The Honeymooners continues to be praised for its humor, relatable characters, and genuine chemistry. For a show that holds such a large place in television history, many are surprised that it only aired from 1955 to 1956 on CBS. It was one of the first television shows to realistically portray working-class couples, with their own struggles, arguments, and tender moments that were easy to relate to.
Created and starring the great Jackie Gleason, the show followed the lives of Ralph Kramden (played by Gleason), a rowdy bus driver, and his best friend, Ed Norton (played by Art Carney), both of whom worked in the local sewer system.
Set in a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, the series follows the comedic adventures and family struggles of Ralph, his wife Alice (played by Audrey Meadows), and their friends, Ed and his wife Trixie (played by Joyce Randolph). Ralph is always hatching get-rich-quick schemes and big dreams, most of which go hilariously wrong, leading to laugh-out-loud situations.
After its initial broadcast on CBS in the mid-1950s, The Honeymooners never really faded into obscurity. The show continued to gain a cult following through reruns and reruns, and remains a staple of classic television.
In the 1970s, Gleason revived the Ralph and Ed characters in a special series that opened a new chapter in the lives of the Kramden and Norton families, continuing the characters’ comedic legacy.
Did you know? The 1955 show wasn’t the first time The Honeymooners aired on television. In fact, the show aired on the DuMont Network’s WABD (channel 5) in New York City from 1951 to 1952, before being picked up by CBS and airing from October 1, 1955 to September 22, 1956. A musical version of The Honeymooners also premiered on Broadway in 2017. The stage adaptation introduced the beloved characters to a new generation of audiences and demonstrated the show’s enduring appeal.
Honeymooners Cast
Here, we take a look back at the Honeymooners cast and reveal some surprising facts about the beloved stars and the show.
Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden
At the heart of The Honeymooners is the iconic character of Ralph Kramden, played by Jackie Gleason. Gleason was already a respected comedian and actor before taking on the role, and his performance in The Honeymooners cemented his status as a comedy legend.
With his brash demeanor, ever-present bus driver uniform, and frequent use of catchphrases like “To the moon, Alice,” Gleason brought Ralph Kramden to life in a way that made the character unforgettable.
Gleason’s portrayal of Ralph Kramden is memorable not only for his humor, but also for his depth. He brought a certain vulnerability to the character that made Ralph lovable even at his most flamboyant. Gleason’s ability to combine humor and compassion created a well-rounded character that felt real and relatable to audiences.
Gleason achieved many things during his long and illustrious career. He won a Tony Award for his Broadway performance as Uncle Sid in Take Me Along (1959), he earned an Oscar nomination for The Hustler (1961), he starred in the critically acclaimed The Jackie Gleason Show (1966-1970), and he hosted and performed in more than 30 television specials.
Sadly, Gleason passed away on June 24, 1987, from colon cancer.
Did you know?
Jackie Gleason originally introduced the character of Ralph Kramden on the variety show Cavalcade of Stars in the early 1950s. The character was so popular that it led to the creation of The Honeymooners as a stand-alone show.
Part 2 we will update soon
