The Dean Martin Show was a TV variety-comedy series that ran from 1965 to 1974, for 245 episodes. It was broadcast by NBC and hosted by legendary crooner Dean Martin. The theme song to the series was his 1964 hit "Everybody Loves Somebody." Martin was initially reluctant to do the show, partially because he did not want to turn down movie and nightclub performances. His terms were deliberately outrageous: he demanded a high salary and that he need only show up for the actual taping of the show. To his surprise the network agreed, and Martin had to comply. Martin believed that an important key to his popularity was that he did not put on airs. His act was that of a drunken playboy, although the ever-present old-fashioned glass in his hand had apple juice in it. The show was heavy on physical comedy rather than just quips. (He made his weekly entrance by sliding down a fireman's pole onto the stage.) Martin took his dialogue direct from cue cards. If he flubbed a line or forgot a lyric, he wouldn't do a retake, and the mistake — and his recovery from it — would remain in the show.