Advances in technology often lead to an explosion in creativity. For example, as 3D printing gets cheaper, we’re seeing it move from nerds making scenery for their D&D games to the robots of Westworld. Similarly, the evolution of bonnet-mounted cameras, Go-Pros and drones have made it far easier and cheaper to shoot TV shows on the move. Like these ones, say.
Taxicab Confessions set the tone for reality programming of the future
Cameras in cabs are standard now, to ensure both public safety and the unobtrusive rise of the surveillance state. But they’re also great for capturing the ridiculous and salacious stuff that happens in the back seat, and distributing this material to a wider audience. Taxicab Confessions began recording passengers with hidden cameras in 1995, while the driver got them to discuss their lives (or sat quietly while they got X-rated with fellow passengers). Don’t worry – they signed a waiver at the end of the trip so it’s all legit.
Top Gear dabbles in vehicular stories on the odd occasion
Since 2002, British program Top Gear spent a segment or two discussing the merits of different modes of transport, in between scenes of bantering co-hosts. Itself a refresh of the long-running series that began in 1977, the modern incarnation pioneered the outdoor studio, and creative destruction of Morris Marinas. A further 2016 refresh pioneered the sacking of Jeremy Clarkson.
Jerry Seinfeld turned the coffee run into cult comedy
There was probably no financial need for Seinfeld to cut costs on his behind-the-wheel webseries, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, but there’s no doubting that it’s engaging viewing. About to enter its ninth season, the show costs roughly $100,000 per episode, and capitalises on the combination of funny people sharing hilarious conversations and vehicular porn. .
James Corden removed the stigma from singing in the car
How many times have you been busted belting out Alanis Morrissette’s Ironic at the traffic lights? (And why is it that no-one ever catches you rocking a rad song?) It’s cool – the British host of The Late Late Show has made front-seat singing cool with “Carpool Karaoke”, which sees big-name musos perform their hits from the passenger seat as James drives them around Los Angeles. .
Walk of Shame Shuttle is the show every one-night stand needs
A genius idea that grew from host Kellyann Wargo’s practice of picking up her college friends the morning after a massive night in return for breakfast, Walk of Shame Shuttle captures all the hilarity of still-wasted people explaining themselves to a sober driver. If you’ve ever been the designated driver in this kind of situation, it’s very familiar territory. If you’ve ever been the passenger, it might jog your memory...
Walk of Shame Shuttle is available for your viewing pleasure on SBS On Demand:
