A variety show, also known as variety arts or variety entertainment, is an
entertainment made up of a variety of acts (hence the name), especially musical
performances and sketch comedy, and normally introduced by a compère (master of
ceremonies) or host. Other types of acts include magic, animal and circus acts,
acrobatics, juggling and ventriloquism.
The variety format made its way from Victorian era stage to radio to television.
Variety shows were a staple of anglophone television from its early days into
the 1970s, and lasted into the 1980s. In several parts of the world, variety TV
remains popular and widespread. |