I was a latch-key kid in the 80s. My parents had HBO and no child locks.
I memorized Eddie Murphy’s incredibly inappropriate and frankly hilarious “Delirious” special by the time I was 9. Sorry, mom.
Dangerfield. Seinfeld. Kinison. I loved all of them.
But there were others as well. On the weekends, it was Bugs Bunny and Three Stooges reruns. It was classic sitcoms and maybe some not-so-classic ones.
And at night, in primetime, it was Hee Haw among others.
Comedy has changed somewhat in the years since Hee-Haw’s heyday. Many of the bits in that Eddie Murphy special would rightly get canceled today.
And many of the down-home style bits that made the show popular from sea to shining sea aren’t going to work in a lot of today’s environment.
But let’s be real: Millions of Hee Haw fans couldn’t be wrong.
The show ran on CBS from 1969 – a country-style answer to Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In – to 1971 and then another two decades to 1993 in syndication. Throw in a couple more revival seasons on TNN. In total, Hee Haw ran for 655 episodes.
It was a hit in rural markets but also did well in places like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
It proved there was an appetite for a silly, funny, show featuring corn pone humor, music and more.
Hee Haw may be gone, but its spirit lives on in places like The Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge.
Is The Comedy Barn worth it?
In many ways, The Comedy Barn – which bills itself as the most successful and most attended clean comedy theater in the world – is like a time machine, carrying visitors back to a time when Archie Campbell and crew were world-famous.
The Comedy Barn keeps that vaudeville, variety show spirit of entertainment alive.
In addition to the zany, down-home antics, there are animal acts including cats, canines and barnyard animals. There are also dancers, musicians and a juggling act that can run a little long.
The show also features dancing, magicians, a comedian and ventriloquists and promises to be the funniest show on the Parkway.
The Comedy Barn attraction is absolutely family-friendly.
There will be some scatological clean humor – but it’s kid-friendly and there shouldn’t be anything like the comedy that singed my ears back in the 80s.
If this sounds like your brand of humor, then yes, The Comedy Barn is worth it.
Read Also: Pirates Voyage vs Dolly’s Stampede: Which dinner show is better?
Who owns the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge?
The Barn is owned and operated by World Choice Investments, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show company.
It was acquired in February of 2019 (ouch on the timing) along with the Smoky Mountain Opry, The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show and a restaurant.
However, the Smoky Mountain Opry closed in 2020 and has not yet been reopened.
Read Also: Is the Hatfield and McCoy dinner feud worth it? A review of the Pigeon Forge dinner show
Is The Comedy Barn a dinner show?
No, The Comedy Barn is not a dinner show, but there is a robust snack bar to visit. Also, unsurprisingly, there is no alcohol at the show.
Consider dining before arrival.
Because this is a show located in Pigeon Forge, it also comes with a healthy dollop of patriotic fervor and a touch of gospel music to bring everything home.
For even more added fun, the actors also are known for bringing audience members up on stage. There is a lot of audience participation to go with the corny jokes (literally jokes with corn), magic, juggling, music and more.
It’s a great show for kids, accurately billed as fun for the entire family.
If you’re uncomfortable being pulled on stage or into a bit, you might request a seat further to the back and see if they can accommodate you.
Does The Comedy Barn have a Christmas Show?
During the holiday season, The Comedy Barn switches to a Christmas-themed show for seasonal laughter and family fun.
“You will hear all Christmas music, see Christmas costumes, and laugh at special Christmas acts you’ll only see on our stage. Speaking of laughs, be prepared for the biggest laugh muscle workout you’ve ever had!” show officials promise in a press release.
“We have brand new acts, combined with your favorite acts from the past to bring you the funniest Christmas show in the Smokies! No, in all of Tennessee! No, in all the world.”
“From The Comedy Barn Canines to The Comedy Barn Cloggers, and all the jokesters in-between, Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Comedy Barn! We are wearing our favorite Christmas costumes (and they’re not all overalls), singing our favorite Christmas songs, and laughing with our guests like never before. Who knew Christmas could be so funny?”
The truth is, part of me wants to be too cool for The Comedy Barn. I’ve seen George Carlin live, Seinfeld and John Mulaney. I’ve seen the greats.
Shouldn’t I be above corn pone poop jokes?
Reader, I am not.
How long is The Comedy Barn show?
Overall, the show is about two hours. At the time of this writing, ticket prices are $34.99 for adults and $12.99 ages 3-9.
To make reservations, call (865) 428-5222, or go online to check current ticket prices and showtimes via the website. Also be sure to check Tripster for discounts.
Have you visited Comedy Barn in TN? Do you think the Comedy Barn is worth it? Let us know in the comments.
We love the Comedy Barn ! It is a show that’s safe for kids and adults. Always enjoyed the show and have been there about 25 years now. Still go at least once a year.
We enjoyed the show, but didn’t realize early enough that it was not a dinner show. But I think we managed with pizza, hot dogs, and pop corn. Did not have children with us, an adult show would have been fine. But as a family show, I thought it was very good.
We have been several times. My husband was even took on stage. We still have the cd and still laugh about it. Love it!!
ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!!!!! A MUST SEE SHOW, BUT, only if you love to laugh and forget your troubles for a couple hours.
It is a great show and worth the price. We have been going for almost 15 years and the only thing that has changed is the animals. They now have cats that do amazing tricks. The jokes and show itself has not changed. Using different people from the audience helps with act, but when you go once you already know the show.
My entire family, including kids from ages 16-27, had a blast. Tons of laughs and good clean fun! Totally recommend spending an evening at this show!!