by Hal Erickson
synopsis
30 Seconds of Fame was the Fox Network's effort to bring the old Gong Show format kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Hosted by Craig L. Jackson, the weekly, half-hour series featured a steady parade of amateur performers, showing off their eccentric and often freakish "acts" in hopes of winning a $25,000 prize. At least 24 acts were trotted out on each episode, with every performer given 30 seconds to totally humiliate himself or herself, and with the studio audience voting on the winner. 30 Seconds to Fame debuted July 17, 2002, as a preview of sorts for its "official" starting date in the fall of that year.
