Taxicab Confessions

"Taxicab Confessions" is a long-running series of hidden-camera documentaries that have aired on HBO since January 1995. In segments taped in New York City and Las Vegas, the taxi drivers are also producers who steer both the vehicle and the conversations with passengers.

When passengers enter the cab, they are recorded with several small cameras hidden in the taxi. The producer prompts passengers into discussing their past and/or present circumstances. This has led some participants to reflect on their life, recalling extreme tragedies or triumphs.

Much is verbally or visually graphic, including explicit sex talk and sex acts performed in the back seat. At the end of the taxi ride, passengers are asked to sign waivers allowing the hidden camera footage to be used on the program, and footage of this revelation is sometimes seen during the closing credits.

Separating the segments are short video montages showing life in the city, incorporating quick cuts of club interiors, flashing neon signage, strippers and the homeless. The series originated in New York, moved to Las Vegas and in recent years returned to New York. The first episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Special.

The show was parodied by comedian Chris Rock on "The Chris Rock Show" in 1999. The Goo Goo Dolls, who had a member of their band, Dave Schulz, appear in episode #6, [http://www.daveschulzmusic.com/about/index.asp] spoofed the show in their video for the single, "Sympathy." "The Simpsons" made a reference to the show in an episode in which Homer complains about his family on TV's "Taxicab Conversations".

The show was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2001 and 2002.

ee also

*Cash Cab

External links

* [http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/taxicab10/ "Taxicab Confessions" site at HBO.com]
* [http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/taxicab10/archive.html Episode synopses]
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