Radio or television program in which a well-known personality interviews celebrities and other guests.
The late-night programs hosted by Johnny Carson , Jay Leno, David Letterman , and Conan O'Brien have emphasized entertainment, incorporating interludes of music or comedy. Other talk shows have focused on politics (see David Susskind ), controversial social issues or sensationalistic topics (Phil Donahue), and emotional therapy ( Oprah Winfrey ). See also Merv Griffin; Larry King ; Jack Paar .