The Gong Show, which aired from 1976 until 1980, was one of the most bizarre programs ever to appear on television (see entry under 1940s—TV and Radio in volume 3). Created by producer Chuck Barris (1929–), the game show (see entry under 1950s—TV and Radio in volume 3) offered viewers a satire on traditional talent competitions. Occasionally, the series was a showcase for legitimate amateur talent, but more often it presented acts that were revolting, intentionally awful, or just plain weird.

During the 1960s, Barris had achieved great success as the executive producer of television's The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game. These programs drew much of their humor from the embarrassing comments made by contestants. In The Gong Show, Barris extended his popular blend of competition and humiliation by having terrible acts perform before celebrities in a talent contest. Each episode followed an established format: amateur...