Beyond Our Control (1967–1986) watch online

Beyond Our Control is an American youth-produced sketch-comedy television series that aired on local NBC affiliate WNDU-TV in South Bend, Indiana, for 19 seasons from 1968 to 1986. Usually televised from late-January to mid-May of each year, the program was launched by WJA-TV, a company that was part of the local Junior Achievement program, designed to give high school students business and work experience. WNDU-TV, owned and operated by the University of Notre Dame, was the local JA sponsor.

Approximately 30 high school students from the Michiana region (Indiana and Michigan) were chosen annually through auditions to serve as company members. In 19 seasons, over 350 teenagers participated. There were also three primary adult advisors: Dave Williams, the creative leader until his death in 1977; Denny Laughlin, who was WNDU's art director; and Joe Dundon, who oversaw ad sales (though the kids actually went out and sold the commercial time to local businesses). After Williams' death, BOC alumni would return as writing advisors, including Bob Medich, Danny Lakin, Chris Webb, Steve Wyant, Laddie Ervin, and Joey Hasse.

Promoted as "a very nice TV show" and with the slogan "TV About TV," BOC sported its own distinctive style of parody, usually targeting TV genres like local news, commercials, game shows, soap operas, and sitcoms. Early seasons also featured musical numbers and experimental films. Footage from the program still exists and can be seen on YouTube and occasionally on public access television in the Michiana region.

Screenwriter Chris Webb, a student participant and adult writing adviser, wrote, "I think the thing that makes BOC really work is that it is done by high school kids, and the audience can tell that it was, and the show never hid the truth. So as an audience watches it, there is an inherent suspense as to whether the kids are going to pull off a scene. Sometimes they do, and then don't - occasionally within the same scene. Comedy relies on tension, and that suspense, that tension, can make the show very very funny. But even when it doesn't work, the show is still fascinating to watch. All because of the high school element."

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)