On this day in 1971,comedy variety show The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour debuts. The hit show, featuring music and comedy routines, was set apart from other similar shows by the sarcastic banter between diminutive Sonny and his statuesque wife, Cher.

Sonny and Cher had been singing and performing comedy in nightclubs for more than a decade. They released several hit records in the 1960s, most notably “I Got You, Babe,” before launching their show. The series rated well and showcased future comedy stars, including Teri Garr and Steve Martin.

Despite the show’s popularity, the couple suffered marital problems and announced in the spring of 1974 that they were divorcing and would cancel the show. After divorcing in 1975, both Sonny and Cher tried and failed to launch solo comedy-variety shows. They revived their show together briefly in 1976 and 1977. Cher went on to a successful film career, winning the Best Actress Oscar for Moonstruck (1987). Bono later became a politician, serving as mayor of Palm Springs and a U.S. congressman. He was killed in a skiing accident in 1998.

(With thanks to History.com)