Body Language
Body Language (1984-1986) was an American television game show produced by Mark Goodson Productions and hosted by Tom Kennedy. The show aired on CBS from June 4, 1984, until January 3, 1986, and revolved around a charades-style format. Two teams, each consisting of a civilian contestant and a celebrity guest, competed to guess words and phrases pantomimed by their partners. Correctly guessed words were then used to solve a larger fill-in-the-blank puzzle for cash prizes. The show was rated TV-G, indicating its suitability for general audiences and its family-friendly nature. Its gameplay emphasized non-verbal communication and quick thinking, making for an often humorous and engaging experience for viewers.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic and sexual content in 'Body Language' is extremely mild, primarily limited to words or phrases acted out in the game that might have romantic connotations. Any interactions between hosts, guests, and contestants are kept professional and within the bounds of a TV-G rating for daytime television in the 1980s, occasionally including light flirtation or affectionate remarks.
1. Charades clues have included words or phrases with romantic implications, such as 'girlfriend,' 'sweetheart,' 'kissing,' or 'making love,' which contestants would pantomime. For example, a contestant acting out 'girlfriend' or 'making love' might involve gestures of affection or holding hands. 2. Host Tom Kennedy, and celebrity guests sometimes engaged in mild, harmless flirtation or playful compliments, typical of the era's daytime television. For instance, Tom Kennedy might compliment a guest's 'good looking outfit' or make a lighthearted comment about 'the greatest bodies in America' when introducing guests.
Profanity
MediumProfanity on 'Body Language' is minimal and falls within the 'allowable' limits for daytime television in the 1980s. Strong curse words are absent. Occasionally, very mild expletives or euphemisms might be used in charade clues or as spontaneous reactions, but are not offensive.
1. An episode transcript mentions 'a few curse words in there. they were the allowable. ones for daytime,' in reference to words in a puzzle being guessed. This suggests that while explicit profanity was avoided, some mild terms that might be considered 'curse words' in a very lenient sense could be part of the game's vocabulary. 2. While specific examples of spoken profanity by hosts or guests are not prominently reported, contestants or guests might express mild frustration with exclamations like 'oh gee' or 'darn it' when struggling with a clue, as heard in archived episodes.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit LGBTQ+ or gender identity content was found within the available information for the 'Body Language' game show (1984-1986). Searches for direct LGBTQ+ representation, characters, or related themes concerning the show, its host Tom Kennedy, or Mark Goodson Productions yielded no relevant results. The program maintained a family-friendly, general audience (TV-G) format typical of daytime game shows of its era.
1. Exhaustive searches combining 'Body Language (1984 game show)' with keywords such as 'lgbtq', 'gay', 'lesbian', 'transgender', 'queer representation', and 'LGBTQ characters' produced no instances of such content within the show's format or discussions. 2. Similarly, searches for the show's host, Tom Kennedy, and the production company, Mark Goodson Productions, in conjunction with 'lgbtq' or 'queer', did not reveal any public statements, interviews, or controversies related to LGBTQ+ themes or representation on the show.
Violence
LowThe game show 'Body Language' contains virtually no violence. As a charades-based game, any 'physical' actions are related to pantomiming words or phrases and are comedic or performative in nature. There are no depictions of actual physical harm, gore, or aggressive conflict.
1. During charades, contestants or celebrity guests might perform exaggerated physical movements to convey words (e.g., 'boxer' or 'fighting'), but these are always in a lighthearted and non-violent context, such as Betty White acting out a 'boxer'. 2. There are no reports or visual evidence of genuine violent acts, injuries, or aggressive confrontations between participants or characters within the game show setting. The physical interaction is limited to comedic gestures and movement within the rules of charades.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no indication of witchcraft, occult practices, or supernatural themes present in the game show 'Body Language'. Its format as a charades and word puzzle game is entirely secular and entertainment-focused, with no elements that could be construed as related to the occult.
1. The core gameplay of 'Body Language' involves pantomiming everyday words and phrases, as well as abstract concepts, which are rooted in common knowledge and secular culture. 2. No specific episodes, themes, or charade clues have been identified that feature magic rituals, demons, spells, or any other supernatural elements.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is not depicted by participants in 'Body Language'. However, references to substances or activities related to them may appear as words or phrases within the charades game itself, to be pantomimed by contestants. These are purely for gameplay and do not promote or show actual substance consumption.
1. Charade clues have included phrases like 'chewing tobacco' or 'smoking a cigarette.' Contestants would then act out these words without actually using the substances. 2. Although alcohol or other substances might be referenced indirectly as part of a word puzzle (e.g., 'beer' was a word in a puzzle), there is no on-screen consumption or promotion of such substances by the host, celebrity guests, or contestants.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe content of 'Body Language' is consistently lighthearted and non-frightening. As a game show, its purpose is entertainment and competition, not to evoke fear or suspense. Any 'intensity' is limited to the excitement of gameplay or the race against the clock.
1. The suspense in the show derives solely from the time limit during charades rounds and the challenge of solving word puzzles, creating a mild, competitive tension rather than fear. 2. There are no scenes involving graphic violence, disturbing imagery, jump scares, or plot points that would cause distress or fright to viewers of any age.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowDisrespect and rebellious behavior are minimal in 'Body Language' and generally presented in a lighthearted or comedic manner. While celebrity guests or contestants might display mild playful sarcasm or mock frustration, these instances are within the bounds of polite television and do not involve genuine defiance or hostility towards authority figures.
1. Contestants or celebrity guests occasionally make humorous remarks or display mock exasperation when a clue is difficult, such as an instance where a celebrity might say 'oh gosh pass next word' after failing to guess a word, but these are not truly disrespectful. 2. Host Tom Kennedy maintained a friendly and encouraging demeanor, and while there might be playful banter, it consistently remained respectful within the game show environment, without promoting defiance or aggressive attitudes.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThere are no anti-Christian themes or explicit criticisms of Christianity present in the game show 'Body Language'. The program is secular in nature, focusing on charades and word puzzles as entertainment, and does not engage with religious topics in any negative or mocking way.
1. The content of the game, including its word puzzles and charades clues, is entirely secular and does not involve religious doctrine, symbols, or figures. 2. No instances of characters, hosts, or guests expressing anti-Christian sentiments or engaging in acts of mockery or sacrilege against Christian beliefs have been identified.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-G (General Audiences). This recommendation is appropriate as the content of the game show, based on charades and word puzzles, is consistently mild. The themes and interactions are suitable for all ages, with no explicit material, violence, or mature themes. Any instances of suggestive content, profanity, or potentially sensitive topics are extremely rare, indirect (e.g., words being acted out), and kept within the bounds of daytime television standards of the 1980s.
Additional Notes
The show ran for three seasons, from June 1984 to January 1986. Gameplay involved charades and word puzzles, with rules for scoring and bonus rounds detailed across its run. The format was consistent as a charades-style game show, with minor rule adjustments over its seasons, primarily concerning who gives clues in the bonus round and winnings limits. Celebrities appearing on the show included Betty White, Lucille Ball, and Richard Simmons. The 'uninhibited' tagline refers to the physical nature of charades rather than suggestive content.
Related Reviews
Is Body Language right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required