CBS to Air Bob Newhart Tribute Special

CBS, which was home to Bob Newhart’s two most successful TV series, will pay tribute to the legendary comedian with a special set to air July 22.

Critic's Appreciation: Bob Newhart Was an Everyman With a Comic Voice Like No Other

The Entertainment Tonight -produced special, titled Bob Newhart: A Legacy of Laughter , will look back at Newhart’s life and career, from his start as a deadpan comedian through his TV and movie successes. Newhart died Thursday at age 94.

The special, hosted by ET’ s Nischelle Turner, will feature behind-the-scenes footage from his film and TV work (from Entertainment Tonight’ s four decades’ worth of archives) along with previously unseen interviews, including the final interview Newhart gave from his home in Los Angeles.

Jamie Lee Curtis, Judd Apatow, Paul Feig, Kaley Cuoco Remember Bob Newhart: "Truly One of a Kind"

The show will also feature new and archival interviews with some of Newhart’s co-stars and admirers, including Jim Parsons, Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell and Jason Bateman, along with stories from his long marriage to his wife, Ginnie , who preceded Newhart in death in 2023.

Newhart rose to fame with his comedy album The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart in 1960, which showcased his pinpoint timing and deapan delivery. He went on to star in CBS’ sitcoms The Bob Newhart Show (1972-78) and Newhart (1982-90), the latter of which had one of the most memorable finales in TV history. He also had a notable guest role on The Big Bang Theory , winning an Emmy for his performance (amazingly, the only one of his career) in 2013.

Bob Newhart, Dean of the Deadpan Delivery, Dies at 94