There was something special happening on the night of January 14, 1990. Two shows that had aired specials at the end of 1989 premiered in their regular midseason timeslots that same Sunday evening: Fox’s “The Simpsons” and ABC’s “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” And both are still on the air.
ABC has confirmed that it has picked up a landmark 35th season of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” which is currently hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro. The show is now the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, having hit more than 700 episodes in the course of its 34 season so far. (“The Simpsons,” which has already been renewed for a 36th season next year, will be at episode 768 at the end of this May.)
Video taping has changed dramatically from when viewers sent in VHS tapes to now simply emailing phone clips, but the premise remains the same: Showcasing America’s real-life funny moments captured on video.
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Over the course of its run, “AFV” has given away more than $18 million in prize money and has screened more than 2 million video clips. The show is syndicated in more than 103 territories. Ribeiro, who also hosts “Dancing with the Stars,” took over as “AFV” host in 2015. Vin Di Bona is executive producer on “AFV”, along with Michele Nasraway.
Last week, ABC also renewed a handful of unscripted shows including “American Idol,” “The Bachelor,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Celebrity Jeopardy!,” “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” “What Would You Do?” and “Shark Tank.” Decisions are still to be made on a handful of other unscripted series.
