Television shows have come a long way since their inception in the 1920s. From black and white screens to color, from VHS tapes to streaming services, the evolution of TV has been remarkable. However, despite all the changes, one thing remained taboo for years – showing a toilet on screen.
The First TV Show to Show a Toilet
The first TV show to break this taboo was the popular sitcom "I Love Lucy." In an episode that aired in 1952, Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) was shown sitting on a toilet. This was a groundbreaking moment for television, as it was the first time a toilet was shown on screen.
The episode, titled "Lucy Thinks Ricky is Trying to Murder Her," features Lucy overhearing a conversation between Ricky (Desi Arnaz) and his friend that leads her to believe that Ricky is plotting to kill her. In an attempt to avoid Ricky, Lucy spends most of the episode hiding in the bathroom. This is where the iconic toilet scene takes place.
The Impact of the Toilet Scene
The toilet scene in "I Love Lucy" had a significant impact on television. It opened the door for other shows to feature toilets and other taboo subjects. The scene was also groundbreaking because it showed a woman on the toilet, something that was not socially acceptable at the time.
The scene was not without controversy, however. Some viewers were offended by the scene, and CBS received complaints about it. Despite this, the episode was a massive success and is now considered a classic of television history.
Other TV Shows That Followed
After "I Love Lucy," other TV shows began to feature toilets. One of the most notable examples is "All in the Family," a sitcom that aired from 1971 to 1979. The show was known for its controversial and boundary-pushing content, and one episode featured Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) trying to fix his clogged toilet.
Other shows that featured toilets include "The Brady Bunch," "The Jeffersons," and "Seinfeld." These shows all helped to further normalize the presence of toilets on screen.
The Evolution of TV
The inclusion of toilets on TV may seem like a small thing, but it was a significant step forward in the evolution of television. It showed that TV was willing to tackle taboo subjects and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.
Today, TV shows feature all sorts of things that would have been considered taboo in the past, from sex and nudity to profanity and violence. This evolution has been driven by changing social norms and advancements in technology.
Conclusion
The first TV show to show a toilet was "I Love Lucy," and it had a significant impact on the evolution of television. The toilet scene in the show opened the door for other shows to feature taboo subjects and helped to normalize the inclusion of toilets on screen. Today, TV shows push the boundaries even further, but it all started with Lucy Ricardo sitting on a toilet.