Watch Candid Camera: Series

Candid Camera is a classic prank show that first premiered in the late 1940s and has since become a cultural phenomenon. The show had a simple premise: hidden cameras were used to capture the reactions of unsuspecting people in various comedic scenarios. The show's popularity led to numerous spin-offs and imitations, and it has since inspired countless other prank shows that have come after it.

The show was created by Allen Funt, who came up with the idea while working as a radio producer in the late 1940s. The show's first incarnation was a radio show called Candid Microphone, which aired on ABC in 1947. The show was a hit, and it was soon adapted into a television show called Candid Camera, which premiered on CBS in 1948. The show quickly became a sensation, and it was soon a staple of early television.

Each episode of Candid Camera featured a series of segments in which hidden cameras were used to capture the reactions of unsuspecting people. The segments were often centered around a specific theme or premise, such as a fake job interview or a prank involving a celebrity look-alike. The show's humor came from the reactions of the unwitting participants, who were often caught off guard and didn't know what to make of the situations they found themselves in.

One of the show's most famous segments involved the classic "farting elevator" prank, in which Funt and his team installed a device in an elevator that made farting noises every time someone pressed a button. The reactions of the people in the elevator are hilarious to watch, and the segment has since become one of the most iconic in the show's history.

Another memorable segment involved a fake dating service that matched people up based on their astrological signs. However, the people were actually matched up based on their last names, which led to some hilarious mismatches (e.g. a man named Mr. Wolf was paired up with a woman named Ms. Lamb).

Over the years, Candid Camera evolved to include more elaborate pranks and stunts. For example, one segment involved a fake restaurant that served outrageous dishes, such as "roast hippopotamus" and "fried ostrich eggs." Another segment involved a "reverse pickpocket" who would slip money into people's pockets instead of stealing from them.

One of the most notable aspects of Candid Camera was its ability to capture genuine reactions from people. Unlike many modern prank shows, which are often staged and scripted, Candid Camera relied on the reactions of real people to drive its humor. This gave the show a sense of authenticity and made it all the more enjoyable to watch.

Candid Camera remained on the air for several decades, with Funt hosting the show until his death in 1999. The show's legacy lives on, however, and it has inspired countless other prank shows over the years. In particular, the show's influence can be seen in the modern trend of "viral" prank videos that are often shared on social media.

Overall, Candid Camera is a classic of early television and a timeless example of the power of good, old-fashioned humor. The show's ability to capture genuine reactions from people has made it a beloved cultural touchstone, and its influence can still be felt in the world of entertainment today. Whether you're a fan of classic television, comedy, or just good old-fashioned pranks, Candid Camera is a must-see for anyone who appreciates a good laugh.

Candid Camera: Series is a series that ran for 3 seasons (100 episodes) between January 1, 1960 and on Shout! Factory TV