Candid Camera's Tv Debut: A Historical Perspective

Candid Camera is an American hidden-camera/practical joke reality TV series that first aired in 1948. The show was created and produced by Allen Funt, who hosted most versions of the show until he became too ill to continue. The format of the show featured footage taken by a hidden camera of everyday people caught in hoaxes devised by the show's host. The show has been revived numerous times, appearing on US TV networks and in syndication in each succeeding decade.

The show's history

'Candid Camera' is an American hidden-camera/practical joke reality television series that first aired in 1948. The show was created and produced by Allen Funt, who also hosted or co-hosted almost all of the TV versions until he became too ill. The show was originally a radio show called 'The Candid Microphone', which first aired on 28 June 1947.

After a series of theatrical film shorts, 'Candid Microphone' made its television debut on 10 August 1948. The show aired on ABC under its original radio title and later changed its name to 'Candid Camera' when it moved to NBC in 1949. It did not gain a permanent time slot until it moved to CBS in 1960, where it enjoyed a seven-year run as one of television's top-ten shows.

The format of the program featured footage taken by a hidden camera of everyday people caught in hoaxes devised by Funt. The average scenario lasted approximately five minutes and was based on one of five strategies, such as reversing normal procedures, exposing human weaknesses, or using the element of surprise.

The show has been revived numerous times, appearing on various US TV networks and in syndication in each succeeding decade, either as a regular show or a series of specials. A 1991 revival was reluctantly authorised by Funt but did not meet his approval. His son, Peter Funt, took over as host for subsequent revivals. The most recent revival was announced in April 2023 and will be hosted by Taraji P. Henson.

The show's format

The format of 'Candid Camera' featured footage taken by a hidden camera of everyday people caught in hoaxes devised by the show's host, Allen Funt. The show's premise was built on the idea that a hidden camera could capture ordinary people's unrehearsed reactions to unusual things. Funt himself described his motivation for moving to television as a desire "to go beyond what people merely said, to record what they did—their gestures, facial expressions, confusions and delights."

The average scenario lasted around five minutes and was based on one of five strategies: reversing normal or anticipated procedures; exposing basic human weaknesses such as ignorance or vanity; fulfilling fantasies; using the element of surprise; or placing something in a bizarre or inappropriate setting.

Funt and his team would go to great lengths to set up their pranks, with each stunt taking many hours to prepare. Approximately fifty recorded sequences were filmed for every four to five that aired. The cameras were often hidden behind a screen, but the lights needed to be left out in the open. Would-be victims were told that the lights were part of "renovations." Microphones were concealed in boxes, under tables, and even in a cast worn by Funt himself.

At the end of each prank, the catchphrase "Smile, you're on Candid Camera" was delivered, and the joke was revealed. Sometimes, this involved trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed, or a car with a hidden extra gas tank.

Legacy

'Candid Camera' spawned a new genre of "reality programming" in the late 1980s, with shows like 'America's Funniest Home Videos' and 'Totally Hidden Video' following in its footsteps.

The show's hosts

The original host of Candid Camera was Allen Funt, who created the show and hosted or co-hosted all versions until he became too ill to continue. When the show was revived in 1991, Funt authorised a syndicated revival with Dom DeLuise as host, but Funt did not approve of the host choice or the format of the show.

Funt's son, Peter Funt, took over hosting duties from his father in 1998, co-hosting with Suzanne Somers. Peter Funt had been co-hosting the show with his father since 1987. When the show returned in 2014, Peter Funt was joined by actress Mayim Bialik as co-host.

The show's influence

"Smile, you're on Candid Camera!" This was the catchphrase of one of the longest-running and most influential TV shows in American history. From its inception in 1948 until its most recent revival in 2014, "Candid Camera" has left an indelible mark on the world of television and popular culture. Its influence can be seen in the many iterations and adaptations it has spawned over the years, both in the US and internationally.

The show's premise was simple yet innovative: conceal cameras and capture the reactions of ordinary people confronted with unusual and often hilarious situations. This concept of a hidden camera show was introduced to television by "Candid Camera", and it quickly became a massive success. The show's longevity and impact are testament to its ability to entertain and engage audiences for generations.

One of the show's most significant influences is the plethora of copycat and inspired programmes it has generated. The hidden camera concept has been replicated and reinvented countless times, with varying levels of success. From Totally Hidden Video in the 1980s to MTV's "Punk'd" and beyond, producers have tried to capture the magic of "Candid Camera". While some have been criticised for their cruelty, others have become cultural phenomena in their own right.

The show has also had a more subtle influence on the understanding of human behaviour. The reactions of unsuspecting participants provided a unique insight into how people respond to unexpected situations. In 1964, Cornell University's Department of Psychology even requested and received permission to maintain an archive of "Candid Camera" and "Candid Microphone" episodes for educational research and study purposes.

In addition, "Candid Camera" has had a lasting impact on popular culture. Its catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera", became a song and has endured as a well-known phrase in American culture. The show's influence can also be seen in the many parodies and references it has inspired, such as the "Sneaky Camera with Allan Funn" sketch on "Mad Magazine".

"Candid Camera" has left an indelible mark on the world of television and entertainment. Its influence can be seen in the many adaptations and iterations it has spawned, the insights it has provided into human behaviour, and its lasting impact on popular culture. It is a true landmark in the history of television.

The show's creator

Allen Funt, the creator of Candid Camera, was born in 1914 in New York City, New York, to a Jewish family. He graduated from high school at the age of 15 and went on to study at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He later earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Cornell University and studied business administration at Columbia University.

Funt began his career working for an advertising agency in their art department, but eventually transitioned to the radio department. He wrote for radio shows, including "Truth or Consequences", and assisted former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt with her radio commentaries. During World War II, Funt served in the Army Signal Corps, where he also worked on creating radio shows.

On June 28, 1947, Funt launched "The Candid Microphone" on ABC Radio, which ran until September 23, 1948. The show was revived on CBS from June 6 to August 29, 1950. Funt then began experimenting with a visual version of the show, creating a series of theatrical short films, which served as a springboard for his entrance into television.

On August 10, 1948, "Candid Camera" made its television debut, with Funt as the host. The show featured practical jokes and filmed ordinary people in unusual and embarrassing situations without their knowledge. It became a huge success and ran on all three major TV networks and in syndication until Funt was sidelined by a stroke in 1993.

Funt was also a producer, director, and writer, and he created two documentary films based on the hidden camera theme in the 1970s: "What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?" and "Money Talks". He also produced a series of adult-oriented videos called "Candid Candid Camera" in the 1980s.

In addition to his career in entertainment, Funt was known for his philanthropy. He donated his recordings and films to Cornell University and established a fellowship at Syracuse University for postgraduate studies in radio and television to promote diversity in the industry. He also founded a charity that used laughter therapy for seriously ill patients by providing them with videocassettes of "Candid Camera" episodes.

Funt passed away in 1999, and his son, Peter Funt, took over as the host of "Candid Camera", continuing the legacy of the iconic show.

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