The history of television variety shows is rich and varied, spanning many decades and different genres. One aspect that has always been present, though often hidden away from public view, is the use of erotic costumes. While the use of erotic costuming was common in early television variety shows, it was also heavily regulated by censorship laws and moral codes. This made for some interesting contrasts between what could be shown on screen and what could not. In this article, we will explore the history of erotic costuming in early television variety shows and its role in shaping the way audiences viewed sexuality and intimacy.
Early Variety Shows
The first variety show on American television was "Your Show of Shows", which aired in 1950. It featured a cast of performers including Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, and Nanette Fabray. The show was known for its comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity guest appearances. However, it was also notable for its use of erotic costumes. For example, one episode featured a skit where Coca played a woman who was dressed as a nurse. She wore a tight white uniform with a low neckline and short hemline, revealing her cleavage and thighs. The outfit was suggestive but did not violate broadcast standards at the time.
Other variety shows followed suit, incorporating similar costuming elements. In 1953, "The Milton Berle Show" began airing, featuring a rotating cast of comedians and musicians. One episode featured a skit where Berle and his co-star Ethel Merman performed a duet while wearing very little clothing. While the outfits were revealing, they still adhered to broadcast standards and were considered acceptable by the network censors.
The Use of Erotic Costuming
As television became more popular, so too did the use of erotic costuming. This was largely due to the influence of European variety shows, which were much more open about their use of sexual content. These shows often featured burlesque dancers and other risqué acts that would never have been seen on American TV. As a result, many US networks began to experiment with erotic costuming as a way to compete with these programs.
In addition to using sexy outfits for performers, some variety shows even had entire segments dedicated to sexually themed humor. One example is "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In", which aired from 1968-1973. The show featured a segment called "The Dirty Old Man", in which an elderly man would make lewd jokes and comments about women's bodies. This kind of humor was seen as controversial at the time, but it did not violate broadcast standards because it was presented as comedy rather than realism.
Later Variety Shows
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the use of erotic costuming had become increasingly commonplace in variety shows. However, this trend soon came to an end thanks to changing attitudes towards sexuality and broadcast censorship. In response to public outcry, networks began imposing stricter guidelines on what could be shown on air. This meant that variety shows had to become less overtly sexualized or risk losing their viewership.
Despite these restrictions, erotic costuming still found its way into certain types of variety shows. For instance, some shows featuring drag queens used outlandish costumes to create a sense of campy humor and spectacle. These costumes often pushed boundaries without crossing the line into explicitness, providing entertainment value while also adhering to broadcast regulations.
Erotic Costuming Today
Today, erotic costuming remains a part of television culture, though it is rarely seen on variety shows anymore. Instead, it can be found in other genres such as reality TV and music videos. The use of erotic costuming is no longer regulated by network censors, allowing for greater creativity and experimentation. However, it is important to note that there are still limits to what can be shown, with some networks opting for more conservative approaches.
In conclusion, the history of erotic costuming in early television variety shows provides insight into how attitudes towards sex and intimacy have evolved over time. While the use of suggestive clothing was once limited by broadcast standards, today's performers have greater freedom to express themselves however they see fit. As long as audiences continue to find this type of content appealing, it will remain an integral part of our cultural landscape.