The Best Talk Shows of the 1970s
- 1Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, Skitch Henderson
If you were to cast a glance at the pantheon of legendary talk show hosts, one could not ignore the nimble, quick-witted Johnny Carson, whose talent coursed through every episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. His timeless humor and engaging interviews had viewers on the edges of their seats, eagerly anticipating their nightly dose of laughter and lighthearted entertainment. With his finger on the pulse of popular culture, Carson's impact was indelible, molding the very essence of late-night television throughout the 1970s and beyond.
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- 2Merv Griffin
Deserving every accolade bestowed upon it, The Merv Griffin Show epitomized distinguished entertainment in the world of talk shows. With the dapper, ever-charming Merv Griffin in command, the guests and audience found themselves enthralled by his magnetic charisma, healthy banter, and a dazzling array of star-studded appearances. Griffin's keen wit and disarming demeanor had him rubbing shoulders with the era's best and brightest, making for unmissable television at the heart of the 1970s.
- 3Leigh French
The Dick Cavett Show was a veritable magnet for fascinating personalities - a testament to its creator and host's laudable talent for concocting highly engaging and intellectually stimulating conversations. Dick Cavett, a connoisseur of candor and wit, would weave together stories and discussions that captivated audiences nationwide, his show a canvas for insightful banter and delightfully sharp repartee. Cavett's brilliance managed to stand out among the multitude of talk shows in the 1970s, carving a unique niche for his inimitable blend of entertainment.
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- 4
The Mike Douglas Show
Shirley Temple, Mike DouglasDemonstrating adaptability and versatility in spades, The Mike Douglas Show played host to a kaleidoscope of stars and personalities, buoyed by the effervescent charm of its titular host. Airing throughout much of the 1970s, the show effused a sense of vivacity and uncompromising entertainment, its lively blend of interviews, music performances, and comedy sketches proving irresistible to an adoring public. Mike Douglas, a consummate master of ceremonies, left an indelible mark on the golden era of daytime talk shows.
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- 5Dick Clark
What better way to fuel the feverish vigor of America's youth than through soul-stirring tunes and infectious dance moves? American Bandstand fit the bill. With the smooth-talking and ever-youthful Dick Clark at the helm, this iconic television series provided an unparalleled platform for the nation's budding musical talents and pop sensations. During the 1970s, the show was a mecca for chart-topping acts and the latest dance crazes, uniting a generation bound by its lust for rhythm and harmony.
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- 6Ruth Buzzi, Foster Brooks
Suave, sophisticated, and effortlessly entertaining - The Dean Martin Show embodied the refined art of the television variety hour. Martin, the eponymous crooner and comedian par excellence, took viewers on a rollicking ride filled with laughter, warmth, and dazzling musical numbers. Whether belting out tunes or trading barbs with guests, Martin's charisma was truly captivating, his show an enduring beacon of entertainment during the 1970s.
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He may be perhaps better known today as the founding father of late-night talk shows, but in the fifties and sixties, Steve Allen's groundbreaking and eclectic program, Tonight Starring Steve Allen, was a mainstay of entertainment. Through a winning blend of sharp interviews, side-splitting comedy skits, and unforgettable musical interludes, Allen's keen wit and sheer magnetism commanded the screen. Though his tenure as a talk show host spanned a decade before the focus of this piece, Allen's impact on the television landscape continued to be felt throughout the 1970s and beyond.
- 8Phil Donahue, Sammy Davis Jr., Dolly Parton
Fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity and unearthing the most incisive, candid conversations was par for the course for The Phil Donahue Show. An innovator by all accounts, Phil Donahue broke new ground in the talk show arena, challenging norms, engaging in controversial subject matter, and galvanizing audiences to lean in and take part in the conversation. With Donahue at the helm, television in the 1970s was elevated to a richer plane of discourse and dialogue.
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9Tom Snyder
There was a certain gravitas to Tom Snyder’s presence, his distinctive voice and persona lending the sense of an intellectual heavyweight engaging in thought-provoking discourse. As host of The Tomorrow Show, Snyder carved a place for himself in the realm of late-night television during the 1970s, engaging audiences in conversations that plumbed the depths of intelligence, wit, and intrigue. Equal parts distinguished journalist and captivating host, Snyder left an indelible impression on those who tuned in to his engaging on-air discussions.
- 10Flip Wilson, Tim Conway, George Carlin
Emanating that elusive joie de vivre, The Flip Wilson Show was a cornucopia of comedic talent, steeped in an irresistible blend of humor, vivacity, and sheer fun. With the incomparable Flip Wilson taking center stage, audiences reveled in his uproarious sketches and indelible characters. His star power and inimitable wit resonated throughout the 1970s, cementing the show's status as a classic example of groundbreaking comedy and variety programming.
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- 11Tina Louise, Bettie Page, Jackie Gleason
A veritable juggernaut of entertainment, The Jackie Gleason Show showcased the prodigious talents of its legendary namesake. Gleason's inimitable comedic genius permeated the show, with timeless characters and unforgettable sketches that left audiences roaring with laughter. With an indomitable spirit and a gift for capturing the subtle humor in everyday life, Gleason's show punctuated the 1970s with an unwavering commitment to quality entertainment.
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- 12Elizabeth Vargas, David Muir, Barbara Walters
Never shying away from the riveting and the controversial, 20/20 provided viewers with a fresh and exhilarating approach to news reporting. Since its inception during the latter part of the 1970s, the show took audiences behind the scenes of fascinating, real-life stories, seamlessly merging reportage with empathetic storytelling. Anchors Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters brought journalistic gravitas and an appreciation for humanity to their roles, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of current affairs programming.
More 20/20 - 13Marie Osmond, Donny Osmond, Jimmy Osmond
The 1970s were a golden age for sibling acts in entertainment, and none shone brighter than the inimitable Donny and Marie Osmond. Their eponymous variety show, Donny & Marie, was a wholesome, feel-good affair, with captivating musical numbers, heartwarming sibling banter, and enough sparkle and glamour to keep audiences enchanted for years. The dazzling duo seemed almost to personify the 1970s' spirit of togetherness and upbeat charm.
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- 14William F. Buckley, Jr.
A bastion of intellectual discourse in an ever-changing media landscape, Firing Line stood out from its contemporaries, its focus trained on fostering rigorous and thought-provoking debate. Helmed by the incisive and articulate William F. Buckley Jr., the show fearlessly tackled the most pressing sociopolitical matters of the day. A trailblazer by all accounts, Firing Line set the standard for political talk shows, leaving a legacy that resonated throughout the 1970s and beyond.
- 15David Gregory
A cornerstone of American journalism, Meet the Press has withstood the test of time as the longest-running television program in history. Over the course of the 1970s, the show's formidable roster of anchors engaged politicians and newsmakers in a series of hard-hitting interviews, holding the nation's most influential figures to account. By preserving public accountability and interrogating the issues of the day, Meet the Press proved itself an enduring beacon of journalistic excellence.
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- 16Howard K. Smith, Lesley Stahl, Martin Agronsky
In an age when political discourse was fervent and newsworthy, Face the Nation provided its audience with gripping discussions and compelling interviews. With a revolving door of skilled journalists and anchors, the show maintained an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, diving deep into pressing affairs and the political intricacies of the era. As a key forum for debate and analysis during the 1970s, Face the Nation proved vital in shaping the contemporary media landscape.
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- 17
Morton Downey Jr Show
Though it rose to prominence in the late 1980s, the Morton Downey Jr. Show bespoke a brash, confrontational style that would have set tongues wagging even in the 1970s. Its spirited, controversial exchanges and unapologetic on-screen antics appealed to viewers with an appetite for the unflinchingly candid. A harbinger of things to come, the show foreshadowed the sensationalist talk shows that would follow in its footsteps.
- 18Pat Kenny, Ryan Tubridy, Gay Byrne
The Late Late Show may not have found its footing in the realm of talk show royalty until the 1990s, but its spirited blend of conversation, wit, and lighthearted humor aligned with the tenor of talk shows in the 1970s. A precursor to subsequent late-night hosts, the show's template of charismatic wit, candid interviews, and heartwarming anecdotes resonated with audiences the world over.
- 19Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer
As the sun rose on America every morning throughout the 1970s, viewers found themselves captivated by the engaging blend of news, lifestyle, and entertainment offered by Good Morning America. Co-anchored by the charismatic pairing of David Hartman and Nancy Dussault, this daytime powerhouse brought the nation together with its unique mix of heartwarming stories, insightful interviews, and solid news reporting.
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As a beacon of responsible journalism, Washington Week has been educating and informing viewers about the political landscape for decades. Benefiting from the expert analysis and sober reflections of its panel of journalists, the show stood out from the crowd during the 1970s as a go-to source for those seeking depth and insight into the inner workings of Washington D.C.
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- 21Ann Curry, Anita Colby
A steadfast presence in the world of television programming, The Today Show welcomed viewers each morning with an array of captivating stories, features, and interviews. Entertaining yet informative, the show struck a delicate balance between hard news and lighthearted entertainment throughout the 1970s. Hosts and contributors like Barbara Walters and Tom Brokaw were beacons of journalistic integrity, playing a pivotal role in the show's burgeoning success.
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- 22Susan Howard Chrane, Lee Webb
In the 1970s, The 700 Club emerged as a key platform for televangelism and religious dialogue, offering insightful perspectives on faith and matters of Christian interest. Anchored by the charismatic Pat Robertson, the show's blend of news, spiritual guidance, and fervent faith resonated throughout 1970s America, fostering a spiritual awakening for many.
- 23
The Des O'Connor Show
Jack Benny, Des O'Connor, Jack DouglasThe eponymous Des O'Connor Show was a longstanding fixture of British television in the 1970s, beloved for its smooth blend of variety entertainment. As its star, Des O'Connor demonstrated an undeniable knack for engaging conversation, lively banter, and heartfelt performances. A symbol of sophisticated charm and unmatched wit, O'Connor's show was a charismatic and shining example of television variety in the 1970s.
- 24Charlton Heston, Rob Reiner, Gary Coleman
Daring and audacious, America 2-Night sought to push the envelope in satirical comedy throughout its brief but memorable run in the late 1970s. Through biting humor and subversive wit, the show's array of faux interviews, skits, and wacky characters provided a refreshing departure from more traditional talk show fare. America 2-Night was an inspired take on the genre, a testament to its creator's innovation and whimsical flair.
- 25Carol Vorderman, Jeremy Clarkson
Since its debut in 1979, Question Time has been a key platform for challenging British political figures and sparking robust debate. In a format that resonated throughout 1970s Britain, the show featured a lively mix of politicians, journalists, and prominent personalities offering their insights into the pressing issues of the day. Question Time remains a steadfast testament to the spirit of intelligent, democratic dialogue.
