A look back at the rise, fall and lasting impact of the most sensational era in TV talk show history. By exploring the psychological forces that shaped the talk TV genre, the series reveals how these shows transformed from trusted confessional spaces into lightning rods of controversy, leaving a lasting impact on culture, media and the people caught in the chaos.
Show Info
Schedule: Wednesdays at 21:00
(60 min)
Status: Ended
Show Type:
Documentary
Episodes ordered: 3 episodes
Official site: abc.com
(waiting for more votes)
Previous Episode
Part 3: Adapt or Die
Episode 1x03; Jan 28, 2026
By the late '90s, talk TV had not only survived a murder trial but was now reaching new levels of sensationalism; driven by viewers' insatiable appetite for sex, violence and conflict, many shows lowered the bar.
Previous Episodes
| Episode Name | Airdate | Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| 1x03: Part 3: Adapt or Die | Jan 28, 2026 | |
| 1x02: Part 2: Talked to Death | Jan 21, 2026 | |
| 1x01: Part 1: Origin of the Species | Jan 14, 2026 |