Jackie Gleason wrote in later years, his biggest regret was not having done MORE, MORE, MORE "Honeymooners" tv episodes. Sad, but true. The show ran only one season, because Jackie was also doing his one hour tv show. Looking back, the tv show has long disappeared, except for brief clips, but the Honeymooners is legendary, comparable to the likes of I LOVE LUCY. WPIX TV in New York City holds the record for having run the series continuously for nearly 60 years.
This is the first official episode, and may be the very best, as Ralph and Norton put their money into ONE tv set, which naturally stays in Ralph's apartment. Complications (sooo many) arise and its all insane. An example of terrific comedy writing and acting. Note the CAPTAIN VIDEO gag, the pioneer sci fi show was a big hit on the same network DuMont, but was later sold for scrap(!) and only a few precious episodes are known to remain.
There's also a lot of realism and memories to this story. During the early days of tv and NO cable, there were reruns of mysteries and old dark house thrillers in glorious black and white. True to life, Ralph and Norton watch CHARLIE CHAN.
A must see, and Jackie and Art Carney make one fabulous team. A tribute to Joyce Randolph (Trixie), who passed at age 99 in 2024, the last surviving member of the legendary foursome. Audrey Meadows passed in 1996. SEASON 1 EPISODE 1 restored dvd box set. Collectors Edition.