Film & TV

Julien's Brings New York City TV History to Life at RiseNY

Julien's Auctions and RiseNY are hosting a month-long pop culture exhibition in New York City, showcasing iconic television artifacts from shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Late Show,' offering a unique experience for television enthusiasts.

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a glass display case with prop business cards

Running from April 8th through May 8th, the "Channel Surfing: A Broadcast to Binge" preview exhibition offers a curated glimpse into television's golden moments, with a special focus on icons deeply connected to the Big Apple.

New York City, a metropolis woven into the very fabric of television history, is currently playing host to an exceptional pop culture event. Julien's Auctions has journeyed coast-to-coast, bringing a slice of Hollywood magic directly to Times Square. In a brilliant collaboration, we've partnered with RiseNY – itself an immersive love letter to the city – for a month-long exhibition that's nothing short of a television enthusiast's dream.

Running from April 8th through May 8th, the "Channel Surfing: A Broadcast to Binge" preview exhibition offers a curated glimpse into television's golden moments, with a special focus on icons deeply connected to the Big Apple.

This isn't just another display of collectibles; it's a thoughtfully curated experience housed within a venue perfectly suited to celebrate New York's indelible mark on entertainment. RiseNY, with its dedication to showcasing the city's narrative, provides an ideal backdrop for artifacts born from shows that captured the spirit, humor, and energy of New York. The partnership transforms a visit into a multi-layered journey – exploring the city's story through RiseNY's core attraction, and then diving deep into the specific television narratives that unfolded on its streets and soundstages.

The exhibition draws NYC-themed highlights from Julien's upcoming "Channel Surfing: A Broadcast to Binge" auction, offering attendees a rare chance to get up close with pieces that defined generations of viewers. Imagine standing inches away from artifacts representing the comedic genius incubated within Rockefeller Center. We're talking legendary props and costumes from Saturday Night Live, the show that has defined late-night satire for nearly five decades. Among the treasures is an original worn by Dan Aykroyd himself, dating back to the character's triumphant return sketch on April 16, 1977 (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000). Consider also the simple, yet instantly recognizable donned by the incomparable John Belushi (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000), a symbol of SNL's anarchic early years.

And what's a celebration of New York television without acknowledging the master of late-night absurdity, David Letterman? The exhibition features perhaps his most iconic gag piece: the original David Letterman "Velcro Suit" (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000). Worn on the February 28, 1984, episode of Late Night, this suit, designed for the legendary stunt where Letterman jumped onto a Velcro wall, represents a high-water mark of television comedy innovation – conceived and executed right here in NYC. It's the only one made for the original bit, acquired directly from Letterman himself.

two mannequins wearing suits
a mad men exhibition
a closeup of a velcro suit
a mannequin wearing a velcro suit
a recreated set for the late show with david letterman
attendees visit a julien's auctions exhibition
attendees visit a julien's auctions exhibition
attendees visit a julien's auctions exhibition
prop business cards from mad men enclosed in a glass casing
a rep for julien's auctions talks to press
a law and order director's chair back
a law and order director's chair back
a rep for julien's auctions talks to press
a riddler jacket from batman
riddler jacket from batman
yellow shorts with silver tone sparkles
tv show props in a glass case
cone head prosthetic and bumblebee antennae
mr bill clay puppet and spot puppet from saturday night live
prop license plate from law and order special victims unit

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The auction also offers wardrobe artifacts from Seinfeld among the NYC-themed highlights, further solidifying the auction's connection to the city's television landscape.

The caped crusaders are not forgotten either. Representing the camp classic Batman series (1966-1968) is the original worn by Frank Gorshin (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000). This very ensemble, complete with its hand-stenciled question marks, was donned by Gorshin in the pilot episode and the 1966 feature film, marking the debut of Batman's first television nemesis. Alongside the villain's attire is a crucial piece of heroic hardware: an original aluminum "hero" Bat-O-Rang prop, bearing the signature of Robin himself, Burt Ward (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000). This isn't a foam stunt prop, but the high-quality version used for close-ups, arguably the most recognizable hand prop wielded by the Dynamic Duo.

This exhibition, running until May 8th at RiseNY, is more than just a preview for an auction; it's a pilgrimage for pop culture aficionados. It's an opportunity provided by Julien's Auctions and RiseNY to connect tangibly with the television shows that have entertained, influenced, and become cultural touchstones. To see the texture of the Riddler's jacket, the craftsmanship of Wonder Woman's boots, or the sheer absurdity of the Velcro Suit firsthand is to gain a new appreciation for the artistry and imagination behind these beloved programs.

For anyone fascinated by television history, New York City lore, or the enduring power of pop culture icons, a visit to RiseNY between now and May 8th is essential. It's a rare chance to step out of your living room and into the world of screen legends, right in the heart of the city that never sleeps – and often, never stops watching TV. Don't miss this unforgettable pop culture experience. Register for “Channel Surfing: A Broadcast to Binge” auction and start bidding today.

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