In the 1970s and 80s, Penthouse magazine introduced a radical approach to the presentation of adult material. They took what was once considered taboo and presented it in an intelligent, thoughtful way that allowed for discussion and debate. Instead of simply presenting images of naked women, they included interviews with public figures and articles about current events and social issues. It was this blend of content that made Penthouse so successful, attracting both men and women who were looking for something different from traditional pornography.
The mix of content helped to create a unique tone that differentiated Penthouse from its competitors. By including interviews and essays alongside the pictorials, Penthouse was able to appeal to readers who might have been turned off by pure sex but still wanted to explore their sexuality. The articles also provided insight into the minds of those who worked at the magazine, giving them a more human element. This mix of content created a sense of intimacy between reader and publisher that other magazines lacked.
This strategy proved to be very effective, as Penthouse became one of the most popular pornographic publications of all time. Its circulation peaked in the mid-1980s, reaching over 5 million subscribers. It was praised by critics for its high production values and quality writing, and even earned a respectable reputation among mainstream journalists. Today, Penthouse is still published and continues to be read by millions around the world.
However, some argue that this blend of content may have contributed to the decline of Penthouse in recent years. As the internet has become more accessible, people are no longer limited to what they can find in print. They can now search out specific types of content or watch videos online. This has led to a decline in demand for magazines like Penthouse, which relied on a mix of eroticism and journalism to set themselves apart.
Despite this, Penthouse remains an important part of adult media history and continues to influence today's publishers. Their innovative approach to content and tone helped to shape the way we think about sex and sexuality, and their legacy lives on in the pages of publications both old and new.