On this day June 3, 1985, Turkey Television premiered on Nickelodeon. The sketch comedy series ran for one season and delivered a fast-paced mix of satire, animation, international clips, and absurdist humor aimed at a younger audience.
Created by Roger Price and Geraldine Laybourne, the show followed in the footsteps of You Can’t Do That on Television and embraced the same irreverent spirit. With a stream of recurring characters, fake commercials, and wild visual gags, Turkey Television pushed the boundaries of kids programming and helped shape Nickelodeon’s early identity as a network willing to be weird, unpredictable, and entertaining.
Though it only lasted one season, the show left an impression on viewers who appreciated its offbeat humor and its place in the golden age of 80s kids TV.
80s insight: Turkey Television captured the experimental vibe of 80s children's programming, when networks like Nickelodeon were just beginning to break away from traditional formats. It helped set the tone for the type of bold, creative content that would define the channel for years to come.
Created by Roger Price and Geraldine Laybourne, the show followed in the footsteps of You Can’t Do That on Television and embraced the same irreverent spirit. With a stream of recurring characters, fake commercials, and wild visual gags, Turkey Television pushed the boundaries of kids programming and helped shape Nickelodeon’s early identity as a network willing to be weird, unpredictable, and entertaining.
Though it only lasted one season, the show left an impression on viewers who appreciated its offbeat humor and its place in the golden age of 80s kids TV.
80s insight: Turkey Television captured the experimental vibe of 80s children's programming, when networks like Nickelodeon were just beginning to break away from traditional formats. It helped set the tone for the type of bold, creative content that would define the channel for years to come.
