The Carol Burnett Show’s Hilarious Classic: “Bringing Your Wife & Your Secretary to Hawaii”
There are moments on The Carol Burnett Show that go beyond laughter—they create genuine chaos, even for the cast themselves. One of the most unforgettable of these is the iconic sketch, “Bringing Your Wife & Your Secretary to Hawaii.”
A Dream Vacation Gone Hilariously Wrong
It all begins innocently enough: Harvey Korman plays a middle-aged man longing for a peaceful Hawaiian getaway. But his tropical dream quickly turns into comedic disaster when both his wife and his secretary arrive on the same vacation.
Carol Burnett, wearing a loud floral swimsuit and a gloriously oversized sunhat, plays the hilariously over-the-top wife. Vicki Lawrence brings perfect deadpan wit as the not-so-innocent secretary. As the two women clash, Harvey’s character is left in stunned silence—clutching his beach towel and any dignity he can muster.
Chaos Ensues—And Laughter Takes Over
What follows is a masterclass in physical and improvisational comedy. Chairs collapse, props malfunction, and one-liners fly with pinpoint precision. Carol’s razor-sharp timing and Vicki’s understated reactions push the scene into comedic mayhem.
Even Harvey Korman, known for his composure, breaks character repeatedly—his laughter matching that of the roaring audience. At one point, the filming had to pause because the entire set couldn’t stop laughing.
The Secret? Pure Chemistry
What makes this sketch a classic isn’t just the brilliant writing—it’s the magical chemistry between the trio. Carol anchors the scene with controlled chaos, Harvey plays the perfect foil with his elegant unraveling, and Vicki—often underestimated—steals scenes with a single glance.
When the clip resurfaced on YouTube decades later, it went viral all over again, racking up millions of views and praise from generations of fans:
“No CGI. No dirty jokes. Just pure comic genius.”
“Carol Burnett could make a folding chair funnier than most shows today.”
A Reminder of Timeless Comedy
More than forty years later, “Bringing Your Wife & Your Secretary to Hawaii” remains a shining example of television comedy at its best—clever, chaotic, and irresistibly human. No shock value, no controversy—just brilliant timing, honest performances, and undeniable talent.
And if there’s a lesson to be learned from all the laughter, it might just be this:
“Never take your wife and your secretary on the same vacation… unless you’re in The Carol Burnett Show.”