The ’90s were a magical time. During its reign multiple acclaimed talk shows transformed television entertainment. The era established what the genre should become while creating standards which future talk shows needed to follow. This era deserves our gratitude because it gave us extraordinary hosts including Oprah and Ellen. An analysis of some 1990s talk show hosts demonstrates their cultural impact while examining their current endeavors.
Montel Williams
Through his show The Montel Williams Show Montel Williams created a path-breaking program that challenged traditional television formats. He became the first African-American man to preside over a daytime talk show. People praised The Montel Williams Show because of its motivating content.
Currently, Montel hosts Military Makeover: Operation Career on Lifetime. He is also actively involved with his non-profit organization MS Foundation. Post his recent health challenges, he is heavily involved in advocating CBD products for medical purposes. Besides that, Williams has authored eight books on his life.
Sally Jessy Raphael
Sally Jessy Raphael hosted the talk show Sally. Her show was one of the first few talk shows in the history of television to have a female host. Sally didn’t shy away from discussing difficult topics. In fact, the red glasses that she wore for the show became quite the rage and part of her identity.
After her show wrapped up, Sally continued hosting a slew of other shows. She hosted a show named Sally Jessy Rides on NewNowNext.
Geraldo Rivera
Geraldo Rivera hosted the daytime talk show Geraldo for eleven seasons. Geraldo was known to pit some of the most controversial names against each other. In one of the episodes, a few of the guests broke his nose during a live fight in the show.
As of now, Rivera is a war correspondent with FOX News. He has also participated in reality shows such as The Celebrity Apprentice and Dancing with the Stars. In 2020, he completed fifty years in the television industry.
