Theater of the Mind
Can You Top This?
34 episodes · 1942–1975 · NBC, Mutual · Comedy
Radio Hall of Fame inductee.
Play Can You Top This? on Radio Days
Listeners sent in jokes, and a panel of comedians, "Senator" Ed Ford (who created the show), Harry Hershfield and Joe Laurie Jr., tried to top them on a laugh meter that measured the studio audience from 0 to 1,000. Peter Donald told the listeners' jokes. It began on WOR in 1940, went to NBC in 1942 and lasted until 1954.
Sources: Can You Top This?, Wikipedia
Episodes
Tap a title to play it on Radio Days.
1942
- Restaurants
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Restaurants."
1945
- Suitors
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Suitors."
1946
1947
- Trickery
The first topic: trickery. - Stupidity
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Stupidity." - Employers
The first topic: the boss. - Secretary
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Secretary." - Service
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Service." - Bus
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Bus." - Psychiatry
The first topic: psychiatry. - Indignation
The first topic: indignation.
1948
- Barbers
The comedians top each other's jokes, starting with the topic "Barbers." - Hats
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
1949
- Salesmen
The first topic: salesmen.
1954
1974
- Campaign
- Railroads
- Reprimands
- Punishment
- Economy
- Help
- Automobile
- Receptions
- Ghosts
- Advertising
- Panhandler