subversive TV

[Paul DiFilippo]

A footnote in the history of subversive TV--and a footnote
that reveals the limitation of official tolerance--is the Sixties
show _Turn On_.  I recall this personally, from being a teen in
front of the Tube, but confirmation can be found in Brooks & Marsh
COMPLETE DIRECTORY TO PRIME TIME.  Modeled on _Laugh In_, _Turn-On_
has to hold the record for shortest run TV show ever!  It was yanked
in mid-episode of its premiere!  Becuase of a few jokes that
would today pass unnoticed on MARRIED WITH CHILDREN or any other
sitcom, my local ABC affiliate and others simply refused to return
to the broadcast after a commercial break, thanks to lit-up
switchboards around the nation.  (Brooks & Marsh claim the 
full telecast aired, but that's not how I recall it.  Even so, for
a series to be yanked after one episode.....).  And don't forget
the SMOTHERS BROTHERS contreversy of the same period.  Don't
imagine that today is any different.

--
DiFi&Newton/2 Poplar/Prov., RI 02906/Vox: 401-751-0139
"I have almost nothing in common with myself"--Franz Kafka
"I do the best imitation of myself."  Ben Folds Five