12 ’70s Talk Shows That Were Canceled Abruptly
Twelve talk shows from the 1970s were canceled without much warning, often due to ratings problems, network changes, or behind-the-scenes issues.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1970s introduced many talk shows that tried new formats and featured a wide range of guests. Some shows were canceled quickly despite having well-known hosts or strong followings. In most cases, the cancellations were tied to viewership decline, executive decisions, or production problems.
1. The David Frost Show
David Frost Show on Wikimedia Commons
British journalist David Frost hosted this American talk show from 1969 to 1972. It featured interviews with political figures, entertainers, and authors. While respected for its serious tone, it struggled to hold a large U.S. audience over time. The show was canceled in 1972 after a gradual decline in ratings.
2. The Dick Cavett Show (ABC Version)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
Dick Cavett’s show aired on ABC between 1968 and 1974. It was known for in-depth conversations with writers, musicians, and public figures. The format was different from typical late-night shows and often focused on complex topics. ABC ended the show in 1974, citing low ratings and a limited audience.
3. The Joey Bishop Show (Talk Show)
NBC Television on Wikimedia Commons
Joey Bishop hosted a late-night talk show on ABC from 1967 to 1969. It was meant to compete directly with Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. The show failed to match Carson’s ratings and faced challenges with format and guest booking. ABC canceled the show after two seasons due to underperformance.
4. The Mike Douglas Show (CBS Network Run)
Mcorea on Wikimedia Commons
The Mike Douglas Show ran from 1961 to 1982, but its CBS network-run phase ended earlier. The program featured musical acts and celebrity interviews in a daytime format. In the late 1970s, CBS withdrew its support for the show as it moved toward different content strategies. The show continued in syndication until 1982 but lost national exposure.
5. Dinah!
Paramount Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Dinah Shore’s daytime talk show began in 1974 and lasted until 1980. It included music, interviews, and lifestyle segments aimed at a broad audience. As television programming began to shift toward more news and issue-based formats, daytime talk shows like Dinah! saw ratings drop. The show was canceled in 1980 as a result of changing viewer preferences.
6. The Merv Griffin Show (CBS Version)
CBS Television on Wikimedia Commons
Merv Griffin’s show had multiple runs, with a version airing on CBS from 1969 to 1972. The show featured interviews with politicians, artists, and entertainers. Despite Griffin’s popularity, the CBS version did not meet network expectations for ratings. CBS canceled it in 1972, but the show returned in syndication later that year.
7. Tony Orlando and Dawn
Fotograaf Onbekend / Anefo on Wikimedia Commons
This variety and talk show aired from 1974 to 1976 on CBS. It included musical performances, comedy sketches, and guest interviews. The show started with strong ratings but later lost viewers due to format repetition and critical reception. CBS ended the show in 1976 after two seasons.
8. That Joan Rivers Show
djnaquin67 on Wikimedia Commons
Joan Rivers hosted this talk show in 1968 and 1969 on syndicated channels. It included interviews with guests across fashion, entertainment, and culture. The show struggled to maintain advertiser support and consistent viewership. Production ended after one season, with no renewal.
9. The Real Don Steele Show
Sammyrice on Wikimedia Commons
Radio DJ Don Steele hosted a syndicated music and talk show in the early 1970s. The program featured musical guests and brief interviews. It was designed for a younger audience but did not attract enough attention in syndication markets. The show was canceled during its first season due to low ratings.
10. The Phil Donahue Show (Early Network Version)
Rollyn Puterbaugh on Wikimedia Commons
Phil Donahue launched his show in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967, and it became nationally syndicated in the 1970s. A brief attempt at a major network version during the early syndication period did not perform well. That version was pulled quickly due to weak audience reception. The show found long-term success after returning to local and syndicated formats.
11. The Johnny Cash Show
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
The Johnny Cash Show aired on ABC from 1969 to 1971. It included musical performances and short interviews with country and folk artists. Despite solid ratings, ABC ended the show as it changed its programming to avoid content that might draw complaints. The decision was part of a broader shift away from rural or traditional-themed shows.
12. The Redd Foxx Show (Talk Show Pilot)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
After the success of Sanford and Son, Redd Foxx filmed a talk show pilot in the late 1970s. The pilot was not well received by test audiences or network executives. Concerns about its tone and commercial potential led to the decision not to move forward. The show was canceled before any episodes were widely broadcast.