Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters
A variety show starring Barbara Mandrell and her sisters.
Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters is an American variety show that aired on NBC from November 1980 to June 1982. Hosted by country artist Barbara Mandrell alongside her sisters Irlene and Louise, the program blended music and comedy sketches. It is notable for showcasing the siblings' musical talents and featuring a range of guest performers.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Variety
- Director
- Bob Henry, Jack Regas
- Starring
- Barbara Mandrell
- Irlene Mandrell
- Louise Mandrell
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Seasons
- 2
- Episodes
- 36
- Producer
- Ernest Chambers
- Sid and Marty Krofft
- Donald Loughery
- David J. Nash
- Frank Peppiatt
Facts from the source article.
Background
Barbara Mandrell was regarded as one of country music's most successful artists in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with several number one and top ten country singles. Her high-production concert shows, featuring costume changes and choreography, attracted NBC producer Marty Krofft. Mandrell initially declined his offer for a television show, believing it would harm her recording career, but later accepted after multiple offers.
Format
The program was hosted by Barbara Mandrell with her younger sisters Irlene and Louise. It was co-produced by Sid and Marty Krofft, Ernest Chambers, and Frank Peppiatt, and directed by Bob Henry and Jack Regas. Music was arranged by the Dennis McCarthy Orchestra and Mandrell's touring band The Do Rites. The show aired weekly on NBC for 60 minutes across two seasons, totaling 36 episodes taped at Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles. It originally aired on Tuesday nights, later moved to Saturday nights until February 1982, then returned to Tuesdays before shifting back to Saturdays for its final two months. The format mixed music and comedy sketches, often built around sibling relationships, with Barbara portrayed as the serious, pushy sister and Irlene as the sexy, vain one. The sisters demonstrated skills on multiple instruments: Barbara played banjo, steel guitar, piano, and saxophone; Louise played banjo and fiddle; Irlene played drums. Guest performers included Ray Charles, Bob Hope, and Glen Campbell. Episodes typically ended with a gospel music medley.
Cancellation
Barbara Mandrell chose to leave the show after two seasons despite plans for its continuation, citing exhaustion from balancing her singing and television careers. She experienced severe throat strain, sometimes working 14- to 16-hour days, and received cortisone shots to continue taping. Doctors advised her to quit to prevent permanent vocal damage. At cancellation, the program reportedly attracted 40 million viewers. In 2007, a DVD titled Best of Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters Show was released.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters first air?
Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters first aired on 18 November 1980.
When did Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters end?
Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters last aired on 26 June 1982.
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