August 10, 1948

TV classic Candid Camera, produced and hosted by Alan Funt, debuted on this day in 1948. Funt had originally created the concept for radio, launching Candid Microphone in 1947. When it premiered as a television show, the program kept the name Candid Microphone until its second season. Both the radio and TV versions featured unsuspecting people captured in their natural, puzzled responses to comic setups. Candid Camera had short stints on all three networks prior to its run on CBS from 1960 to 1967. In 1989, Alan’s son Peter became his co-host in a series of Candid Camera specials. Later still, in 1991, CBS tried to revive the show with Dom DeLuise and Eva LaRue as co-hosts, but the show flopped. Currently, the show has found a new home on the PAX network with hosts Peter Funt and Dina Eastwood.

Candid Camera is responsible for the birth of the entire comedic genre of hidden camera television. Its broad appeal has remained popular for decades. NBC found success with its TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes hosted by Dick Clark and Ed McMahon from 1984-1993. Today’s younger audience once again has the chance to appreciate the humor of hidden camera antics thanks to MTV and Ashton Kutcher’s new show Punk’d, which has become an instant hit.