People Are Funny

People Are Funny was a popular American radio and television game show that entertained audiences with its unique blend of comedy and audience participation. Created by John Guedel, the show premiered on radio in 1942 and later transitioned to television, running until 1960. The premise of the show was simple yet effective: contestants were asked to perform various stunts and tasks to prove that, indeed, “people are funny.”

The show’s format involved putting ordinary people in extraordinary situations, often with hilarious results. Contestants might be asked to complete unusual challenges, such as attempting to register a trained seal as a hotel guest. These outlandish scenarios were designed to bring out the humor in everyday situations and showcase the unpredictable nature of human behavior.

Art Linkletter, who took over hosting duties from Art Baker in 1943, became synonymous with People Are Funny. His affable personality and quick wit made him the perfect ringmaster for the show’s comedic chaos. Linkletter’s ability to interact with contestants and draw out humorous responses contributed significantly to the show’s success and longevity.

One of the most intriguing aspects of People Are Funny was its long-term stunts, some of which could last for weeks, months, or even years. These extended challenges kept audiences tuning in regularly to follow the progress and eventual outcomes. The show’s popularity stemmed from its ability to showcase the humor and unpredictability of everyday people in unusual circumstances, creating a relatable and entertaining experience for listeners and viewers alike.

The Stars

While People Are Funny primarily focused on the antics of everyday contestants rather than celebrity guests, the show’s enduring star was undoubtedly Art Linkletter. Taking over hosting duties in 1943, Linkletter became the face and voice of the program, guiding it through its transition from radio to television.

Linkletter’s warm, engaging personality and quick wit were perfectly suited to the show’s format. He had a knack for putting contestants at ease while simultaneously drawing out humorous responses and reactions. His ability to think on his feet and adapt to unexpected situations made him an ideal host for a show that thrived on unpredictability.

Before Linkletter, Art Baker served as the original host of People Are Funny from its debut in 1942 until 1943. While Baker’s tenure was relatively short, he helped establish the show’s format and set the stage for its future success.

In the show’s brief 1984 revival, comedian Flip Wilson took on hosting duties. Wilson, known for his own variety show in the 1970s, brought his unique comedic style to the program, though this incarnation was short-lived compared to the original run.

Key Dates

• April 10, 1942: People Are Funny debuts on NBC radio with Art Baker as host.
• October 1, 1943: Art Linkletter takes over as host, beginning his long association with the show.
• September 19, 1954: The television version of People Are Funny premieres on NBC, running concurrently with the radio show.
• April 1, 1960: The original run of People Are Funny concludes on television.
• April 13, 1961: The last rerun of the original series airs, marking the end of People Are Funny's initial television presence.
• March 24, 1984: A revived version of People Are Funny debuts on NBC with Flip Wilson as host.
• July 21, 1984: The revival series concludes its brief run.

Other Information

Film Adaptation: The popularity of People Are Funny led to a 1946 film of the same name. This musical comedy offered a fictionalized account of the show’s creation, featuring Art Linkletter and Frances Langford playing themselves. The film helped to further cement the show’s place in popular culture.

Innovative Stunts: One of the most memorable stunts from the show involved releasing 12 plastic balls into the Pacific Ocean in 1945, with a $1,000 prize offered to the first person to find one. Remarkably, two years later, a native of Ennylageban Island claimed the prize, demonstrating the global reach and long-term nature of some of the show’s challenges.

Ratings Success: People Are Funny enjoyed considerable popularity during its run. In the 1955-1956 television season, it ranked 27th in the Nielsen ratings. The following season saw it climb to 21st place, and in 1957-1958, it held the 29th position, showcasing its consistent appeal to viewers.

Emmy Recognition: The television version of People Are Funny received Emmy nominations in both 1955 and 1956, highlighting its impact and quality in the early days of television entertainment.

Pioneering Reruns: People Are Funny made television history by becoming the first game show to air repeats. After the original run ended in 1960, NBC continued to air encores until April 1961, setting a precedent for future television programming practices.

Cultural Impact: The show’s influence extended beyond its airtime, inspiring a British version hosted by Derek Roy in 1955. It was also satirized in popular culture, including a 1959 Warner Bros. cartoon titled People Are Bunny, featuring Daffy Duck as an unfortunate contestant on a show called People Are Phony.

Memorable Moments: One particularly amusing recurring stunt involved contestants attempting to maintain a phone conversation with a randomly selected stranger for several minutes without the other party hanging up. This challenge highlighted the show’s ability to create humor from everyday interactions.

Legacy: People Are Funny left an indelible mark on the landscape of American entertainment. Its format of putting ordinary people in extraordinary situations paved the way for future reality and game shows. The show’s success demonstrated the enduring appeal of unscripted humor and the public’s fascination with seeing how everyday individuals react in unusual circumstances.

People Are Funny remains a beloved piece of radio and television history, remembered fondly for its innovative stunts, Art Linkletter’s charismatic hosting, and its ability to find humor in the unpredictable nature of human behavior.

Its influence can still be seen in modern entertainment, where the concept of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges continues to captivate audiences.