HBO‘s newest original documentary ought to get your attention by its title alone. On Tuesday, HBO revealed the release date and trailer for Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story.
Bang My Box, produced by Sarah Jessica Parker and chronicling the life of iconic New York City public access call-in show host Robin Byrd, will debut on HBO and HBO Max on Tuesday, June 30 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The 80-minute film is directed and produced by Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam.
Byrd’s show was heavy on adult entertainment; the title of her doc is the same as the musical number she performed to end each episode.
“Before the internet and the ubiquity of social media influencers, there was Robin Byrd — the spirited, anything-goes New York City public access host, clad only in her signature black crochet bikini,” the synopsis begins. “From 1977 to 1998, Robin created, produced and hosted the late-night call-in show that incorporated performances and interviews with adult entertainers and experimental artists. Each show ended with a bawdy song and dance, turning her unapologetic, eponymous show into a national platform for sex-positivity and free speech.”
Byrd, now approaching 70, “confronts her place in history and faces the decision to hand over a lifetime of memorabilia to archivists, while also tenderly caring for Shelly, her husband of 50 years,” it continues. “With a wealth of archival and intimate interviews, the film reflects on Robin’s career and tracks her current life in New York City, as well as Fire Island where she has been a beloved resident for decades.”
The Byrds both participate, as do Annie Sprinkle, Sandra Bernhard, Porsche Lynn, Heather Hunter, Lou Cass and even SNL alum Cheri Oteri.
Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story is produced by Parker’s Pretty Matches Production in association with Laylow Pictures. Greg Scarnici, Claire Demere, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller and Tina Nguyen executive produce; Alison Benson and Caroline Waterlow produce.
Watch the trailer here:
