TV Guide Network Special to Expose History of Sex and Censorship
by Sue Denim
YNOT – From covered-up navels and married couples sleeping in separate beds to skimpy bikinis, barely-there dance costumes and in-your-face sexual encounters, TV Guide Network is pulling back the sheets on its first-ever special dedicated to the evolution of nudity, sexual content and censorship on American television.
With archival clips and commentary from media and pop-culture experts, “Sex on TV” documents the progression of titillation, nudity and sex that has captivated television audiences since the 1950s. The two-part special argues that mainstream television pushed the envelope by making once-taboo topics trendy. While characters on 1960s classics like Gidget and I Dream of Jeannie were required to cover their navels, 1970s shows like Charlie’s Angels introduced “jiggle TV.” By comparison, contemporary prime-time series are beyond risqué, and their edges continue to get sharper.
“Sex on TV” examines the changing landscape of television, including how the networks regulated content to reflect the evolution of society with the understanding that less clothing meant higher ratings.
“Sex hasn’t changed over the years, but how Americans view sex through television certainly has,” noted Diane Robina, TV Guide Network’s executive vice president for programming and marketing. “This special focuses on how [Americans’] views on sex have evolved.”
“Sex on TV” highlights historical television moments including the first interracial kiss between Nancy Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. and the first same-sex kiss on L.A. Law. Both provoked nationwide debate and encouraged television to reflect a more progressive society. The two-part special also examines the argument between salacious nudity and nudity deemed justified by being a reflection of real-life events, such as in the mini-series Roots.
As network television slowly tested the sexual boundaries, NYPD Blue aired an uncompromising sex scene in the series premiere that became a pivotal moment in sex on television. Despite the public outcry over the minute-long scene, the drama became a critical and commercial hit and paved the way for networks to take more risks.
“Sex on TV” also looks at the birth of basic and premium cable channels and how they influenced network television. Undeterred by critics, cable exhibited a no-holds-barred approach to sex and nudity with groundbreaking series like Real Sex, The Real World and Sex and the City, proving viewers would tune in for sex and there are few topics too taboo for television.
Narrated by actress Brenda Strong of the frequently racy prime-time soap Desperate Housewives, “Sex on TV” is due to premier Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Sue Denim is a freelance journalist specializing in sexuality and the adult entertainment industry.
