Retrospect: variety shows, part0

Self-tutoring about people and events from the past: the tutor mentions a format common in his youth.

When I was a kid, variety shows were common on TV. Moreover, some were quite popular. The Osmonds had one, as did the Mandrells, and even Tom Jones. I seem to recall the Osmonds’ and Mandrells’ being an hour.

Variety shows typically had, depending on duration, a few songs performed, a few short comedy scenes, and possibly some discussion time between the host and guest(s). An hour-long show typically had longer musical performances, and possibly a short, self-contained production, maybe 10 minutes long, featuring the host and guests.

Back then, where I lived, anyway, there was typically one TV per household. A variety show was something everyone would watch, although it wasn’t most people’s favourite TV show. To me, they had a pretty slow pace. Yet, it was nice, all of us watching it together, sometimes making fun of the show as much as listening to it. Prime time Saturday and Sunday nights were likely times to see one.

With the proliferation of screens these days, so that virtually everyone can watch what they alone want, it’s probably tougher times for the variety show. While they might still exist, I haven’t heard of one in decades.

In fact, the genre still exists, but under a number of different labels. I hope to discuss the phenomenon more in upcoming posts:)