Jack Benny was the only entertainer during the 1950's (outside of Ed Sullivan), with an African-American cast member, who was never humiliated, ridiculed, or scorned. Very different from "Amos n Andy", "Beulah", or any character Willie Best was forced to play. No doubt this was appreciated in the African American (I would like to think all American) communities during the 1950's. So, it would make sense for the Proud family to be enjoying Jack Benny a little more than Lucy.
Ed Sullivan was never all that funny...well, at least not on purpose
