Few moments in television history capture the unpredictable magic of live comedy like The Carol Burnett Show, and even decades after its original airing, sketches like the “Swine Flu” episode continue to reverberate through the hearts of fans old and new. On November 19, 2025, this classic resurfaced online, reminding viewers why the 1970s were a golden era for sketch comedy, and why Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, and Carol Burnett created moments of spontaneous brilliance that feel timeless.

At the center of this legendary sketch is Dr. Percy, portrayed by the inimitable Tim Conway, whose exaggerated reactions and impeccable timing turned a simple premise into a slapstick masterpiece. Set in a comedic version of a medical experiment aimed at curing swine flu, the sketch begins innocuously enough: Dr. Percy volunteers for “just a few shots,” confident in his ability to endure the injections. But Conway, known for his gift of escalating absurdity with every twitch and blink, turns the scene into sheer chaos.

As Dr. Percy begins to experience the “side effects” of the shots, his behavior quickly becomes unpredictable. He twitches, stumbles, and gnaws on a banana peel as if trying to communicate in some bizarre pig-like language, leaving co-stars Harvey Korman and Carol Burnett struggling to maintain composure. Korman, traditionally the straight man in the duo, is unable to contain his laughter, collapsing repeatedly into fits of uncontrollable giggles. Carol Burnett, ever the professional, attempts to hold the sketch together, her own reactions gradually giving way to the hilarity, creating an almost palpable tension that draws viewers in.

What makes this sketch so enduring isn’t just the physical comedy; it’s the interplay between the actors’ timing, the unpredictability of Conway’s improvisation, and the meticulous structure of the scene. Each twitch, each stumble, each well-timed side-eye compounds the humor, creating a cascade of laughter that feels both spontaneous and perfectly choreographed. Fans have described it as a “slapstick hurricane” — a comedic storm that leaves the audience both exhilarated and helplessly amused.

The Genius of Tim Conway

Tim Conway’s genius lay in his ability to read the room while simultaneously breaking it. Unlike traditional comedians who rely solely on verbal wit or physical antics, Conway blended both, using subtle facial expressions, odd gestures, and unpredictable behavior to elevate every sketch he appeared in. In the swine flu episode, his timing was flawless: just when Korman appeared ready to regain control, Conway would add another unexpected movement or sound, reigniting the laughter and ensuring the scene never settled.

This improvisational skill often put Conway in a sort of playful “competition” with his co-stars. Audiences have long speculated that Conway’s goal was less about stealing the scene and more about coaxing Harvey and Carol into breaking character — which he did repeatedly. Harvey Korman, known for his sharp wit and ability to stay composed, would inevitably collapse under Conway’s antics, resulting in some of the most memorable outtakes in television history. Carol Burnett herself admitted in later interviews that Conway had a “mischievous power” over the set, and the swine flu sketch was a prime example.

The Role of Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman

While Conway was the engine of chaos, the brilliance of the sketch also relied heavily on the reactions of his co-stars. Carol Burnett, whose career spanned decades, had an unmatched ability to maintain the illusion of control while subtly feeding off Conway’s unpredictability. Her expressions — a mix of disbelief, mock horror, and eventual surrender — added depth to the scene, highlighting the absurdity while maintaining comedic credibility.

Harvey Korman’s role as the straight man amplified the humor exponentially. His attempts to remain composed, coupled with his repeated failures, created a tension that made every gag hit harder. Observers have noted that the dynamic between Conway and Korman was akin to a finely tuned comedic orchestra, where each actor knew when to play their part and when to allow the other to shine. The chemistry of this trio — Burnett, Korman, and Conway — was so electric that even decades later, viewers can sense the camaraderie and mutual respect that fueled their performances.

Why the Swine Flu Sketch Still Resonates

Even though the sketch aired in the 1970s, its humor remains timeless. The exaggeration, physical comedy, and impeccable timing transcend generations, making it accessible to viewers who may not have grown up with the original series. In today’s world, where much of comedy relies on rapid-fire dialogue or digital effects, the simplicity and purity of the swine flu sketch stand out as a testament to the enduring power of live, improvisational performance.

Moreover, the sketch’s medical theme — vaccines, shots, and experiments — resonates differently in a post-pandemic society. While the original sketch was purely comedic, modern audiences can appreciate the underlying anxiety about medical procedures, making Conway’s over-the-top reactions both hilarious and oddly relatable. His exaggerated fear mirrors the very real apprehensions many feel when facing needles or medical interventions, allowing the sketch to connect with viewers on multiple levels.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The impact of this sketch extends beyond mere laughter. The Carol Burnett Show shaped an entire era of television, influencing countless comedians, actors, and writers. Tim Conway, in particular, became a standard-bearer for improvisational comedy, inspiring generations to blend physicality, timing, and unpredictability in their craft. The swine flu sketch, often cited in retrospectives, exemplifies his comedic philosophy: create situations that feel real enough to be believable, but absurd enough to be unforgettable.

Television historians have noted that sketches like this one contributed to the democratization of comedy. Unlike scripted dramas or staged plays, the spontaneity of live sketch comedy allowed actors to experiment, fail, and recover in real time, providing a sense of immediacy and authenticity that resonates even today. In essence, viewers aren’t just watching a performance; they are witnessing creativity in motion, a dance between skill and chaos.

The Enduring Popularity of Tim Conway

Tim Conway’s death in 2019 marked the end of an era, but his work continues to entertain and educate. Online platforms have introduced his sketches to new audiences, and social media ensures that clips like the swine flu episode reach millions every year. Fans often comment on the timelessness of his humor, noting that the sketch’s physical comedy, combined with the subtle social commentary about human reactions to fear and discomfort, keeps it relevant decades later.

The swine flu sketch is also frequently cited in comedy workshops and acting classes as a case study in timing, improvisation, and audience engagement. Conway’s ability to disrupt the expected narrative without losing the audience is a skill that aspiring performers are encouraged to study closely. In doing so, his legacy continues to shape the craft of comedy, demonstrating that laughter is both an art and a science.

A Tribute to Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman

While Conway often takes the spotlight, it’s impossible to discuss this sketch without acknowledging Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman. Their talent, patience, and ability to feed off Conway’s antics created the perfect storm of comedy. Burnett’s leadership on set, coupled with Korman’s straight-man discipline, allowed Conway’s improvisation to shine without derailing the scene entirely. Together, they crafted a performance that balances chaos and control, laughter and tension — a combination that few other ensembles have ever matched.

Conclusion: Timeless Comedy That Continues to Inspire

The swine flu sketch from The Carol Burnett Show remains more than just a funny memory from the past; it is a masterclass in comedic performance, improvisation, and timing. Tim Conway, through his genius, elevated a simple premise into an unforgettable spectacle. Harvey Korman and Carol Burnett provided the perfect foil, creating a dynamic that has entertained audiences for generations.

Even decades later, viewers watching online are drawn in by the unpredictability, the timing, and the sheer joy of the performance. In a world where much of comedy can feel formulaic or digital, the raw, spontaneous humor of Conway and his co-stars reminds us why live sketch comedy is an art form worth preserving. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, timing, and above all, the joy of making people laugh.

Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or revisiting it decades later, the swine flu sketch proves that great comedy is eternal, that laughter truly transcends time, and that Tim Conway, Carol Burnett, and Harvey Korman will forever be icons in the pantheon of television comedy. For anyone seeking a masterclass in the art of improvisation, chaos, and perfect comedic timing, this sketch remains a shining example — a timeless piece of television history that continues to delight, inspire, and make audiences laugh uncontrollably.