Bob Saget hosted eight seasons of ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos,’ which began as a primetime special. Daniel Watson/ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection
Celebrating 35 Years of Laughter: The Legacy of America’s Funniest Home Videos
Long before user-generated video clips took over social media, they were a source of hilarity and prize money on America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV), which launched 35 years ago. This beloved series has become a staple of American television, providing countless laughs through viewer-submitted clips that showcase the lighter side of life.
The Genesis of AFV
Series creator Vin Di Bona was inspired by Japanese comedy programs that featured home footage. His journey began with the adaptation of one such show into the 1980s celebrity game show Animal Crack-Ups, hosted by Alan Thicke. However, it was in 1989 that Di Bona stumbled upon a Japanese variety show called Fun With Ken and Kato Chan, which featured two hosts humorously commenting on viewer-submitted videos.
Inspired, Di Bona created an eight-minute pitch video using clips from the Japanese show and collaborated with Todd Thicke, Alan’s younger brother and a writer for Animal Crack-Ups, to develop the pilot. They tested the concept with friends, including actress Jane Seymour, who loved the idea but expressed concerns about the safety of participants. This feedback led to the show’s signature approach to presenting clips: always emphasizing that no one was seriously hurt, a concept they dubbed “recovery.”
The Launch of a Cultural Phenomenon
Before AFV even aired, the team began running magazine ads soliciting clip submissions. On November 26, 1989, ABC debuted AFV as a primetime special, followed by a full season launch in January 1990, hosted by Bob Saget, who was already a familiar face on network television thanks to Full House. Saget’s sense of humor and warmth helped the show connect with audiences, and when he learned of its success, he was genuinely surprised, stating, “My first thought was, ‘You gotta be kidding me!’”
After Saget stepped away in 1997, Tom Bergeron took over as host, leading the show for an impressive 15 seasons. Under his guidance, AFV continued to thrive, solidifying its place in television history.
A New Era with Alfonso Ribeiro
Fast forward to the present, and AFV is now in its 35th season, with host Alfonso Ribeiro celebrating his 10th year at the helm. Ribeiro recognizes AFV’s pivotal role in shaping modern entertainment, proudly declaring it the “grandfather” of social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
“AFV is the grandfather to all the social media channels and created an entire generation who are used to watching things on TV this way,” Ribeiro tells The Hollywood Reporter. His vision for the show remains ambitious, as he aims to be back celebrating the 45th season in the future.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
America’s Funniest Home Videos has not only entertained audiences for three and a half decades but has also influenced the way we consume comedic content. Its blend of genuine, relatable moments and lighthearted humor continues to resonate with viewers, making it a beloved fixture of American pop culture.
As AFV embarks on its new season, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of laughter and the simple joy of sharing life’s funny moments.
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