Beginning with the early days of television in 1948, the catch-phrase, “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera!” became a part of pop culture. An entire genre of prime time viewing sprang out of that one show with spin-offs, reboots, syndications, and international copycats around the globe. Some have said that Candid Camera, with host Allen Funt, was the original reality show.

Amazingly detailed practical jokes can take some time to develop. Planning, staging, and orchestrating a scenario that leads the hapless victim down a primrose path of emotion and incredulity takes time and planning. Candid Camera turned the practical joke into an art form.