Watch Real People

1979
6 Seasons
7.0 (236)

Real People was a popular television show that ran from 1979 to 1983, produced by Proven Entertainment. It starred Fred Willard and Sarah Purcell, two American actors who hosted the show together. The premise of Real People was to showcase ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The show's format allowed it to introduce viewers to various unique individuals and their hobbies, talents, and quirky lifestyles from across the country. As the show's catchphrase stated, it was all about "real people, real stories, real fun." Fred Willard, known for his comedic talent and performances in movies such as "Best in Show" and "Anchorman," brought his charm and humor to the show, endearing himself to viewers. He provided commentary and interviews during the segments, highlighting the humor and curiosity of the regular people featured on the show. Sarah Purcell, who co-hosted the show with Willard, had previously been a co-host on a popular game show, "Sale of the Century." On Real People, Purcell interviewed the show's subjects, providing a warm and empathetic presence for the segments. Her on-screen chemistry with Willard was an integral part of the show's success. Real People was groundbreaking for its time, as it showcased a diverse range of American citizens and their unique stories, introducing viewers to experiences and subcultures they may have otherwise never encountered. The show traveled all around the country, featuring people from small towns and big cities alike. The segments themselves were incredibly varied, ranging from a man who trained squirrels to perform tricks to a group of young performers from Harlem, a reporter covering a UFO convention, and a man who built himself a castle made entirely out of trash. Real People even covered serious topics such as gun control, the impact of the Vietnam War on veterans, and the issue of drunk driving. The show's producers were committed to bringing real people's opinions and stories to the forefront, making it a unique and authentic program. The show's success was due to its balanced mix of humor and heart. While the show's subjects were often lighthearted or quirky, Real People aimed to humanize individuals who might otherwise be seen as outcasts, showcasing their stories with empathy and respect. Real People's approach was groundbreaking for its time, as it was one of the first programs to set out to document regular people's lives in a way that was both entertaining and informative. While reality TV shows exist today that follow a similar format, Real People came before them, and its legacy has left an indelible mark on the genre. Overall, Real People was a show that celebrated individuality and showcased the diverse voices and experiences of Americans across the country. The chemistry between Willard and Purcell, as well as the show's humor and heart, made it a beloved program that aired for four seasons. Although the show ended in 1983, its spirit of celebrating regular people's lives and stories endures. Its legacy is a reminder of the importance of empathy, authenticity, and humor and their ability to bring people together. Real People was a show that left a lasting impression on many, and it continues to be remembered fondly by those who watched it.

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24. Reunion Special

October 1, 1991

Features Perils of Purcell, Tank Plane Piece, Skydiving Piece, Tush Artist, Religious Typos Bit, Military/M.I.A. Recap, In-Touch Piece, Eccentric Montage Inc. Two Old Miners, Painting Elephant Piece, Paul Watson Recap and Update, and Goodnights

23. Episode 23

February 8, 1984

Hawaii part 2, Windsurfing Couple, Recap of part1, Events, Hilo Festivities, Kilauea Volcano Visit, Hawaiian Birdman, Sand Castle Builder, Legislators Pig, SS Constitution, Maui Festivities, Helicopter Ride, Island Progress, Girl Talk, Kauai Festivities.

22. Episode 22

January 4, 2016

Baby Races, Fortune Bagels, Muscle Control, Miss Pete, Vizmo Photos Fireman, Firefighter Calendar, Baby Ostrich, Woman In Olympics, Wilma Rudolph, Goodnights.

21. Episode 21

January 11, 1984

Al Oerter, Greenspan the Tanzanian Runner, Vizmo LA Photos, Fujimoto, Flag/Owens, Rafer/Yang, Wottle, Pat McCormick, Synchronized Swimmers, Truce Of God Parade.

20. Episode 20

December 14, 1983

Steamboat Springs, Florida Snow, Mrs. Santa, Helicopter Reporter, Cast Round/Americans, Santa Collector, Bowling Pig, Signing Santa, Vizmo Photos, Christmas Shopping, Sur Williams, Old Folks, Goodnights.

19. Episode 19

March 7, 1984

Bull Rider, Trash Recycler, Sardine Packing, Jesse James, Opera Cow Lady, Vizmo Photos/The Ladies, 74 Year Old Marathon Runner, Goodnights

18. Episode 18

February 22, 1984

Canoe Ski, Vizmo/Photos/Surprises, Tennis Champ, Watch Bird, Skunk Catcher, Plane Pinning, Bottle Boatman, High-Rise Photographer, Goodnights.

17. Episode 17

January 25, 1984

Elephant Lady, Singles Hot Line, Vizmo/Typos Eye Catching, Most Physical Female, Lint Lady, Coal Skiing, Footless Mountain Climber, Goodnights.

16. Episode 16

February 1, 1984

Cypress Gardens, Crazy Cars, Fastest Softball, Soccer Playing Horse, Vizmo Photo Ingenuity, Iris Chacon, Best Dressed Dog, Vizmo Photos Auto Problems, CHP Lovebirds, Bataan Reunion, Goodnights.

15. Episode 15

November 2, 1983

Flight Instructions, Buttons the Surfer, Hawaii on Fashions, Fun and Games, Kona Visit, Outrigger Canoes, Newspaper Wedding Clippings, Maui Visit, Banyon Trees, Wedding Preparations, Wedding, Goodnights

14. Episode 14

October 19, 1983

Polar Bear Air, Chippendale Aerobics, Quest, Vizmo/After Marriage, Two Fisted Bowler, Pig Obedience, Vizmo/Typos/For Sale, Mannequins, MIA Updates, Goodnights.

13. Episode 13

September 28, 1983

Don Imus Story, New York Arrival, Trenton, NY Arrival, Hot Dog Lady, Philadelphia Arrival, Philadelphia Bellringer, Language Madness, Wilmington Delaware Arrival, Baltimore MD Arrival, Investigative Reporting, Flag Polers, Washington DC Arrival.

12. Episode 12

November 16, 1983

Cincinnati Arrival and Board, Ship, Mark Twain Round, Tom Sawyer Days, Gone With The Wind, Talk, Elvis Reunion, Shaggy Cycle Dog, Louisville Arrival, Churchill Downs Visit, Spirit Of Delta Spot, Man's Best Friend, Cajun Humor, Evansville Arrival, and more.

11. Episode 11

November 30, 1983

Touch Of Class, Lady Miner, Typos in Personal ads, Deaf Dog, Flirting School, Woman Racer, 108 Year Old Bowler, Skydive 2, Goodnights.

10. Episode 10

October 26, 1983

Features SciFi Ball, Round/The Seance, Nixon Man, Red Gorilla Man, Healing Ears, Ghost Story, Warlock, Vizmo/Epitaphs, Elvira, and Goodnights.

9. Episode 9

February 15, 1984

Features Baby Gorilla, Sergio, C.B. Jamboree, Vizmo/Photos/Eat Out, Rodeo Annie, Bone Player, Typos/Dogs, and Goodnights.

8. Episode 8

January 18, 1984

Features Hog Named Spot, Cast Round/Hogs, Hammer Inventor, Kid Soccer, Burbank Van, Lady Hockey Coach, Vizmo/Photos-Advice, Wet Nightie Contest, Paul Watson, and Goodnights.

7. Episode 7

March 21, 1984

Features Skateboard Mama, Sod Roof, Vizmo-Photos/Women's Lib, Flight Simulator, Fire Hero, Mosquito Festival, Homemade Bikini, Vizmo/Cemeteries, Musical Chairs, Forgotten Children of War, and Goodnights.

6. Episode 6

February 29, 1984

Features Free Solo Climbing, Vizmo/Photos, Phlugerhagen, Rainbow Division, Baja 500, Miss Piggy, Vizmo/Typings/Clippings, Make a Wish, and Goodnights.

5. Episode 5

November 9, 1983

Features Chicano Medal of Honor, WASPS, Boot Camp, Humor in Uniform, 508th Parachute Reunion, USS North Carolina, Coming Home, and Goodnights.

4. Episode 4

September 21, 1983

Features Niagara Falls/Maid of the Mist, Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, Stripping Philosopher, Syracuse and Utica, NY, Beaver Lady, Amsterdam and Albany, NY, Pittsfield and Springfield, MA, Lady Tap Dancer, Worcester, MA, Boston, MA, and more.

3. Episode 3

September 14, 1983

Features Chicago Farewell, Silver Belles, Niles, Michigan, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Train Route, Battle Creek, Michigan, Jackson, Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dearborn, Michigan, Greenfield Village/Ford Museum, Talking Car, and more.

2. Episode 2

May 9, 1984

Features Cigargrams, Charlotte's Cafe, Vizmo/Typos-Pets, Ultralights, Tollbooth Yodeler, Missile Silo, Vizmo/Photos-Housing, Ski School, Mother Waddles, and Goodnights.

1. Episode 1

October 12, 1983

Features Arm Wrestling, Not Safe, Federal Express, Guppies, Mozart in New Guinea, Texas Ranch, Ice Car Racing, Pet Visitation, and Goodnights.

Description

Fred Willard, known for his comedic talent and performances in movies such as "Best in Show" and "Anchorman," brought his charm and humor to the show, endearing himself to viewers. He provided commentary and interviews during the segments, highlighting the humor and curiosity of the regular people featured on the show.

Sarah Purcell, who co-hosted the show with Willard, had previously been a co-host on a popular game show, "Sale of the Century." On Real People, Purcell interviewed the show's subjects, providing a warm and empathetic presence for the segments. Her on-screen chemistry with Willard was an integral part of the show's success.

Real People was groundbreaking for its time, as it showcased a diverse range of American citizens and their unique stories, introducing viewers to experiences and subcultures they may have otherwise never encountered. The show traveled all around the country, featuring people from small towns and big cities alike.

The segments themselves were incredibly varied, ranging from a man who trained squirrels to perform tricks to a group of young performers from Harlem, a reporter covering a UFO convention, and a man who built himself a castle made entirely out of trash.

Real People even covered serious topics such as gun control, the impact of the Vietnam War on veterans, and the issue of drunk driving. The show's producers were committed to bringing real people's opinions and stories to the forefront, making it a unique and authentic program.

The show's success was due to its balanced mix of humor and heart. While the show's subjects were often lighthearted or quirky, Real People aimed to humanize individuals who might otherwise be seen as outcasts, showcasing their stories with empathy and respect.

Real People's approach was groundbreaking for its time, as it was one of the first programs to set out to document regular people's lives in a way that was both entertaining and informative. While reality TV shows exist today that follow a similar format, Real People came before them, and its legacy has left an indelible mark on the genre.

Overall, Real People was a show that celebrated individuality and showcased the diverse voices and experiences of Americans across the country. The chemistry between Willard and Purcell, as well as the show's humor and heart, made it a beloved program that aired for four seasons.

Although the show ended in 1983, its spirit of celebrating regular people's lives and stories endures. Its legacy is a reminder of the importance of empathy, authenticity, and humor and their ability to bring people together. Real People was a show that left a lasting impression on many, and it continues to be remembered fondly by those who watched it.

Real People is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (130 episodes). The series first aired on April 18, 1979.

Where to Watch Real People

Real People is available for streaming on the Proven Entertainment website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Real People on demand at and Plex.