15 ’80s Talk Shows That Are Long Gone
The 1980s brought us a wide variety of talk shows, each with its own flair, focus, and unforgettable moments. While some hosts went on to build lasting legacies, others faded from the spotlight just as quickly as they rose.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Talk shows in the 1980s shaped the way audiences engaged with celebrities, politics, and social issues. Many of these programs were daytime or late-night staples, offering a blend of drama, humor, and genuine conversation. Though some are still remembered fondly, they eventually disappeared from the airwaves without much fanfare. These 15 shows reflect a unique media era that feels worlds away from today’s polished talk show landscape.
1. The Phil Donahue Show
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Phil Donahue pioneered the daytime talk format by combining thoughtful interviews with audience interaction. His show tackled topics like divorce, mental health, and civil rights long before they were common in mainstream media. Launched in the 1970s, it hit its peak popularity in the ’80s. Donahue often invited controversial guests, making the show both educational and unpredictable. The series ended in 1996, but its influence can still be felt in modern formats.
2. The Merv Griffin Show
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Merv Griffin’s show offered a more traditional take on celebrity interviews, often featuring stars, musicians, and authors. Known for its classy atmosphere, the show created space for longer, more thoughtful conversations. It aired from the early 1960s until 1986, wrapping up after more than 20 years on the air. Griffin used his charm to draw out interesting stories and honest moments. While respected, its slower pace might not hold modern viewers’ attention.
3. The Morton Downey Jr. Show
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Morton Downey Jr. brought an aggressive and loud style to the talk show scene. He thrived on confrontational interviews and heated audience participation. The show tackled controversial topics with a combative approach that divided viewers. It aired for only a few years in the late ’80s but left a lasting impression due to its intensity. Today, its tone would likely be seen as over-the-top or even toxic.
4. The Sally Jessy Raphael Show
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With her signature red glasses and warm tone, Sally Jessy Raphael became a staple of daytime television. Her show dealt with personal stories, family drama, and emotional interviews. Though often compared to other tabloid-style programs, Sally kept a sense of empathy at the core. She provided a platform for guests who felt unheard. Her show ended in 2002, but it had already defined a major part of ’80s talk culture.
5. The Arsenio Hall Show
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Arsenio Hall made waves with a late-night show that appealed to a younger, more diverse audience. He brought in hip-hop artists, athletes, and actors who rarely appeared on other talk shows at the time. His high-energy presence and fresh guest lineup set him apart. The show first aired in 1989 and lasted until 1994, with a brief revival in 2013. Its original run helped change the face of late-night television.
6. The Dinah Shore Show
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Dinah Shore transitioned from music to television with a show that combined interviews, music, and lighthearted segments. Though it began in the ’70s, it remained active and influential into the early ’80s. Guests often performed live, giving the show a variety feel. Dinah maintained a warm and welcoming style that resonated with daytime viewers. Her show slowly faded away as television trends changed.
7. The Jenny Jones Show
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Jenny Jones started with a more traditional talk show setup but quickly shifted into sensationalist topics. Her episodes often featured wild stories, secret crush reveals, and shocking family confessions. The show gained major attention in the late ’80s and continued into the 2000s. One controversial episode even led to a tragic legal case, highlighting the dangers of reality-style programming. Despite its long run, it is now mostly remembered for its tabloid twists.
8. The Joe Franklin Show
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Joe Franklin was known as a quirky and legendary figure in the talk show world. His show ran for decades and focused on nostalgic interviews with classic film stars and performers. By the ’80s, it had become a hidden gem in the late-night lineup. Franklin’s soft-spoken style and love for the past made him a cult favorite. Although not widely known today, he influenced generations of talk show hosts.
9. The Richard Bey Show
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The Richard Bey Show pushed the boundaries of daytime television with outrageous games and confrontational interviews. It featured live lie detector tests, surprise reunions, and audience participation challenges. While entertaining, it was often criticized for being exploitative. Its over-the-top segments made it a guilty pleasure for many viewers. The show eventually faded out by the mid-1990s, unable to evolve with shifting tastes.
10. AM Chicago (pre-Oprah)
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Before Oprah Winfrey turned it into a media empire, AM Chicago was a modest morning talk show. It featured local news, interviews, and lifestyle segments. Oprah joined the show in 1984, and her presence quickly transformed it into something bigger. By 1986, it was rebranded as The Oprah Winfrey Show. The original version, however, reflected the slower, community-focused style of ’80s daytime programming.
11. The David Susskind Show
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David Susskind hosted in-depth discussions on politics, culture, and controversial topics. Unlike lighter talk shows, his format leaned heavily into intellectual debates. Though the show started much earlier, it remained relevant into the early 1980s. It featured authors, scholars, and social commentators rather than celebrities. Its disappearance marked the end of a more thoughtful era in television.
12. That Regis Philbin Show (pre-Live!)
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Before teaming up with Kathie Lee, Regis Philbin hosted his own regional talk show. It gave him a platform to showcase his natural humor and storytelling. Though not as well-known nationally, the program helped build his reputation. The format was casual and personal, focusing on local news and celebrity chatter. It eventually evolved into Live!, but the original show remains part of ’80s talk show history.
13. People Are Talking
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This daytime talk show had multiple versions across the country, including ones hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Bryant Gumbel. It tackled social topics, human interest stories, and community issues. The format was flexible, and it allowed local stations to shape the content for their audiences. Though not as flashy as national shows, it had strong local followings. Its structure wouldn’t hold up in today’s fast-paced media climate.
14. The Dini Petty Show
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Canadian talk show host Dini Petty became known for her pink helicopter and thoughtful interviews. Her program covered everything from parenting to politics, with a strong focus on women’s voices. It aired in the late ’80s and early ’90s, offering a unique alternative to American talk shows. Her presence was calm and smart without being preachy. While mostly remembered in Canada, it earned a respected place in talk show history.
15. PM Magazine
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Blending talk show elements with lifestyle journalism, PM Magazine was a syndicated program that aired in various U.S. markets. It featured human interest stories, travel segments, and interviews with local personalities. The show was hosted by regional anchors, giving it a distinct hometown feel. Though not a pure talk show, it played a major role in shaping the daytime format of the ’80s. Its production model was phased out as networks shifted to national content.