There’s something magical about comedy that stands the test of time. While some humor fades with cultural changes, The Carol Burnett Show remains a hilarious masterpiece decades later. One sketch that captures this timeless quality is the “The Family: Brotherly Love” skit, which centers around the dysfunctional Harper family—Mama, Eunice, and Ed. Even if you’ve never watched it live on television in the 70s, this scene can make you laugh until your sides hurt.
The Legacy of The Carol Burnett Show
First, let’s talk about the legacy of The Carol Burnett Show. Premiering in 1967, this variety show was revolutionary, combining musical performances, celebrity guests, and, most notably, sharp comedic sketches. What sets it apart, even today, is its character-driven humor. Instead of relying on slapstick or gimmicks, the sketches often dug into relatable family dynamics, minor frustrations, and everyday misunderstandings—but with an exaggerated twist that only Carol Burnett and her iconic ensemble could deliver. You can watch the full sketch in the video down below…
One of the show’s most popular recurring sketches is “The Family,” where Burnett plays Eunice, the perpetually stressed-out daughter, and Vicki Lawrence stars as her sharp-tongued, meddling mother, Mama. This duo and Harvey Korman’s role as Ed, Eunice’s husband, created some of the most beloved moments in television history. While the characters might remind you of your own family, their exaggerated fights and tensions are what make them unforgettable. The chemistry among the actors elevated every scene, turning what could have been standard sitcom material into comedy gold.
The Setup: A Church Sermon Gone Wrong
In “The Family: Brotherly Love,” the sketch opens with the Harper family returning from church after a sermon about brotherly love and forgiveness. At first, things seem calm—an unusual sight for the typically chaotic household. They discuss the sermon, seemingly affected by the message of love and kindness. However, as often with this family, peace doesn’t last long.
When Mama (Vicki Lawrence) goes to the kitchen to warm up some Cream of Wheat, the situation quickly devolves into chaos. What starts as small talk turns into bickering, and before you know it, Eunice (Carol Burnett) and Mama are at each other’s throats. The conversation spirals into a hilarious argument, with each character taking digs at the other, all while attempting to uphold the pretense of “brotherly love” they supposedly learned about at church.
The Characters and the Humor
The genius of the sketch lies in the sharp writing and the perfect delivery from each actor. Carol Burnett, as Eunice, is the embodiment of pent-up frustration. She’s constantly trying to seek validation from her mother, only to be criticized. Harvey Korman, playing Ed, is the beleaguered husband caught between the two women. His role as the laid-back, indifferent husband who occasionally snaps under pressure adds a different layer of humor.
But the real star of the sketch is Vicki Lawrence as Mama. Lawrence, much younger than the character she portrayed, played Mama with a level of deadpan sarcasm and biting wit beyond her years. Mama is the queen of passive-aggressive insults, often baiting Eunice into escalating their arguments. Despite her flaws, the audience can’t help but love Mama’s brutal honesty and sharp tongue.
Isn’t it amazing how the simple idea of coming home after church can turn into a chaotic mess? It really shows the strong character development in The Carol Burnett Show. No matter how dysfunctional, the family dynamic is one viewers can recognize and relate to. Mama, Eunice, and Ed don’t get along, but in some twisted way, they love each other. And that’s what makes it all so funny. You’re laughing not only because of the absurdity but because, deep down, you’ve seen bits of your own family in their antics.
Why This Sketch Still Resonates Today
How can a sketch from the 1970s still be so funny today? The answer lies in the timeless themes of family dysfunction. No matter how much society evolves, family relationships remain complicated and filled with love and frustration. The “Brotherly Love” sketch taps into that universal truth: no matter how much you want to embrace love and forgiveness, old grievances and petty squabbles can surface. This relatability has allowed The Carol Burnett Show to remain relevant in comedy.
Moreover, the impeccable performances make the humor feel fresh every time you watch it. Vicki Lawrence’s portrayal of Mama is remarkably timeless. Her deadpan delivery, mixed with Carol Burnett’s over-the-top emotional outbursts as Eunice, creates a balance that feels real even in its exaggerated form. Their performances, combined with Harvey Korman’s reactions as Ed, turn what could have been a simple sketch into a comedy masterpiece.
Wrapping It Up
The Harper family’s interactions in “The Family: Brotherly Love” remind us that some things never change, especially the quirks and annoyances of family life. Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Carol Burnett Show or new to it, this sketch perfectly introduces the humor that made the show a classic.
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and look up “The Family: Brotherly Love” in the video below. It’s a slice of vintage television that still delivers laughter, proving that great comedy never gets old.
