The Gong Show

This is one of those programmes you either loved or hated. A supposed talent show where bad performers were "gonged off" the stage before completing their act. Producer Chuck Barris hosted from 1977. Its up to you whether you think Chuck was deliberately bad . He forgot his lines, turned to the wrong camera, clapped his hands after every sentence etc. The talent show performers were joined by "Non-contestant talent"; these were usually some loonies who did their party pieces and wanted to be gonged. Other "acts" were regulars The Unknown Comic and Gene, Gene The Dancing Machine. The show ran in America from 1976 to 1980. Compliations were shown on Channel Four in the Countdown slot in the mid-eighties!! Hopefully there will be more of The Gong Show soon on TV Ark