‘The Phil Silvers Show’: Why Was the Series Cancelled?
Phil Silvers is a classic American entertainer, who performed in a wide variety of television shows and movies. Silvers began working in the entertainment industry well before he was a teenager, and by the time he was an adult, he was a seasoned show business veteran.
Silvers achieved immortality with his hit sitcom, The Phil Silvers Show, which ran on television during the ’50s, and remains popular with audiences today. For those who have yet to discover Silvers’ genius, there is a lot to unpack about his life and career – and even more to discuss when it comes to the hit television show that he made famous.
How did Phil Silvers become famous?
Silvers was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1911. As the eighth child of Russian/Jewish immigrants, Silvers did not always have an easy time when he was growing up.
Silvers’ father worked hard to support his family, helping to build the early New York City skyscrapers. When he was eleven years old, Silver started singing in theaters after a local film projector broke down. His singing voice earned him acclaim, and by the time he was thirteen, Silvers was performing in vaudeville shows.
In the thirties, Silvers was a noted performer in stage shows, including Broadway productions. His first movie role was in 1940, when he appeared in the film Hit Parade of 1941. His outgoing personality and exuberant performance style made him a fan-favorite, and over the next decade, he continued to grow in popularity, appearing in many films.
Phil Silvers is best known for ‘The Phil Silvers Show’
During World War II, Silvers earned a whole new audience of fans when he traveled overseas to entertain U.S. Troops. He became close friends with iconic singer Frank Sinatra, and even wrote the lyrics for Sinatra’s hit song “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)”.
In 1955, Silvers achieved television immortality when he made his debut as Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko in The Phil Silvers Show.
A military comedy featuring Silvers in the lead and including a host of other talented performers, The Phil Silvers Show became an immediate viewer favorite. Created by Nat Hiken, The Phil Silvers Show cemented Silvers’ status in show business history, and although he continued to act in feature films, he remains best known for the series that he helped to bring to life.
Why was ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ canceled?
The Phil Silvers Show ran on television for nearly five years, and won multiple awards, including several Primetime Emmy Awards. Silvers’ character, Sergeant Bilko, became synonymous with the series, so much so that it is often referred to simply as “Bilko” by longtime fans of the show.
As much as fans loved The Phil Silvers Show, however, it ended rather abruptly after the fourth season. According to MeTV, this wasn’t because the show had slipped in popularity or because ratings were falling behind projections – rather, it was due to the fact that the show employed such a large cast.
The report states that because all twenty-two cast members would have required new contracts in order to renew the show for a fifth season, showrunners decided simply to end The Phil Silvers Show. While many fans were upset that they wouldn’t get new episodes, it remained hugely popular in syndication – and to this day, the show’s outrageous humor keeps earning new viewers.
