10 Images And History From 'The Gong Show' That Scream 1970s
Long before America's Got Talent graced our screens, Americans tuned into NBC to watch a different kind of amateur talent show.
Created and hosted by Chuck Barris beginning in 1976, The Gong Show featured entertaining acts with a simple task: Perform until you hear the gong.
Typically evaluated by celebrity guests, judges had the ability to eliminate any act whenever they wanted by banging the gong. Acts that made it all the way through were scored, with the winner receiving a small cash prize.
But unlike America's Got Talent, The Gong Show typically selected acts specifically for their absurdity, and bits ranged from engaging to downright nonsensical. Comedy was the name of the game and the show only got more ridiculous until it concluded in 1982.
A brief modern revival created by Will Arnett and staring Mike Myers failed to live up to the original.
- List View
- Player View
- Grid View
-
1. The Gong Show
Chuck Barris based the idea for his show on old "amateur hour" contest shows. -
2. Boogie, Bugel, Boy
Many "talents" swayed more towards party tricks than marketable skills. -
3. Gene Gene the Dancing Machine
A recurring popular act who often performed during breaks, seen here dancing with Barris. -
4. Two Slots
"The Gong Show" originally aired both nighttime and daytime versions with the former featuring a different host. Barris eventually took over both versions. -
5. Introducing a Guest
Barris initially wasn't confident about the show because of its absurdity. However, that's exactly what made it popular. -
6. “The Chief”
A popular act. Barris held auditions, and he and his staff selected performers based on how much they made everyone laugh. -
7. Introducing a Guest
Barris himself regularly joined in on the fun, as did many comedian celebrity guest judges. -
8. The Gong
The concept of a "gong" has continued on in many modern game shows. -
9. The Unknown Comic
Not all acts aired on television or were family friendly. Some of those featured in a 1980 movie. -
10. The End
Barris eventually grew tired of hosting the show, which contributed to the show's cancellation in 1982.
- REPLAY GALLERY
-
- 10 Images And History From 'The Gong Show' That Scream 1970s
Chuck Barris based the idea for his show on old "amateur hour" contest shows.
0 Comments