The Honeymooners is an American television sitcom that originally aired from 1955 to 1956. It follows the lives of New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden, his wife Alice, his best friend Ed Norton and Ed's wife Trixie. The show was based on a recurring comedy sketch of the same name that had been part of Gleason's variety show. It was initially a ratings success as the No. 2 show in the United States, facing competition from The Perry Como Show on NBC.