J & M Productions, Jack Benny's company, produced the series,[10] and Benny selected the writers and the director.[11] It was broadcast live from KRCA-TV in Los Angeles[12] from 9:30 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturdays.[1]Scott Paper Company and Shick, Inc. sponsored it on alternate weeks. Charles Isaacs was the show's initial producer and head writer; Joe Landis was the director. Other writers were Hugh Wedlock, Howard Snyder, Billy Barnes, and Bob Rogers.[12] Benny edited each script.[13]
Isaacs said in December 1957 that he was leaving the program. He cited a "mass of behind-the-scene kibitzing" and interference from the Scott company, J. Walter Thompson Company (Scott's advertising agency), and Music Corporation of America (the agency that represented artists on the show).[16] He added that although the various interests were dissatisfied with the show, they offered no constructive suggestions for improvement.[17] The sponsors said that Isaacs did not produce the show in a way that properly used MacKenzie's talents.[18] Bob Henry replaced Isaacs, but The New York Times reported in February 1958 that off-screen problems persisted.[19]
An article in the trade publication Billboard summarized Isaacs's resignation as "spotlighting a growing problem in the production of television programs."[20] The article described the situation as "too many cooks all trying to stir the same pot".[20] With two sponsors, a production company, a talent agency, and a network involved, "it was becoming impossible to tell who was calling the shots."[20]
A review in the trade publication Variety described MacKenzie as "a personally impressive entertainer". Although technical problems marred part of the reviewed episode, the reviewer complimented the performances of MacKenzie and guest Eddie Fisher both individually and as a duo.[21]AVariety review of another episode called MacKenzie "a slick performer, equally capable with gab or song."[22]
^McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 328. ISBN0-14-02-4916-8.
^Hall, Gladys (October 1957). "Who could ever be lonely?"(PDF). TV Radio Mirror. pp. 24, 66–67. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
^ ab"This Week (Cont'd)"(PDF). Ross Reports. September 23, 1957. p. 71. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
