Gleason's first variety series, which aired on the DuMont Television Network under the title Cavalcade of Stars, first aired June 4, 1949. The show's first host was comedian Jack Carter, who was followed by Jerry Lester. Lester jumped to NBC in June 1950 to host the late-night show Broadway Open House, and Gleason—who had made his mark filling in for William Bendix as the title character on the first television incarnation of The Life of Riley sitcom—stepped into Cavalcade on July 15, 1950 and became an immediate sensation.
