Trigger Happy TV, 2000
Hidden camera TV shows are nothing new, they’ve been around since the 1960’s when Bob Monkhouse presented early editions of the UK version of Candid Camera.
Trigger Happy TV gave the traditional hidden camera idea a twist, in it did not revolve around trapping normal people into embarrassing and impossible situations. Instead, presenter Dom Joly often made fun of himself rather than others and many scenes made people stop and either laugh or simply wonder what was going on; the passers-by are never made aware of the fact that they are on television.
The original show ran for two series between 2000 and 2003, totalling seventeen episodes. The show’s star and producer insisted he would not make any more shows in Britain, citing the fact his face and voice were now too well known.
Despite his insistence he would not make any more shows, Dom Joly announced on Twitter on the same day as the EU referendum that a third series would air on the Channel 4’s online streaming service All 4.
The new series consisted of eight short episodes and began airing in September 2016 and concluded with a Christmas Special.
Summary
The show highlights Dom Joly deliberately entering into ludicrous or embarrassing situations in public places, all filmed by a hidden camera operated by co-director Sam Cadman.
Clips
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Starring: Dom Joly
Details
Channel: Channel 4 (series 1 & 2) All 4 (series 3)
Produced By: Dom Joly
Directed By: Dom Joly and Sam Cadman
Original Transmission Dates:
14th January 2000 – 28th July 2003 (TV series)
26th September – 24th December 2016 (All 4 series)