‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ Was Social Media’s Forefather

Lengthy earlier than user-generated video clips dominated social media, they had been the supply of snickers and prize cash on America’s Funniest House Movies, which launched 35 years in the past.

Collection creator Vin Di Bona was fascinated by Japanese comedy packages that includes dwelling footage, main him to adapt one into the Nineteen Eighties movie star recreation present Animal Crack-Ups, hosted by Alan Thicke. In 1989, Di Bona found Japanese selection present Enjoyable With Ken and Kato Chan, with two hosts quipping about viewer-submitted movies. He compiled an eight-minute pitch video utilizing Japanese clips and enlisted Animal Crack-Ups author Todd Thicke (Alan’s youthful brother) for the pilot. Thicke examined the video out on pals and remembers actress Jane Seymour loving it but in addition expressing concern for anybody taking a spill.

“That was a very good be aware,” says Thicke, an govt producer till 2015. “We referred to as it ‘restoration’ and at all times wished to indicate that nobody was actually damage.”

Earlier than it even aired, the present ran journal advertisements soliciting clip submissions. On Nov. 26, 1989, ABC debuted AFV as a primetime particular earlier than launching a full season that January, with Bob Saget — already a community fixture with Full Home — as host. Saget stepped away in 1997, however the evergreen collection remained robust with Tom Bergeron because the lead for 15 seasons.

Season 35 launched final month, with host Alfonso Ribeiro returning for his tenth yr. He proudly cites AFV as a forebear to platforms like YouTube and TikTok. “AFV is the grandfather to all of the social media channels and created a complete technology who’re used to watching issues on TV this manner,” Ribeiro says. “My purpose is to be proper again right here when [we’re celebrating] the forty fifth season.” 

This story appeared within the Oct. 9 difficulty of The Hollywood Reporter journal. Click on right here to subscribe.