Elvis: The Ed Sullivan Shows

Season 1

1956 · 3 episodes · 3h 0m in all

Elvis Presley makes his historic first appearance on the program, captivating an unprecedented audience of approximately 60 million viewers. Because Ed Sullivan is recovering from a recent car accident, actor Charles Laughton serves as the night's guest host. Elvis performs remotely from CBS Television City in Hollywood while simultaneously filming his debut movie, Love Me Tender.

Episodes

1. 

   1. Sept. 9, 1956

   9 Sept 1956 · 58 min

   Elvis Presley makes his historic first appearance on the program, captivating an unprecedented audience of approximately 60 million viewers. Because Ed Sullivan is recovering from a recent car accident, actor Charles Laughton serves as the night's guest host. Elvis performs remotely from CBS Television City in Hollywood while simultaneously filming his debut movie, Love Me Tender. Songs include: Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Ready Teddy and Hound Dog.

2. 

   2. October 28, 1956

   28 Oct 1956 · 61 min

   Elvis Presley returns for his second live television appearance, this time interacting directly with Ed Sullivan, who has returned to his traditional hosting duties at CBS Studio 50 in New York City. Despite growing conservative backlash in the mainstream press following his debut, massive teenage demand drives high ratings. Earlier in the day, Elvis famously receives a public polio vaccine backstage to support national immunization efforts. Songs include: Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Love Me, and Hound Dog.

3. 

   3. January 6, 1957

   6 Jan 1957 · 61 min

   Elvis Presley makes his third and final appearance on the program. Amid public controversy surrounding his dance style, CBS network censors strictly mandate that Elvis be filmed exclusively from the waist up during his rock-and-roll segments. At the end of the night, Ed Sullivan breaks character to publicly defend the young singer, praising him to the nation as "a real decent, fine boy". Songs include: Hound Dog/ Love Me Tender/Heartbreak Hotel Medley, Don't Be Cruel, Too Much, When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again, and Peace in the Valley.