Buzz
Public-access TV refers to channels that offer free airtime for programs produced by the public, usually on a first-come, first-served basis. Before the rise of platforms like YouTube, these stations were often the sole outlet for amateur filmmakers to share their work with a broader audience.
Due to the lack of strict oversight or quality control, public access television often featured quirky, low-budget, and sometimes downright outlandish shows from creators who otherwise might not have had the chance to showcase their ideas on TV. Here, we explore ten of the most captivating programs.
10. rAw TiMe
Broadcasting from Austin, Texas, during the late '90s and early 2000s, rAw TiMe offered a unique mix of music videos spanning genres from Björk to Rammstein. Although rAw TiMe was not a 'requests' show, hosts took live calls between videos, with Tinarina (also known as Tiffy), a goth personality, being the most memorable of them all.
During her segments, Tinarina was regularly bombarded with catcalls, insults, and abuse from callers. However, despite being just a teenager, she handled each call with her signature sarcastic wit, sharp comebacks, and an almost impenetrable calm. Her remarkable ability to endure such vitriol with apparent ease turned her into a cult favorite. After leaving the show, Tinarina chose to stay out of the public eye, a move that felt like a final victory over the trolls who targeted her.
9. Stairway to Stardom
Stairway to Stardom was a talent show that aired in New York City during the 1980s. Often referred to as the 'original American Idol,' it’s hard to ignore the similarities between the early auditions of that show and the unpredictable performances on this one.
However, what set Stairway to Stardom apart was its humble studio setup, the supportive host, and the uniquely captivating performances. There’s something magical about it that no modern talent show can replicate.
The participants of Stairway to Stardom, ranging from aspiring pop stars to comedians, dancers, and amateur actors, were often not the most skilled performers. Yet, what they lacked in talent, they more than made up for with their passion, resulting in some truly unforgettable television moments.
8. Sister Who Presents
Sister Who, a self-proclaimed nun and spiritual teacher, hosted a talk show in Denver, Colorado, during the 1990s, focusing on life and spirituality.
With her distinctive spiraled makeup and attire, Sister Who's appearance may seem unsettling at first. However, contrary to many public access shows of the time, the program wasn't intended to be outlandish. Despite the theatrical visuals, the host made a sincere effort to connect with her audience.
The host still maintains a website where fans can discover her albums, hiking photos, and occasionally, new episodes of the show.
7. The Asylum for Shut-Ins: Video Psychotherapy
The Asylum for Shut-Ins was a public access show that aired in Cleveland, Ohio, during the late '80s. Its mission? To unsettle and disturb its audience.
Hosted by a frantic, sunglasses-wearing ventriloquist dummy known as 'The Doctor,' The Asylum for Shut-Ins featured disturbing footage from horror films, music videos, and a variety of other media. The true horror of the show wasn’t the content itself, but the way it was cut together in a jarring, chaotic fashion.
Created by Ted Zbozien, a professional film editor still active in the industry today, the show served as a showcase for his editing skills. The Asylum for Shut-Ins remains a true test of endurance for all but the most devoted horror aficionados.
6. Mystic Kids Funtime
Despite its innocent-sounding name, Mystic Kids Funtime is far from a typical children’s program. Instead, it’s more akin to a visual psychedelic journey, one that is better suited for adults than kids.
The show was created by Ross Wilsey, a creator known for a range of puppet-centric programs. Like many of his other projects, Mystic Kids Funtime is hosted by a puppet—a quasi-spiritual figure referred to as the 'Mystic Guru' or 'Holy One.'
Beyond that, the show is nearly impossible to describe. Its trippy slow-motion visuals, swirling colors, the guru’s strange rants, and peculiar editing combine to create an experience unlike any other.
5. Dinner Dancing with Frank Pacholski
Dinner Dancing with Frank Pacholski was a public-access show where the Los Angeles-based Pacholski performed interpretive dance for a group of bewildered senior citizens, all while wearing underwear emblazoned with the American flag. This already odd setup only gets stranger from there.
After serving his confused guests some salad dressing, Pacholski proceeds to pour the remaining dressing over himself. He continues to smear, douse, and immerse himself in various food items while bagpipe music plays in the background. By the end of this bizarre performance, Frank is completely coated in food.
Why Frank Pacholski decided to create this show remains a mystery. However, thanks to the public access channels in Los Angeles, it made its television debut before eventually making its way to the internet.
4. The One Man Show: Spirit of Truth
The One Man Show was a Los Angeles public access program featuring the charismatic yet foul-mouthed preacher Don Vincent (also known as Vincent Stewart). Much of the show consisted of Vincent delivering aggressive, profanity-filled sermons in which he referred to himself as 'God' and dished out insults to any callers who disagreed with him.
Despite a five-year run, Vincent and The One Man Show seemed destined to fade into obscurity after the show was canceled following an incident in which Vincent mooned the camera and challenged viewers to 'look for sin.' However, his rants gained new life when clips of the show went viral online, catching the attention of media figures like Howard Stern and Daniel Tosh.
3. Let’s Paint TV
Originally broadcast on Eagle Rock Public Access, Let’s Paint TV featured John Kilduff, the host, who tried to juggle painting, exercising, and performing a variety of other tasks, all while answering calls from viewers. Picture Bob Ross hosting The Joy of Painting on a treadmill while also trimming his beard, and you’ll get the essence of the show.
As you might expect, the premise rarely goes smoothly for John. His artwork often resembles a child’s drawing, his exercise routine quickly tires him, and he’s frequently overwhelmed by the chaos of multitasking. But according to John, this is exactly the point of the show, as he explained in an interview with Vice:
“It’s not my job to make a masterpiece and succeed. It’s my job to be there and persevere and experiment and fail and keep going.”
Even today, John’s show lives on online, despite continuing to be largely overlooked by the mainstream media. Yet, his message of perseverance and his distinct performance style resonated with many, including comedian Eric Andre, who once referred to him as an “idol.”
2. The Church of Shooting Yourself
The Church of Shooting Yourself was a weekly, half-hour television program that aired on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network during the 1990s. The show featured Rik Little as Rik Arithmetic, a parody news anchor covering events in the East Village and beyond. His purpose was to document his sinful behavior while spreading his new belief system: the Church of Shooting Yourself.
Rik’s religion might seem grim at first, but the “shooting” refers to using a camera. According to Rik, while God exists, he’s too preoccupied to oversee every individual’s wrongdoings. As a result, God wants us to take on that role by recording ourselves constantly, enabling us to review our actions and repent when necessary.
Beyond the bizarre premise and religious commentary, Rik also captures raw and powerful reporting, including scenes of excessive police force. Consequently, the show oscillates between hard-hitting journalism and an outlet for wildly creative expression. This blurring of reality and fiction creates a profoundly jarring effect.
1. Unwind with the Sweeties
First airing in 1991, Unwind with the Sweeties showcases a couple known as the “Sweeties,” consisting of a man and a woman, as they engage in otherwise mundane activities such as shopping, reading magazines, or singing to themselves. However, with their unnervingly strange ski mask attire and eerie presence, the Sweeties make the ordinary seem anything but.
The show is absurd, dreamlike, and often completely random, especially at its most bizarre. Despite this, it has managed to amass a cult following online. Little is known about the creators of the show, their intentions, or what motivated them. Regardless, you'll likely find it difficult to unwind with this pair.
