Tim Conway’s Hilarious “Adverse Reaction to Shots” Skit on The Carol Burnett Show
In one of the most unforgettable moments from The Carol Burnett Show, Tim Conway delivers comedy gold as Dr. Percy — a doctor who volunteers to take a series of experimental shots in hopes of discovering a cure for swine flu. What begins as a normal dinner outing quickly spirals into chaotic brilliance once Dr. Percy starts experiencing unusual (and hysterically unexpected) side effects.
A Doctor Who Doesn’t Mind Shots… Until They Hit Back
Nobody enjoys getting shots — except, apparently, Tim Conway’s Dr. Percy. In this classic restaurant scene, Tim sits with fellow doctors played by Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman, proudly explaining that he has taken multiple injections for medical research.
Everything seems perfectly fine… until he steps away from the table.
When Dr. Percy returns, it’s immediately obvious something is very, very wrong — and the audience feels the laughter bubbling before a single word is spoken.
Harvey Korman Completely Loses It
As Dr. Percy begins exhibiting “porky” behaviors — from munching on a banana peel to making bizarre noises — Harvey Korman tries desperately to keep a straight face. As usual, he fails spectacularly.
Harvey’s shoulders shake, his expression cracks, and he spends nearly the entire sketch trying not to burst out laughing. It’s one of the reasons fans adore these classic sketches: Harvey’s inability to remain serious made every performance even funnier.
Carol Burnett Holds Strong… Until She Doesn’t
Carol manages to hold her composure far longer than Harvey, but as Tim’s antics escalate — and the “side effects” spread to her as well — even she can’t resist joining in the absurdity.
By the final moments of the skit, the entire cast and audience are howling. The chemistry between Tim, Carol, and Harvey is undeniable, and their genuine affection for one another shines through every line, every reaction, and every improvised moment.
A Perfect Showcase of Tim Conway’s Comedic Genius
This skit is pure Conway: subtle physical humor, unexpected twists, and an ability to derail a serious moment with a single expression. Even decades after it first aired, the sketch continues to delight fans of all ages.
Watching Tim Conway “feel porky” is a reminder of why The Carol Burnett Show remains one of the greatest comedy programs in television history — and why Tim, Harvey, and Carol are still celebrated as some of the finest comedic performers to ever grace a stage.
