But even more popular were the many series of weekly programs, whether comedy, suspense, or drama. Families would gather around the radio and thrill to the adventures of The Lone Ranger or laugh at the funny experiences of such comics as Fred Allen, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen and his wooden ventriloquist’s dummy Charlie McCarthy, WC Fields, and George Burns and Gracie Allen.
(SOUND: "Burns and Allen" radio programme)
ANNOUNCER: "Yes, it’s Maxwell House Coffee Time, starring George Burns and Gracie Allen!"
Radio helped people forget the difficult conditions of the Great Depression. And it helped to bring Americans together and share experiences.