The City That Took a Dare: Truth or Consequences
It sounds like a riddle, but it’s real—a whole city in New Mexico that owes its name to a radio game show.
Image source: Reddit
Back in 1950, the town of Hot Springs, New Mexico, had a chance to make history. Ralph Edwards, host of the wildly popular radio (and later TV) show Truth or Consequences, announced he’d broadcast from any town willing to rename itself after the program. Hot Springs accepted the dare—and overnight, it became Truth or Consequences.
The name stuck, but so did the charm. Locals often call it “T or C,” and the city is still famous for its natural hot springs, desert scenery, and small-town friendliness. For years, Edwards himself returned annually for a fiesta in the town, cementing the quirky bond between community and showbiz.
Planning a visit? You’ll find hot spring resorts, a nearby state park, and that unmistakable name that makes road trippers smile. Just remember: in T or C, the truth is stranger (and warmer) than fiction.
Learn more about the city here!Got a fun fact of your own? Share it in the forum!
