On this day August 9 1980, That’s My Line premiered on CBS. Created by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman as a spin on their classic game show What’s My Line, this short lived series ditched the quiz format and embraced real people with fascinating stories, odd professions, and unique talents.
Hosted by Bob Barker, the show explored human interest stories in an era before reality TV took over the airwaves. Each episode featured interviews, demonstrations, and lighthearted segments that highlighted the extraordinary among the ordinary. While it shared a name and production team with its famous predecessor, That’s My Line focused on showcasing unusual people instead of celebrity panel guessing games.
Though the show only lasted two seasons, it marked an early step in the development of reality based entertainment on network television. Barker’s charm and the show’s offbeat format made it a curious footnote in early 80s programming.
80s insight: That’s My Line reflected television’s growing curiosity about real life stories and paved the way for unscripted programming that would become more common in the decades to follow.
Hosted by Bob Barker, the show explored human interest stories in an era before reality TV took over the airwaves. Each episode featured interviews, demonstrations, and lighthearted segments that highlighted the extraordinary among the ordinary. While it shared a name and production team with its famous predecessor, That’s My Line focused on showcasing unusual people instead of celebrity panel guessing games.
Though the show only lasted two seasons, it marked an early step in the development of reality based entertainment on network television. Barker’s charm and the show’s offbeat format made it a curious footnote in early 80s programming.
80s insight: That’s My Line reflected television’s growing curiosity about real life stories and paved the way for unscripted programming that would become more common in the decades to follow.
