The First Reality Show: An American Family

This Wouldn’t Happen With Today’s Reality Shows

One IMDB user tells a story about how they once knocked on the family’s door after the series aired in 1973. The family’s address was actually given on the first episode of the series. The fan was able to meet all of the kids Lance, Delilah, Michele and Kevin and Pat the mother. Pat even offered the several fans who had gathered to meet the family some cake.

What a simpler time! He said he even recorded the whole thing on audio tape, although he says it is quite embarrassing to listen to now. The fan also recounts how he looked up to Lance and Pat. Particularly because of Lance’s bravery to come out when no one else was doing that. He also admired Pat and the rest of the family for accepting Lance, which in turn made the fan comfortable with coming out to his own family some time later. What a beautiful story!