Talk shows of the 1970's dominated daytime and late night TV. Personalities like Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Phil Donahue and Mike Douglas kept us company during the day as we moved about our homes, bustling to and fro, cooking, cleaning, and taking coffee breaks during our favorite parts. They introduced us to up and coming singers and actors, they showed us the human sides of our presidents, and they showcased talent that ranged from the bizarre to the sophisticated. We adored these talk show hosts. They were as much a part of our lives as were the evening news broadcasters we came to love and trust so deeply.
It was a time when television personalities were respectful and polite, and worked to showcase their guests in the best way possible. They were the ones who introduced us to the stars of the future, giving us a first look so that years later we could look back and remember fondly the day we were introduced to such greats as Barbara Streisand, George Carlin, and so many more.
Talk shows of the 1970's were forums for change. They not only changed television but the way we related to each other, and the way we thought about ourselves. They brought up sensitive issues like the Viet Nam war, they fought for social change, they helped us to take a good look at ourselves and to realize we were not alone, that whatever we were dealing with, there were others who could relate.
The beautiful Dinah Shore-singer, actress, and television personality hosted “Dinah’s Place” at ten AM weekdays. On Dinah’s Place, personalities came on to show us their hidden talents. When that was cancelled just as she won an Emmy for the show, she was back that fall on another network with “Dinah!”, a 90 minute weekday talk show with a format of guest stars and entertainment.
Merv Griffin, never afraid to tackle controversial topics, bounced around the day and nighttime time slots. Griffin was outspoken against the Viet Nam war, promoted Transcendental Meditation, and won 11 Emmy Awards doing so. Soft spoken and unfailingly polite, Griffin created an atmosphere in which his guests gave us their best, and we adored them.
“The Mike Douglas Show” brought us entertainers and musicians, among other personalities. Douglas brought us Barbara Streisand and Aretha Franklin, as well as all the latest rock groups. Douglas’ boundless energy allowed him to fit perfectly with the musicians and entertainers who graced his set.
We’ll always remember Phil Donahue, who brought health issues out in the open, discussing things formerly considered taboo for television. He made it possible for us to educate ourselves about things some of us wouldn’t even speak about with our doctors.
Possibly the most memorable of all talk show hosts was Johnny Carson, who hosted “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”. Carson took over for Jack Paar and entertained us just before we fell asleep night after night for decades. His casual style of comedy made it possible for even the stiffest guests to relax, let down their hair and laugh. Carson was always prepared, and it showed. He knew his guests, he read their books, he listened to their music. Every guest was special on The Tonight Show.
We owe a lot to these early talk show hosts. The 1970s were a time of growth and self-discovery, and these talk show hosts led the way.
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It was a time when television personalities were respectful and polite, and worked to showcase their guests in the best way possible. They were the ones who introduced us to the stars of the future, giving us a first look so that years later we could look back and remember fondly the day we were introduced to such greats as Barbara Streisand, George Carlin, and so many more.
Talk shows of the 1970's were forums for change. They not only changed television but the way we related to each other, and the way we thought about ourselves. They brought up sensitive issues like the Viet Nam war, they fought for social change, they helped us to take a good look at ourselves and to realize we were not alone, that whatever we were dealing with, there were others who could relate.
The beautiful Dinah Shore-singer, actress, and television personality hosted “Dinah’s Place” at ten AM weekdays. On Dinah’s Place, personalities came on to show us their hidden talents. When that was cancelled just as she won an Emmy for the show, she was back that fall on another network with “Dinah!”, a 90 minute weekday talk show with a format of guest stars and entertainment.
Merv Griffin, never afraid to tackle controversial topics, bounced around the day and nighttime time slots. Griffin was outspoken against the Viet Nam war, promoted Transcendental Meditation, and won 11 Emmy Awards doing so. Soft spoken and unfailingly polite, Griffin created an atmosphere in which his guests gave us their best, and we adored them.
“The Mike Douglas Show” brought us entertainers and musicians, among other personalities. Douglas brought us Barbara Streisand and Aretha Franklin, as well as all the latest rock groups. Douglas’ boundless energy allowed him to fit perfectly with the musicians and entertainers who graced his set.
We’ll always remember Phil Donahue, who brought health issues out in the open, discussing things formerly considered taboo for television. He made it possible for us to educate ourselves about things some of us wouldn’t even speak about with our doctors.
Possibly the most memorable of all talk show hosts was Johnny Carson, who hosted “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”. Carson took over for Jack Paar and entertained us just before we fell asleep night after night for decades. His casual style of comedy made it possible for even the stiffest guests to relax, let down their hair and laugh. Carson was always prepared, and it showed. He knew his guests, he read their books, he listened to their music. Every guest was special on The Tonight Show.
We owe a lot to these early talk show hosts. The 1970s were a time of growth and self-discovery, and these talk show hosts led the way.
Do you have a TV show, movie or webisode idea? Click here
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