TLDR;
The video discusses the American television show "That's Incredible!" which aired from 1980 to 1984. The show featured outrageous stunts and showcases of unique talents while being hosted by John Davidson, Cathy Lee Crosby, and Fran Tarkenton. It became a sensation despite facing harsh criticism from reviewers. Key points include:
- A severe stunt accident led to discussions about safety in televised performances.
- The show introduced future stars, including John Mosida Jr. and Tiger Woods, to national audiences.
- Increasingly dangerous stunts resulted in injuries and lawsuits, which ultimately influenced the show's content and viewership decline.
The crazy stunt that the show couldn't broadcast [0:00]
On September 15, 1980, a motorcycle stunt at Caesar's Palace aimed to entertain viewers but ended in disaster when the performer wiped out. He suffered critical injuries, including a ruptured aorta and a fractured pelvis, risking his life. Thankfully, the incident was recorded in advance, allowing ABC to decide against airing the crash, which would have shocked live audiences despite their likely enthusiasm for the show.
The Hosts: John Davidson, Cathy Lee Crosby, Fran Tarkenton [2:02]
The show was hosted by John Davidson, a well-known TV personality, Cathy Lee Crosby, a former professional tennis player and the original Wonder Woman, and Fran Tarkenton, a celebrated NFL quarterback. Each host brought distinct backgrounds, contributing to the show's appeal. Even today, all three hosts remain alive in their 80s.
I loved the Bowmar NFL Reading Kit [2:55]
"That's Incredible!" served as a platform for launching the careers of future stars. Notable among them was John Mosida Jr., who showcased his ability to speak 500 words per minute, catching the attention of advertisers. The show also featured young Tiger Woods, demonstrating his golf skills, and Alicia Wit, who recited Shakespeare, leading to significant acting opportunities later in their careers.
That's Incredible! guests who became famous [3:27]
The show didn't just entertain; it was a launching pad for many who went on to achieve fame. John Mosida Jr. famously secured a commercial career through his appearance. Similarly, Tiger Woods and Alicia Wit gained recognition and successful paths in their respective fields thanks to "That's Incredible!"
The critics were merciless [5:28]
The premiere of "That's Incredible!" received poor reviews, with critics deeming it unoriginal compared to NBC's "Real People." However, viewers embraced the show, leading to high ratings and its rise to being the third most-watched program in the U.S. despite the negative feedback, showcasing a disconnect between critics and the audience.
Spanky and the Pyramid of Cars [6:23]
The show's first episode featured a fateful stunt with a performer known as Spanky jumping a car through a pyramid of other cars, which was dangerous and set a precedent for increasingly risky performances in future episodes.
Stanley Kruml's Fiery 50-yard dash [6:51]
Stanley Kruml attempted to run through a 50-yard tunnel of fire for a segment. Though he completed the stunt, he suffered severe burns, leaving him with significant injuries that showcased the potential hazards of such dangerous acts.
Steve Lewis, the man who jumped over speeding cars [7:27]
Steve Lewis performed an audacious stunt meant to jump over two speeding cars. Despite a successful practice run, he hesitated during the main event but was pressured to proceed, resulting in a serious injury that led to amputation. His lawsuit against the show marked a significant moment in stunt performance history, raising questions about safety and responsibility.
Alan Landsburg's one goal [9:16]
Alan Landsburg, the show’s creator, aimed to generate viewer reactions with increasingly shocking content. His focus on creating "incredible" moments often came at a cost, leading to detrimental injuries among stunt performers, highlighting a darker side of television entertainment.
The downfall of That's Incredible! [10:02]
Following lawsuits and increasing scrutiny, "That's Incredible!" shifted focus from dangerous stunts to less risky, more family-friendly content. The show's popularity declined, ultimately falling from the third most-watched show to 57th by the end of its run in 1984, illustrating the repercussions of its earlier sensationalism.
