Ep. 260: The Importance of Being Gonged

Fascinating Nouns

If you didn’t grow up in the 70’s, you have no concept of just how popular “The Gong Show” was. This was a daytime show that destroyed the ratings, and was unlike anything on television. It was basically a reverse talent show where the draw was a parade of terrible acts. They had some ringers sprinkled in, but the wild stunts are what is remembered to this day. And it was hosted by Chuck Barris, the creator of the show. This isn’t that unusual today, but this was not an ego play. The ego came later. He was basically forced to host the show because he couldn’t find anyone who saw his same vision. He then became synonymous with the show. This show was purposefully trying to avoid launching careers, but despite this, several famous people were featured, including Paul Reubens, Oingo Boingo, Phil Hartman, Michael Winslow, and Joey D’Auria AKA Bozo The Clown. It also created it’s own celebrities, including Gene Gene the Dancing Machine, The Unknown Comic, and Count Banjola. Adam and discuss the rise and fall of this unique show, How Markie Post figures into the equation, and the importance of “Have You Got A Nickel”.

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