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The Amazing Race

5 Unbeatable Harlem Globetrotter Appearances on TV, in Honor of Our Favorite Amazing Race Team

Written by Louis Virtel | 30 Nov 2009, 7:50 AM | 8 comments

The Amazing Race’s producers enjoyed an indulgent streak this year, casting an ex-Miss America, a World Series of Poker finalist, and two Harlem Globetrotters named Flight Time and Big Easy for its 15th season. Of all those bewildering contestants, the jocular duo were easy to like; they razzed, raced, and executed goofy lay-ups with equal elan. They were insistently all-American. And most of all, they weren’t the deplorable Meghan and Cheyne. During last night’s episode, Phil Keoghan sent the dribbling patriots home for a fourth-place finish, following yet another victory for the aforementioned towheads. In remembrance of the Globetrotters’ service to our lives, Movieline has compiled five of their 83-year-old troop’s finest moments in TV history. We’ll even let you in the Mystery Machine if you cooperate.

1. The Harlem Globetrotters (1970-3)

Surviving three years and first immortalizing legends like Meadowlark Lemon in animation, The Harlem Globetrotters combined familiar Hanna-Barbera antics with all the dunderheaded Washington Generals action you could muster. What’s with these white guys who don’t have to dribble the ball?

2. The New Scooby Doo Movies (1973)

In the early ’70s, Hanna-Barbera’s Scooby Doo, Where Are You? cartoon cast turned up in several new series — perhaps, most notably, The New Scooby Doo Movies. Featuring hour-long adventures fronted by guest stars (Sandy Duncan, The Addams Family, and Laurel & Hardy all made appearances), The New Scooby Doo Movies offered opportunities for brisk mystery-solving and celeb hobnobbing. The Globetrotters appeared in three different “movies,” which is pretty remarkable for a show that only aired 25 episodes. Best of all, they weren’t exploited for their weight. I can’t say the same for poor Cass Elliot.

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Tagged: Harlem Globetrotters, The Amazing Race

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Comments

From Kois | Reply
Posted 30 Nov 2009, 9:00 AM

No Futurama? For shame!

From Onoz? | Reply
Posted 30 Nov 2009, 11:10 AM

100% Agree with Kois... I was expecting Futurama.

From Dimo | Reply
Posted 30 Nov 2009, 12:00 PM

I pretty sure they took a cruise on The Love Boat as well. Rumor has it that Meadowlark Lemon wasn't happy with his lines, because Julie/Lauren Tewes, was snorting them all.

From Daft Clown | Reply
Posted 01 Dec 2009, 12:59 AM

So that's where they got the name for Rallo's dog on The Cleveland Show.

From Jeremy | Reply
Posted 30 Nov 2009, 12:09 PM

Is that a young Chick Hern announcing that Gilligan thing? Sweet!

From Anthony C. | Reply
Posted 30 Nov 2009, 6:18 PM

Third here to also be disappointed by lack of Futurama.

From JIN | Reply
Posted 30 Nov 2009, 8:24 PM

WHERE IS FUTURAMA!?

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