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TV Time Capsule

For December 26-January 31, 2026

In recognition of the 100th Birthday of Dick Van Dyke, I present a collection of Dick Van Dyke videos from his TV career from the mid-50s, plus a special video from 2016 taken in his hometown of Danville, Illinois.

Dick Van Dyke and Doug 2016

When Dick Van Dyke appeared in Danville during June of 2016, I had the opportunity to talk with him briefly. I'll never forget it! It was my goal to eventually meet Danville's favorite son after moving there in 1977.

Vintage TV Set from the 1950s_edited_edi
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Dick Van Dyke

Some browsers will not play the embedded videos below; if yours won't, click the YouTube logo to watch them directly on YouTube.

Welcome Home, Dick Van Dyke

Produced in 2016, Dick Van Dyke returns for what will probably be the last time. Those scenes at Danville High School are familiar to me because I was there. Scenes include landing at The Danville Airport and include students from Danville High School. Check the scenes around Danville, where Dick returns home, where he grew up.

2016 Dick and Arlene at Danville, IL High School

Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene, at a road sign dedicated to him that is in front of the Danville High School. You'll see the sign in its entirety in the video above.

(YouTube screen grab)

1956 CBS Cartoon Theater

CBS Cartoon Theater with Dick Van Dyke (1956) 

From YouTube: "In 1955, CBS bought out the entire Terrytoons library and rights to their characters for $3.5 million dollars and wasted no time in recouping their investment.  Almost immediately in 1955, CBS released to TV "The Mighty Mouse Playhouse" as well as "The Farmer Alfalfa Show" (both shows consisting of old cartoons with new bumpers and intros added).  

"Then, in 1956, CBS ventured into nighttime cartoon programming with the introduction of the summer show 'CBS Cartoon Theatre."  Dick Van Dyke (then not a famous celebrity), was the live-action host who chatted and exchanged jokes with the animated characters.  A simple concept, but well enough done.  This show lasted 13 weeks and presented here is show #1."  

ABC Mother's Day 1958

Mother's Day (1958) ABC

YouTube: "This early-career entry for beloved icon Dick Van Dyke finds the peerless actor, comedian, dancer and entertainer serving as the charming emcee of a game show involving competition in the completion of simple household tasks. The program offers more than a few hints at the brilliant comedic touch and warmth that would soon make Van Dyke an international superstar, as he humorously interacts with contestants and conducts lightheaded challenges, with classic ad libs along the way." This is from October 21, 1958.

ABC Pat Boone Chevy Show

The Pat Boone Chevy Show (1958) ABC

From YouTube: "In this Classic TV moment, an up-and-coming Dick Van Dyke performs alongside the multi-talented singer, actor & philanthropist Pat Boone in their rendition of 'You Gotta Have Heart' on THE PAT BOONE CHEVY SHOW (1958)."

 

This is from the Clown Jewels YouTube Channel.

NBC Laugh Line 1959

Laugh Line (1959) NBC

This installment of "Laugh Line" was seen on NBC on April 16, 1959.  The panel consisted of Orson Bean, Dorothy Louden, Mike Nichols, and Elaine May.

Dick Van Dyke Show (1962) "The Curious Thing About Women"

This classic Dick Van Dyke Show was from the first season, episode 16, in 1962.

CBS Dick Van Dyke Show cast
CBS The New Dick Van Dyke Show

The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1971) CBS Pilot

The first season of "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" was filmed on location in Carefree, Arizona, where Dick plays a local TV host on KXIV-TV. In this episode, Dick smokes a cigarette during his show and gets hooked again. It was written and directed by Carl Reiner.

The "New Dick Van Dyke Show" aired on CBS from 1971 to 1974.

ABC Dick Cavette with Dick Van Dyke

The Dick Cavett Show (1974) ABC Guest: Dick Van Dyke

In this interview segment, he talks about "The Merry Mutes," his pantomime act that originated in Danville, Illinois. He also talks about his stint with Walter Cronkite on the CBS Morning News Show. 

Van Dyke and Company (1975) NBC Pilot

From YouTube: "Following his long-running success in situation comedy, Emmy-winning icon Dick Van Dyke headlined his own variety show in 1975-76 on NBC-TV. Now available for the first time since they were originally broadcast, these hilarious hours showcase the many wonderful talents of television (The Dick Van Dyke Show) and film (Mary Poppins) legend Dick Van Dyke, who can sing, dance, and bring laughter to audiences of all ages."

NBC Vay Dyke and Company
NBC The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1994) NBC 

From September 15, 1994, with Dick Van Dyke, along with Morey Arsterdam and Rose Marie (briefly) on this edition of "The Tonight Show." This also includes a great behind-the-scenes look at NBC-Burbank.

CBS Carol Burnett Show

The Carol Burnett Show (various) CBS Compilation of Dick Van Dyke Appearances

From YouTube: "Cited as one of the best TV shows of all time by TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly, TIME, Rolling Stone, and others, “The Carol Burnett Show” is among the originators of the sketch comedy format."

 

This video is from The Carol Burnett Show Official YouTube Channel.

CBS Diagnosis Murder

Diagnosis Murder (1998) CBS  Dick Van Dyke

This episode of Diagnosis Murder aired on Thursday, October 25, 2001. "Death By Design" starred Dick, along with his son Barry Van Dyke. Guests included Douglas Sheehan ("Knots Landing"), Brooks Almy, K Callan, and Hamilton Von Watts.

This is available on the YouTube Channel Great Film and TV 3.

Happy 100th Birthday Dick Van Dyke

from Central Illinois' On-Line Broadcast Museum

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