Odd but true facts.........

A contestant on The Price Is Right didn’t want the money; he wanted an elephant

Show: The Price Is Right
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Unknown

In one memorable episode of The Price Is Right, a contestant shocked the host and audience by declaring that he would take the elephant offered to him as part of the showcase showdown, not the $4,000 offered to him as an alternative. The contestant went on to win the showcase and, after much effort, received his prized elephant. Unfortunately, owning an elephant in Texas turned out to be more difficult than he had anticipated, and he eventually had to donate his elephant prize to a zoo. Ultimately, ending up with no elephant and no prize money.

Herb Tarlek actually did wear a suit made from Volkswagen seat covers on WKRP in Cincinnati

Show: WKRP in Cincinnati
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Undisclosed

This beloved classic sitcom had a lot of great characters and moments that are still remembered today. One memorable moment featured the character Herb Tarlek wearing a tacky argyle-patterned suit of which Venus Flytrap, another of the show’s memorable characters, so kindly says, “Somewhere out there, there’s a Volkswagen with no seats.” And there was. In yet another example of a classic Tv show poking fun at itself, that particular suit of Herb Tarek’s was, in fact, made from the seat covers of a Volkswagen.

The Addams Family was the first TV family to have a home computer

Show: The Addams Family
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: Undisclosed

This classic TV show was unlike any other. It followed Mr. and Mrs. Addams, Gomez, and Morticia. Their children, Wednesday and Pugsley. And the children’s wacky Uncle Fester. This gothic (partly undead?) clan took family values to another level and wasn’t afraid to show it. The Addams had an old-fashioned feel to their house and way of life, making viewers feel like they were part of the family. However, they were also the first television family to have a home computer, which was more than just unique for the time.

Adam West didn’t want to read for the part of Batman

Show: Batman
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $3.3 million per year*

Batman, the TV series, was launched in 1966 and became an instant hit that inspired countless future series and movies. Adam West played the role of Batman; however, it was later revealed that Adam West wasn’t sure if he wanted the role in the first place! He read through 20 pages of the first script and changed his mind before giving arguably one of the best Batman portrayals. Many say he even inspired future Batman characters in the movies that followed.


David Cassidy only made $600 per week

Show: The Partridge Family
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $1,000 per episode*
The Partridge Family first aired on TV in the 1970s and immediately became a favorite. TV star and musician David Cassidy played one of the lead roles and attracted tons of attention to the show. However, Cassidy made a shockingly low income of only $600 per week while playing the role of Keith Douglas. He later gave several interviews expressing his dissatisfaction over his payment.

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