TV Land reboots Candid Camera for a new generation

TV Land Candid Camera

Can TV Land improve on a classic? We’ll find out as a longtime staple of TV and the original reality show, Candid Camera, gets rebooted for the 21st century on TV Land. Candid Camera created the hidden camera concept for TV in 1948 and produced the “Smile! You’re on candid camera!” catchphrase. Versions of the show aired for more than 50 years and inspired countless other similar hidden camera prank shows (like MTV’s Punk’d).

TV Land’s new iteration is hosted by Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) and Peter Funt, son of original Candid Camera creator and host Allen Funt. Expect this series to return to the family-friendly roots of the original. “We’ll be daring but respectful, funny yet insightful,” Peter Funt says.

In the premiere episode, patients struggle with do-it-yourself dentistry when their hygienist is a tablet computer. Also, guest star Megan Hilty (Smash) pranks auto mechanics who discover that her car has no engine.

Future guest stars on the series include New York City radio DJ Peter Rosenberg, singer/actress Carnie Wilson and baseball legend Reggie Jackson.

Candid Camera premieres on TV Land Monday, Aug. 11 at 8pm ET/PT, with original episodes also airing Aug. 12-14. The series begins its regular time slot on Tuesdays at 8pm ET/PT on Aug. 19. Encore episodes air at 8pm ET/PT throughout the week.

TV Land Candid Camera

Photo: Credit: TV Land

About Ryan Berenz 2166 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.