June 14, 1976 –
The Gong Show debuted on NBC on this date. People with dubious talents perform their acts before a celebrity panel of judges, who are free to eject the performer at any time by banging a large gong. The best non-gonged performer each night wins $516.32.
During the time the show is on the air, it’s creator, Chuck Barris, suffered a complete mental breakdown, he said from the stress of being a secret CIA hit man.
No really, I’m not kidding you.
The Haus of Dcaligari 