Talk show
A talk show (sometimes chat show in British English) is a television programming, radio programming or Podcast genre structured around the act of spontaneous conversation. A talk show is distinguished from other television programs by certain common attributes. In a talk show, one person (or group of people or guests) discusses various topics put forth by a talk show host. This discussion can be in the form of an interview or a simple conversation about important social, political or religious issues and events. The personality of the host shapes the tone and style of the show. A common feature or unwritten rule of talk shows is to be based on "fresh talk", which is talk that is spontaneous or has the appearance of spontaneity. The history of the talk show spans back from the 1950s to the present. Talk shows can also have several different subgenres, which all have unique material and can air at different times of the day via different avenues. Attributes Beyond the inclusion of a host, a guest(s), and a studio or call-in audience, specific attributes of talk shows may be identified: Talk shows focus on the viewers—including the participants calling in, sitting in a studio or viewing from online or on TV. Talk shows center around the interaction of guests with opposing opinions and/or differing levels of expertise, which include both experts and non-experts. Although talk shows include guests of various expertise levels, they cater to the credibility of one's experiences and rationalities as opposed to educational expertise. Talk shows involve a host responsible for furthering the agenda of the show by mediating, instigating and directing the conversation to ensure the purpose is fulfilled. The purpose of talk shows is to either address or bring awareness to conflicts, to provide information, or to entertain. Talk shows consist of evolving episodes that focus on differing perspectives in respect to important issues in society, politics, religion or other popular areas. Talk shows are produced at low cost and are typically not aired during prime time. Talks shows are either aired live or are recorded live with limited post-production editing. Subgenres There are several major formats of talk shows. Generally, each subgenre predominates during a specific programming block during the broadcast day. Breakfast chat or early morning shows that generally alternate between news summaries, political coverage, feature stories, celebrity interviews, and musical performances. Late morning chat shows that feature two or more hosts or a celebrity panel and focus on entertainment and lifestyle features. Daytime tabloid talk shows that generally feature a host, a guest or a panel of guests, and a live audience that interacts extensively with the host and guests. These shows may feature celebrities, political commentators, or "ordinary" people who present unusual or controversial topics. "Lifestyle" or self-help programs that generally feature a host or hosts of medical practitioners, therapists, or counselors and guests who seek intervention, describe medical or psychological problems, or offer advice. An example of this type of subgenre is The Oprah