What would you do if...? You're on Candid Camera!

In My Humble Opinion
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Primetime: What Would You Do? is an American television News magazine broadcast on ABC since 2008 as part of the Primetime series. Reruns of older episodes began airing on OWN as What Would You Do?: OWN Edition on February 15, 2011 (similar to Dateline on ID and 48 Hours on ID). Currently, What Would You Do? is the only format of Primetime that is aired year-round. Other subjects, such as Family Secrets, are aired in special summer segments. The show is about setting up everyday scenarios that reflect on how people react, why they react, and when they decide to. Scenarios staged are usually injustices or illegal activity; things you do not experience in everyday life. Actors and props are used, as well as hidden cameras to view the action. Whether they’re compelled to act or mind their own business, John Quiñones reports on their split-second and often surprising decision-making process. As the interveners finish, Quiñones himself shows up and reveals that they are on TV and the situation is not real. Often people react differently if the actors are switched up in number, race, age or gender. As the experiment goes on, psychology professors, teachers, or club members watch and discuss the video with Quiñones, explaining and making inferences on why the certain reaction is made. This series mainly looks at how they actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas that test their character and values.

**Candid Camera **is an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as Candid Microphone June 28, 1947. After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt’s concept came to television on August 10, 1948. Its last original broadcast was on May 5, 2004. The format has appeared on U.S. TV networks and in syndication (first-run) in each succeeding decade, as either a regular show or a series of specials. Funt himself hosted or co-hosted almost all of the TV versions until a 1993 stroke from which he never recovered. His son Peter Funt, who had co-hosted the specials with his father since 1987, became the producer and host.

Which one do you like more – “What would you do?” or “Candid Camera”?

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The scenarios in WWYD often make me very uncomfortable and not laugh at all, and I’d much rather laugh than be uncomfortable, so I’ll pick Candid Camera.

3

I liked Candid Camera. But it was enjoyable to watch in an age where people had no idea there might be a camera on them. By the end of the original show it was common for people to guess they were on Candid Camera, and the concept has been difficult to revive. Even the Punk’d type shows have a difficult time setting up their gag, and aren’t entertaining to me.

What Would You Do isn’t intended to be humorous. I have no idea who likes to watch a show like that or why.

4

I always loved Candid Camera. Silly situations, confusing situations, and no one gets hurt.
Europe still has several CC type shows, often with nudity. I wish we still did.

I like WWYD, mainly as a teaching moment for the kids. Since it’s mainly about standing up for what’s right or protecting someone, I make sure they watch and learn.

5

I happen to be one of those people who would almost always intervene. All 105 lbs of me!

Knowing this about myself, the WWYD show, holds little to no challenge for me, and just disgusts me that so many people would just walk by, so I never watch it.

I enjoyed CC for a while, but it got old fast, the scenarios ceased to entertain, so no, on that too!