Naughty Neighbors was an American softcore pornographic magazine published from 1984 to 2002. It was founded by Bob Guccione Jr., the son of Penthouse founder Bob Guccione Sr., and initially focused primarily on heterosexual couples engaging in sexual activity with their neighbors. However, as time went on, the magazine expanded its focus to include stories featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary characters in various scenarios such as office romances, voyeurism, and public exhibitionism. Despite its raunchier subject matter, Naughty Neighbors maintained a playful tone throughout its run that set it apart from more hardcore competitors like Playboy and Hustler. The Tone of Naughty Neighbors
Unlike many other adult magazines at the time, Naughty Neighbors never crossed into truly hardcore territory or featured particularly extreme fetishes or acts. Its stories were designed to be entertaining rather than shocking or titillating, and readers often noted that they enjoyed the lighthearted nature of the magazine's articles. This was part of what made it unique in a crowded marketplace filled with publications looking to push boundaries and provoke audiences with increasingly explicit material. Instead, Naughty Neighbors provided a refreshing alternative for those who preferred eroticism without the edge of overt violence or aggression. Softcore Eroticism
The magazine aimed to capture the imagination of its audience through suggestive writing, not graphic depictions of sex. Rather than relying on pornographic photographs, it used artistic illustrations and drawings to convey the heat of its scenarios. Its stories focused on emotional intimacy and passionate encounters, making them ideal reading material for those seeking something more romantic than raw sexuality. Naughty Neighbors also avoided excessive profanity, focusing instead on euphemisms and double entendres that allowed its writers to skirt around taboo subjects without being too blunt about them. Comedy and Romance
In addition to being playful, Naughty Neighbors also sought to incorporate elements of comedy and romance into its stories. The magazine included short jokes and parodies alongside its steamier tales, as well as advice columns and relationship tips. These features helped to round out the publication and provide readers with a sense of community beyond just their own erotic fantasies. Over time, this approach proved popular enough to inspire imitators and even spin-offs from other magazines hoping to emulate Naughty Neighbor's success. Legacy
Despite eventually closing in 2002 due to declining sales and changing consumer tastes, Naughty Neighbors left behind an indelible mark on the world of adult entertainment. Its emphasis on softcore erotica inspired countless similar publications, many of which still exist today. Additionally, the magazine's ability to balance titillation with humor and heart made it a favorite among readers who found themselves turned off by the aggressive nature of some of its competitors. Today, many fans look back fondly at Naughty Neighbors as a reminder of a time when pornography didn't have to be so extreme or degrading to be effective.