The Cher Show

Cher opens the episode with a rousing rendition of “(You Gotta Have) Friends” before delivering a comedic monologue about quitting smoking, joined by Lily Tomlin for a playful, feminist-leaning moment. Tomlin’s beloved Ernestine character then prank-calls Cher, hilariously twisting tabloid rumors about her love life. Janet Jackson makes an appearance before the Jackson 5 perform “The Eyes of Love / I Am Love,” showcasing their signature high-energy choreography. Tomlin and David Groh star in a subversive blind date sketch, where he falls for her only after she rejects him. Cher delivers a sultry solo of “Since I Fell for You” against an atmospheric dockside set. A caveman skit featuring the Jackson 5 spoofs commercial culture, while Cher’s Donna Jean Brodine character hilariously hawks “The Wonder Bat.” The gender-bending Adam and Eve sketch explores societal expectations, with Tomlin questioning her assigned role. Later, Tomlin’s endearing bag lady torments Cher and Groh at a bus stop, stealing the entire bench in the process. Cher recites Kipling’s “If” while a Sergio Aragonés animation plays, ending with a feminist twist. The show’s highlight is a dazzling dance medley with Cher and the Jackson 5, where she keeps pace with Michael Jackson across hits like “I Want You Back” and “Dancing Machine.” Closing in her signature yellow dress, Cher thanks her guests and hopes to return next week, rounding out one of the strongest episodes of her variety show.