musical guest KISS were both at the apex of their fame and influence. So go enjoy some canned laughter, unbelievably corny jokes, and KISS going through the motions on Detroit Rock City.
• The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (h/t my mom and dad four decades ago)