<Tr> <Th> Original release </Th> <Td> July 2, 1955 (1955 - 07 - 02)--April 17, 1982 (1982 - 04 - 17) </Td> </Tr> <P> The Lawrence Welk Show is an American televised musical variety show hosted by big band leader Lawrence Welk . The series aired locally in Los Angeles for four years, from 1951 to 1955, then nationally for another 27 years on ABC from 1955 to 1971, and in first - run syndication from 1971 to 1982 . Repeat episodes are broadcast in the United States by Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations . These airings incorporate an original program--usually, a color broadcast from 1965 through 1982--in its entirety . In place of the commercials, newer performance and interview clips from the original stars and / or a family member of the performers are included; these clips are occasionally updated . </P> <P> On May 11, 1951, The Lawrence Welk Show began as a local program on KTLA in Los Angeles, the flagship station of the Paramount Television Network and the first television station in California . The original show was broadcast from the since - demolished Aragon Ballroom at Venice Beach . </P> <P> The show made its national television debut on ABC Television on July 2, 1955, and was initially produced at the Hollywood Palladium, moving to the ABC studios at Prospect and Talmadge in Hollywood shortly afterwards . For 23 of its 27 years on the air, the show would originate there . The only seasons not produced there were 1965--66, 1976--77 at the Hollywood Palace and CBS Television City from 1977 to 1979 . </P>

When did the lawrence welk show first air