While the MPAA’s confusing and hypocritical ratings decisions were leaving filmmakers flummoxed in the early 90s, cable TV was opening up new possibilities for erotic content. Today we will offer a brief history of sex on TV, and then focus on Red Shoe Diaries, the cheesy-but-charming late night softcore soap that was the brainchild of 9 ½ Weeks writers/producers Zalman King and Patricia Knop.
(00:00) 90210, NYPD Blue, and Sex on Network TV
(08:41) Midnight Blue and the Birth of Premium Cable
(18:49) Zalman King and David Duchovny
(34:23) Jake’s Story and Red Shoe Diaries
(45:12) A Family Business
(52:14) TV Turns On
(57:44) The Audience Evolves and the Internet Arrives