The Cher Show

The second episode of Cher, airing on February 16, 1975, is sometimes considered the first official episode of the series, as the premiere four days earlier was promoted as a TV special. This episode featured guests Tatum O’Neal, Wayne Rogers, and Raquel Welch in a lively mix of comedy, music, and campy glamour. The show opened with Tatum adorably impersonating Cher in a mini-gown and hoop earrings, singing “Let Me Entertain You,” before Cher herself took the stage for a torchy rendition of “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You.” In her monologue, Cher joked about Raquel stealing her spotlight and delivered a few self-deprecating one-liners about her famously revealing costumes. Musical highlights included a playful duet of “Girls” with Tatum, a groovy medley of “Long Train Running” and “Love the One You’re With,” and a sassy performance of “I’m a Woman” alongside Raquel, where the two strutted and laughed their way through the Peggy Lee classic. Wayne Rogers also joined Cher for a fun duet of “Let Me Be There.” The comedy sketches ranged from a department store complaint counter bit with Wayne Rogers to Tatum playing a pint-sized gold digger. Cher’s recurring characters returned, with Laverne trading barbs with Raquel in a diner, and Donna Jean Brodine shilling an absurdly strong glue in another wacky infomercial spoof. Cher also delivered a slapstick moment in an evening gown, belting out “Nothing Can Stop Me Now” before being punched in the face by a giant boxing glove. The “Saturday Night” monologue saw Cher humorously reflecting on dating a much younger man—a prophetic moment given her real-life romances to come. The big finale channeled old Hollywood as Cher, Raquel, Wayne, and Tatum donned tuxedos for a dazzling rendition of “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.” Cher closed the show with her signature charm, a tiny dance, and an enthusiastic thanks to her guests, solidifying the episode’s blend of humor, glitz, and star power.