Studies About Tickling in TV Shows

Tickling is a phenomenon of the body that has amazed people since the dawn of time because of its ambiguity: on the one hand it prompts those who experience it to laugh, on the other hand it is perceived as unpleasant and people try to avoid it. Scientists over the centuries have analyzed this phenomenon to try to determine what originates it and how the body that receives it reacts.

In several TV shows, tickling is analyzed from a scientific point of view to show which areas of the body are most sensitive and how the one experiencing it reacts.

あるある大辞典!

A study on tickling featured in "A certain dictionary" broadcast (あるある大辞典! ).

Some bystanders are tickled under their armpits to test their reactions in laughter and body movements.

A girl in the lab is tickled by an operator under her armpits to examine how oxygen consumption changes when the body is forced to laugh, compared with physical activity.

Finally, some studio guests are tickled and made to laugh by their colleagues.

E=M6

In the French science show E=M6, Nicolas and Jeannette participate in a test of endurance where their feet are tickled. At first, a feather duster is used to tickle them, but both participants manage to keep a straight face. 

The experimenter then switches to using her fingers and times how long each person can withstand the tickling. Nicolas cracks after six seconds, while Jeannette holds out for ten seconds before giving in.

Jeannette comments that the repetitive motion of the experimenter's fingers became unbearable, and both Nicolas and Jeannette get revenge by tickling the experimenter.

World of Pain

The three male participants have their feet locked in a pillory. A blonde woman sadistically starts tickling them with a feather under their feet. The purpose of the experiment is to verify how unbearable il the tickle torture. They laugh and squirm until they give up.

Participants last for about one or two minutes and say that being tickled is an unbearable experience.

Brainiac

The TV show Brainiac features studies dedicated to the analysis of tickling and its effects on the human body.