What did a former talk show host say about his '90s daytime TV legacy?

He defended his legacy, stating his controversial show made a positive difference in people's lives and was comparable to shows hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue.

Why did '90s daytime talk shows become so sensational?

The host suggested that the evolution to sensational television was driven by viewers' 'voracious appetite' for such content, not solely by the shows themselves.

Who else is featured in the documentary about '90s daytime talk shows?

The documentary 'Dirty Talk: When Daytime Talk Shows Ruled TV' features reflections from hosts like Maury Povich and Leeza Gibbons, alongside the host discussing his legacy.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Daytime TV Host Defends 'Trash TV' Legacy

Daytime TV Host Defends 'Trash TV' Legacy

30 Jan

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Summary

Former host reflects on controversial 90s daytime talk shows.
He claims his show was comparable to Oprah and Phil Donahue.
Viewer appetite drove the evolution of sensational television.

Daytime TV Host Defends 'Trash TV' Legacy

In the final installment of a documentary series on '90s daytime hits, a former talk show host reflected on his legacy. He stated that he feels good about the impact and difference his show made in people's lives.

The host acknowledged his program was controversial but placed it in the context of his peers, including Oprah Winfrey, Sally Jessy Raphael, and Phil Donahue. He admitted to featuring similar controversial guests early in their careers.

He further suggested that the drive for sensationalism, such as featuring guests with large physical attributes, was a common competitive tactic among shows. The host doesn't blame daytime TV for the subsequent rise of reality shows, attributing it instead to an "evolution" and the audience's "voracious appetite."