Barbie on TV

When Barbie turns on her TV, it’s usually to watch Barbie. The televisions of the early years are examples of Barbie’s built environment that double as Barbie illustrations.

The earliest television we feature comes from the original 1962 Dream House. It is actually a TV-stereo combination, as a panel on the top opens to reveal a turntable.

So what was Barbie watching on her dream TV? It looks like Bubble Cut Barbie in the Solo in the Spotlight fashion, beside the microphone from that set.

Barbie’s various domiciles boasted many other TV sets and programs over the years; up next, we’ll check out one from the 1964 “Leisure Hours” accessory set. A darker brown version for Ken was also sold in his “Party Fun” pak, beginning the same year. When Ken turned on the TV, it was also to watch Barbie.

There’s no context to suggest what sort of television program Barbie is appearing on here; the floating-head style of this illustration is reminiscent of the fashion booklets that came with dolls of the era.

In 1964, Barbie also got an assortment of “Go-Together” furniture sets with partial walls (no floors). The year’s Christmas catalogs (this one is from wishbookweb.com) advertised a few sets:

In the top left panel, Barbie’s newest living room can be seen, with a small television set sitting on the floor (!) at lower right. But what’s on TV?

This time, Barbie is watching a fashion show. One might argue that she’s not watching herself–it’s not clear the illustrated models are meant to suggest her, and the fashions don’t seem to refer to anything specific in her wardrobe. However, she WAS the Teen-Age Fashion Model, so we deem it likely that she appeared on screen at some point during this program.

Barbie also watched herself on TV in the modestly-proportioned Barbie Family Deluxe House she shared with Skipper in 1965. At that link you can also see what Skipper was watching in her separately sold, considerably larger bedroom; we think that blonde singer isn’t Barbie (though we can’t be certain).

Before we leave Barbie to watch her shows in peace, let’s fast forward to 1972 and Busy Barbie, who stayed busy in part by gripping the handles of included accessories such as her portable television set.

On screen, Barbie is back at the microphone again, this time wearing Silver Serenade (1971-1972).

Where to next? If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy Not Barbie on TV; a roundup of fireplaces in Barbie and Barbie-sized houses, 1963-79; Go-Together furniture sets, illustrated; or check the Table of Contents for more fun.