Real People TV Show

TV Show Review for Real People

Television Show Summary

The 80's TV show Real People was a one hour show featuring interesting and odd people from around the country. The basis was that real life situations were more interesting and funny than most comedy scripts.

TV Show Plot For Real People

The Real People series was one of the original reality TV shows, and was a forerunner to popular shows like That's Incredible and America's Funniest Home Videos. The show was broadcast on NBC from 1979 to 1984 on either Wednesday or Sunday nights.

TV comedy innovator and producer George Schlatter (Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In)was responsible for creating Real People. The cast of the series included Co-hosts Skip Stephenson, Byron Allen, Fred Willard, Mark Russell and Sarah Purcell. Bill Rafferty also appeared as a roving reporter.

The show featured profiles of "real people" in pre-filmed reports by the shows co-hosts. Some of the famous reports included: the world's fastest artist (more than 83,000 paintings), a man who ate dirt, a man who went through life walking backward, and a shapely lady truck driver. There were features on a hollering convention, barbershop quartets, and a disco class for senior citizens.

Between the filmed segments the in studio hosts read funny letters from the show's viewers. The prize was a Real People T-shirt for viewer submitted pictures of strange signs, unusual names, or funny typos from newspapers and magazines used on the air.

Cast of Real People TV Show

Sarah Purcell
Byron Allen
Bill Rafferty
John Barbour(1979-1982)
Fred Willard (1979; 1981-1983)
Skip Stephenson
Mark Russell
Peter Billingsley (1982-1984)

Trivia for the TV Show Real People

Top 20 Ratings Info for Real People Series

Comments

nice

#1 - angel rutherford - 03/06/2007 - 08:06

Mr

Years ago when "Real People" was airing they did a segment on Britt, Iowa where "The National Hobo Convention" is held every year.
Just by accident a couple of years ago I seen reruns and recorded the segment mentioned above.
I was wondering how can I get permission to copy to a DVD the part of the Hobo Conevtion that was featured with me in it?
Thanks!
Carl

#2 - Carl Loft - 03/07/2007 - 13:46

I loved this show when I was a child. I hope to one day see the "Real People" DVD collection. I hope it does come out on DVD soon. I haven't seen it since it went off the air. I had a crush on Skip Stephenson, when I was a child. I still love the man (he's now deceased). RIP, Skip Stephenson. We love you...Thanks.

#3 - Leana Jo Murphy - 03/10/2007 - 08:00

I was on show

When my wife and I were married, we honeymooned at Disneyland. After touring Universal Studios we were given ticket for the taping of the I Love Real People show.
We were in the audience and I even was picked to tell a joke. Anyway, at the end of the show they picked a few people out of the audience and gave them T-shirts - but they called me down to the stage and gave me a red NBC crew windbreaker jacket. I don't know why but I would like to get a DVD or CD of the show because I believe a close-up of me and my wife is in it. The most I remember about the show was a person who said they trained Flamingo birds, but the birds wouldn't perform for the camera. Whoever reads this I hope you can answer my question about obtaining a copy of that show.

#4 - Mike Forbragd - 05/14/2007 - 02:02

The L.I.F.E. Program Drug Rehab

My drug rehab was featured on a Real People episode.

#5 - Helen Petermann - 05/18/2007 - 11:49

Honeymoon couple

On one episode Skip told an anecdote about a couple who while on their honeymoon,had an intereting event with a plumber.Seems he had stepped out while the plumber was working under the sink and the wife wasleep .the wife woke up went downstairs,saw the legs ,got romantic,the plumber hit his head and knocked himself out.when the paramedics were taking him downstairs,he explained what happened causing them to laugh.They dropped him and broke his leg.Skip swore that this was a true story.Was it.Gary Sykes,Frederick,Md.

#6 - Gary R.Sykes Sr.. - 05/22/2007 - 13:50

old tapes?

How can I get a copy of a particular tape?

#7 - Paula - 06/27/2007 - 11:47

SARAH'S WEDDING

I WOULD LOVE FOR THIS SHOW TO BE AVAILABLE ON DVD....AS THE MOST DEVOTED FAN OF THE S.S. COMSTITUTION, THE SHIP SARAH GOT MARRIED ON...I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO SEE MY BELOVED SHIP IN HER SAILING GLORY

#8 - ELIZABETH M - 07/22/2007 - 20:58

St. Bernards

My grandmother Bea Knight (the St. Bernard Lady of Sanctuary Woods Kennels in Oregon) was on one of the Real People episodes.I just turned the TV on one evening and there she was. I think it was 1979-ish and it would be great to get a DVD copy of that show as she is gone now. Bruce W. Buckley

#9 - Bruce W. Buckley - 09/23/2007 - 18:47

real people tv show...fox lake puppet bar

fox lake illinois is celebrating it's 100th anninversary...is there any way to get a copy of the airing of the PUPPET BAR in fox lake?

#10 - ed bender - 12/15/2007 - 16:33

Cheetah Cafe in Paxton, Nebraska

My Aunt Garnet Lehl was supposed to be in the last Real People show that was filmed, unfortunately no one got to see it. Is it still around? We would love to see it, if possible.

#11 - Nancy Arensdorf - 01/17/2008 - 14:49

A FRIEND OF MINES MOTHER WAS ON THIS SHOW. SHE MADE DOG CLOTHES, BEFORE THEY WERE BIG. SHE HAS SINCE PASSED WAY AND I WOULD LOVE TO FIND THAT EPISODE FOR HIM. PLEASE HELP!!!

#12 - NOELLE SWAIN - 01/17/2008 - 16:37

The 16 inch man

I remeber the show well. The most intriguing segment I ever saw was the story of the 16 inch tall man that was married to a woman 5ft 7 inches tall and had 2 children. I wojuld love to find a copy of this episode.

#13 - Valerie S - 01/20/2008 - 23:49

real people

Hi
How would I go about getting a copy of a show they. It was about truck drivers that would stop in for hot dogs at Russ Aryes, in bordentown New Jersey.

#14 - gene - 02/06/2008 - 19:54

Real people 1981 Las Vegas World Championship Mechanical Bull and Chilli Cook off at the Tropicana

I was in it but never got to watch the show, My boyfriend won the bull ride and was mad because he said i was in it more then him!

#15 - Marsha Jones - 02/10/2008 - 16:50

Roller skating on a platform

I remember a segment from the 1950's I believe where a couple roller skated in circles on a small platform dist atop the Empire State Building. Where can I get a copy of this?
Thanks,
Boris

#16 - Boris - 02/18/2008 - 06:51

spooklight

Id like to see the episode they did on the Hornet Missouri Spooklight

#17 - Russell - 03/15/2008 - 10:41

Puppet Bar in Fox Lake

My parents bar was featured on a episode and I am wondering how I can get a copy of the show. The bar was called the Puppet Bar. Joe Gates was my dad - you may recall he played the spoons on the bottles and the bar passed out sparklers...
Thanks much. Jes

#18 - Jessica G - 03/21/2008 - 20:48

BRONX ZOO EPISODE ON REAL PEOPLE

I WAS ALSO ON AN EPISODE OF REAL PEOPLE. I WAS WORKING AT THE BRONX ZOO AT THE TIME. WE HAD AN ANNUAL PELICAN ROUND-UP WHERE PELICANS ARE BROUGHT INSIDE FOR THE WINTER AND THE KEEPERS TRIP AND FALL IN THE LAKE TRYING TO CATCH THEM (WELL I GUESS IT SEEMED FUNNY AT THE TIME). ANYWAY,I NEVER DID SEE THE EPISODE.

#19 - MARGARETMURPHY - 04/25/2008 - 08:57

wedgy's golf trick shots

Skip did the show, and at the end, a dog drove the golf cart away. Is there anyway I can get a copie of that show?

#20 - wedgy winchester - 05/21/2008 - 00:24

Searching for a friend

I met the cameraman, Joe Walsh, during a segment taped in Myrtle Beach. Lost touch and would like to find him?

#21 - Renee - 05/28/2008 - 13:19

Skip Stephenson

Skip--whose real name was Charles, after his father--and I worked together in 1959 at our first radio station job in Nebraska. We roomed together there, kept in touch until his death, and had gotten together a time or two after moving on to other stations. He was a character even then--although I never heard anything of aspirations of becoming a comedian--really wanted to be a sports announcer then. Got a card from him from a club in California where he was working--the first I'd heard of it. He did at least one LP comedy album. The one I have is The Real comedy of Skip Stephenson, on Laff Records.

#22 - Stan Delahoyde - 06/06/2008 - 18:49

There was show about a man that find several silver dollars.The coins were found behind a man's house that was know to pray for people to be healed.People would give him the coins in an offering. He buried the money.The show was about another man that found it.Is there any information on this show. Gerald

#23 - Gerald Earls - 06/28/2008 - 19:24

Vampire "Hunter"

My late husband Dr. Stephen Kaplan was featured several times on Real People as the "vampire hunter". He founded the Vampire Research Center, which studied people who claimed to be modern vampires. The last time he was on a "Real People Reunion Show" that gathered past guests on a boat ride around Manhattan. We were allowed to take our whole family on the boat, and we all had a blast. Stephen has been gone since 1995 and I would LOVE to have a copy of any of his episodes!

#24 - Roxanne - 07/07/2008 - 22:20

Mommy is Daddy and Daddy is Mommy

I will never forget the episode on the parents of 2 children each having sex changes. That was so unreal.

#25 - soundman - 07/31/2008 - 08:32

Real People

I remember a show about Santa Clauses,
I wish I could see this show again.

#26 - Robert Atwood - 08/18/2008 - 17:18

Hanson

Very good show. I wish someone do a new version of this show. Too many serious shows and not enough up lifting things on TV now.

#27 - Martha - 09/20/2008 - 19:04

Gypsy Jack

I remember the show done on Gypsy Jack from Flint Michigan. I wish I had a copy.

#28 - Gerry Godin - 09/23/2008 - 02:06

the whistler in the hawaii wedding in waimea falls

my mother was in the episode in 1983 whistling at a wedding in waimea falls,hawaii. she met a member of the family today and they both would love to know how to get copies of the show. looking forward to a big aloha from you folks, much mahalo sherry tackmann

#29 - peggy harris - 09/24/2008 - 03:51

Gypsy Jack

I would like to get ahold of the DVD about Gypsy Jack for my Grandson that lives in Flint, Mi and always has questions about the house when we have gone by it. The Flint Journal has an article in todays paper about the home being up for sale on e-bay and how Real People did a visit to the home.

#30 - Julie Parker - 09/24/2008 - 12:56

gypsy jack

where could i get a copy of the show that was done on gypsy jack or where can i see it on the internet. and was wondering did you guyd do a thing about the stars death ?

#31 - flint ,mi - 09/24/2008 - 23:05

I was in a Real People show that featured man from Spokane, Washington who could repeat your speech as fast as you could talk. We redid a traffic stop that almost got him arrested in Spokane. This was filmed in Renton, Washington. At that time I was a Renton traffic officer and they used me in the show to make the pretend traffic stop. He made me so mad that I almost arrested him even though it was all a joke. I would like to get a copy of this show. How can I?

#32 - Robert L. Leyerle - 10/08/2008 - 11:57

hot dog lady

in 1984 the season premire had the hot dog lady from parsippany N.J.
I was on that episode and I would like to know how to get a copy of that show

#33 - O.J. Racz - 10/17/2008 - 11:28

Help my Great Great aunt was on the show Real Pepople how can I get info on a show that was on air.

#34 - KevenWalker - 10/24/2008 - 07:34

I was on the show when I was 7, I'm 36 now

I was on the show with my family when we saw a UFO in Anderson SC in 1980. I would love to have a copy of the show. How can I get one? Thank you and I use to love the show.

#35 - Beverly Young - 10/28/2008 - 23:37

Boring, Oregon (1979)

My grade school class was on the show when Real People came to Boring, Oregon in 1979. I would love to have a copy of it. Same question, how can I get a copy?

#36 - Tami - 11/22/2008 - 19:27

sexual abuse by robert lee leyerle sr. and nancy bell leyerle

when we lived in ballard your bitch of a wife locked me out all day. no toilet. no food. the neighbors used to ask what was wrong with my mom. she locked the door and pulled the curtains. all day long. they soon caught on that she was sick. they passed me around like a sex toy. then when you would get home you would ask nancy leyerle. my mom. why is he acting like that. she would lie and say i don't know. how old was i? 4 maybe 5. when somebody is sexually abused they act out. turn to drugs get into trouble. yes i am sick. robert and nancy leyerle made me sick.

#37 - robert leyerle jr - 12/01/2008 - 16:44

animal abuse

I saw my mom, nancy bell leyerle. kick her pregnant chihuaha across the floor. all because the dog pooped on the laundry room floor. well if that lazy bitch of a mom of mine would have got up at a decent hour and let her dogs out. They would not have pooped on the floor. this was a pedigree purebreed dog. pups were going for 250.00 a piece. she treated her children worse than the animials. verbally, mentally and physically abusing me. while her policeman husband. robert leyerle sr. watched and condoned her actions.

#38 - robert leyerle, jr. - 12/02/2008 - 16:41

address of the racist abusers robert and nancy leyerle

10122 e. 13th spokane, wa.
email robertleyerle@comcast.com or net don't remember. send the racist, abusive bastards a message.

#39 - robert leyerle, jr. - 12/02/2008 - 16:45

rjmorganjr@aol.com

1983 I was at Fort Bragg when Real People came in and did a episode on Recondo/NCO shool how can I get a copy of the tape/episode

Thanks Bob Morgan

#40 - Bob Morgan - 02/01/2009 - 18:46

Hilton Head Island

I was in an episode when the show came to S. Carolina. They did a feature on a chef who did Ice Sculptures. I worked at the Hotel and was in the show as well. Years later people that I worked with came up to me and had seen a rerun and had seen me. I would love the DVD if there is a way to get one.

#41 - Aylmer H Given III - 02/05/2009 - 19:33

What was the name and location of the high rise, Funeral home and cemetery.You had on your show.

#42 - S.Wilson - 02/09/2009 - 02:57

DVD's of the show?

Is there any way of getting a DVD of the Real People shows? especially 1980-81, and 1981-82?

#43 - John Tucker - 02/23/2009 - 13:49

Lady preaches at hard core biker bar

I remember an episode that I think was Real People about a little old lady that goes to this biker bar to preach. If any one can clarify this for me and let me know the episode it would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone could let me know how to get a copy of the episode. Thanks

#44 - Vancouver Steve - 02/24/2009 - 21:55

Texarkana, Tx - Ar

Does anyone remember what year it was that the "Real People" show passed through Texarkana, TX/AR.....was it 1982.
Please help I need this info to reference another event that happened that same year.

#45 - laura - 02/26/2009 - 22:26

Comment #5(LIFE Drug Rehab)

Closed down for abusing underaged clients.Shame on you,Helen!!!!

#46 - Drug War POW - 03/25/2009 - 10:30

Where can I purchase DVD of 80-82 seasons

Anybody have a link or info on where DVDs of this show can be obtained ?

#47 - Mike Bruno - 04/12/2009 - 14:48

gypsy jack

I wrote the letter to real people that got Jack on the show. Jack was one of the best people I've ever met. He was one of my best friends. His house just sold for 2500 as flint is so depressed. I have many awesome stories of him. One is, I went over to see him and he had brought a dead dog home that he found on the side of the road, he put it in his dog house and when i asked him why he replied, well patsy is doesn't eat much and it keeps the kids away. One time he put bales of hay in the middle of the road and was charging people toll, it went ok until one lady refused to pay and he came out from behind the bales wearing nothing but his hat, a smile and his boots. He was a very special person. I loved him much.

#48 - trish - 04/19/2009 - 17:40

New York

I used to be a flight attendant for
Eastern Airlines and flew the 'Real People' cast from LA to New York...they filmed on the plane and I appeared in an episode...
anyone else on that flight?
(It had to be 1980 or 81).

#49 - Kathy - 04/29/2009 - 08:45

Psychic Sylvia Browne and Ghost buster, Larry Feagles

I'd like to find this tape.

#50 - Shirl - 06/21/2009 - 17:32

Ekalaka, Montana- Pat Talkington with Sarah Parcell

How can I get a copy of this particular show it also shows his grandson playing with a pet rattlesnake - He has never seen the show and I would like to get it for him for memories of his Grandpa. Any help at all would be appreciated Real People. Thank you.

#51 - Anita Bruski - 06/21/2009 - 20:50

Suicide Race

I would like to get a copy of a particular episode featuring the Suicide Race in Omak, WA. My dad was interviewed and I would love to get him a copy. Thanks!

#52 - Sammi Philleo - 06/25/2009 - 15:06

Looking for the Grizzly Frank segment

Hi

I'm looking to get a copy of the Real People segment featuring my father- Grizzly Frank in Yellowknife NWT Canada. Can anyone help me find it.

Thanks,
Francis Metcalf

#53 - Francis Metcalf - 06/26/2009 - 12:33

Fan of a Halloween related show, among many others

I remember a haunting episode, around Halloween one year, where I believe it may have been the sound man that dropped his equipment and ran from the "haunted" house that you were were investigating.
The cast had to acquire a stand in for him because he would not re-enter the house. As I recall you reported, a woman had been hung in her own home, perhaps during the civil war? AS I recall the sound was the best part of this episode.
Could I get a copy or link to this episode? It gave my husband and me chills then, when you aired it and lives on in my memory, but I haven't found this episode anywhere on-line since then. Can you direct me somewhere for a copy?

#54 - Melinda Langston - 06/27/2009 - 20:37

Ms.

I remember when Real People came to my hometown of Palatka, Florida and taped a local realtor, Grady Varnes; he quickly tied cherry stems in knots. It was halarious! Is it possible to get a copy or link? Thank you.

#55 - Christie James - 07/12/2009 - 02:29

'A Woman In Love' Song

My aunt had a friend from S.E. Illinois that was on Real People. The lady's name was Beulah, but I don't remember her last name. She wrote and played many songs. She was well into her 80s at the time. She cut the recording of A Woman In Love, which is what she played on Real People. I still have the 45. Last I passed her one time home, it still had a sign out front, Beulah's Records.

#56 - CJR - 07/24/2009 - 16:34

WORLD WAR II GLIDER PILOTS

Is it possible to get a copy of the show with the seven surviving World War II glider pilots?

#57 - C. MARTIN - 08/06/2009 - 12:45

the 1920s family

There was an episode featuring a family who pretended it was always the 1920s. They didn't know what was going on in the world. They ran around looking like the Great Gatsby. I wonder what they did for jobs!? Sell apples on a street corner like during the Depression?

#58 - JP - 08/06/2009 - 13:18

mom looses 2 kids to a house fire - baby survives

A Middletown, Ohio lady was on the show around 1984, she had a house fire that was started by her 2 young boys. One died that day the other son a few days later at the hospital. My daughter was actually supposed to have a sleep over with her daughter that night, but has fate would have it my mom wanted her to come to her house. Then the lady's daughter actually went to grandmothers as well, so the girls were not there the night of the fire. Is there a way to get a dvd copy of this episode?

#59 - kathy - 08/11/2009 - 21:22

real people

Dan Henry, WDAF Kansas City weatherman, appeared on an episode of Real People. I would like to see it again.

#60 - virginia deal - 08/15/2009 - 10:25

Physical and Mental abuse

Hey Robert Leyerle Sr. You once wrote me a letter when I was 17 years old. You said you had about all you could or would take from me. Well asshole. When you and that Bitch wife of yours. Nancey Bell Leyerle. Were slapping, kicking, and punching me. Didn't you ever stop to think that I may have had all I could or would take? You lucky I didn't take your gun an shoot your dumb asses. Why my brother Daniel Roland Leyerle calls you his hero I don't know. You were a loser before you got that cop job with the Renton Police. You were a loser after that too. As for being a Marine. You were forced into it. The only thing he was right about was that you have limited education. As for my sister Deanna Lynn Leyerle. I feel sorry for her children. She condons child abuse. She first says none of it happend. Then she says I brought it all on myself. How pathetic. I was a child. Some Spokane community corrections officer she is.

#61 - Robert Leyerle Jr. - 08/31/2009 - 12:53

episode request

Is there any way I can get a copy of a segment on the Tulsa Police Department playing the state prison inmates in a football game..Thanks??

#62 - godfrey garner - 10/14/2009 - 21:37

mr

I was recorded on an episode that got cut due to some major news event. I don't remember what that event was but would love a copy of that episode. It was in Lakeland Florida, about FAKE SNOW. I have know idea of the year. I'd love to get a copy of the episode.

#63 - eric woolwine - 10/18/2009 - 18:10

Airbourne Dogs

Real people did a filming of the Army Airbourne dogs, I would really like to watch that clip, as I missed it when it was originally aired.

#64 - Mustang - 11/08/2009 - 07:11

SpookLight

My great grandma was on a segment about the Hornet spooklight. My dad's side of the family grew up in that area. I would love to have a copy of that episode.

#65 - Dave - 12/25/2009 - 16:03

I was featured on the "Hawaii" episode 1983 - Waikiki Beach

I was approached and asked to model for your Hawaii Fashion show on Waikiki Beach in front of the Royal Hawaiin... I was on the promo for the actual show at least 20 times before it aired in October 1983. I would love to buy the DVD of the episode from you. My brother taped Michael Jordons' Dunk Contest over my recording of the show. Thank you, Jodi

#66 - Jodi Jones St. Sauveur - 12/29/2009 - 00:20

Mr Nutty

I was on the show Real People in 1983, I don't remember what or who was on the show
but I do remember they showed me and a friend on camera me, looking forward into the camera at the last minute my friend
looked down on the ground. I wish it would be on dvd

#67 - Dirk van tamelen - 01/08/2010 - 10:26

Halloween show

I was on the show when they came to Madison WI and did a live segment at freakfest on state street for halloween. I sure would like a copy of that episode.

#68 - Satan - ha ha - 02/01/2010 - 11:47

copied show

how can i get a copy of a show that was aired.

#69 - k. a. hughes - 02/10/2010 - 15:36

I would also love to see/have a copy of the Hawaii/Sarah's wedding on the Constitution episode. I was a purser aboard the ship and a member of the wedding. It was fun and they were great, George Schlatter gave me a t-shirt (which I still have) and Byron Allen went out for drinks with some of us crew.

#70 - v. a. painter - 02/22/2010 - 00:47

Videos of Real People TV show

Does anyone out there have any copies of any of the Real People shows or perhaps a recording of the show's theme song? Thanks.

#71 - James Cunningham - 03/04/2010 - 13:29

toughman/toughwoman contest 1980

I fought in the first toughwman contest held in sioux city iowa in 1980, and skip stevenson was there, I won first place in my light weight division that year, and have always wanted a copy of the tape on this, how can i get one.

#72 - Chickie Whitewater - 03/04/2010 - 21:12

Arcosanti

Believe it or not, this show even had a segment once about the Arcosanti project in Arizona, just outside of Phoenix. Hard to believe that most folks thought such schemes were funny back then..... And the site is still buzzing with construction to this day.

#73 - Cajundweeb - 05/04/2010 - 20:03

A Woman in Love

I remember that Real People episode (mentioned above), when the older lady was singing the song "A Woman in Love". Wasn't her cat in it too?

#74 - Nicole - 05/10/2010 - 22:22

I stood in a parking lot while a blind folded driver drove aroung me and a friend. Yes the driver was crazy and so was I.. Can I get a copy of that? It was at Chilton Publishing Co. Radnor PA...

#75 - Maureen Worrall - 06/01/2010 - 22:50

Skip stephenson was my father

he died from a heart attack when i was a year and a half old. bummer i never knew him. the only copies of real people that i know of are the ones stored away in my garage, but i have never had time to transfer them to dvds mabey one day.

#76 - charles f stephenson - 06/20/2010 - 10:26

My friend David and I were on the Valley Girl episode. We were introduced by a valley girl as her two boy friends Who were Grody to the Max. This is Grody and this is Max. My friend has always laughed He got to be Max.

#77 - John Etter - 07/25/2010 - 22:17

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