What was the best TV talk show of the 1980s?

Daytime confessionals sat next to late-night absurdity in that decade, and trash TV was born along the way.

1. 1
   Late Night with David Letterman

   NBC's 12:30 show launched in 1982 that brought ironic, absurd comedy to late night.
2. 2
   The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

   Carson's 11:30 institution, at the height of its power in the 1980s.
3. 3
   The Oprah Winfrey Show

   Daytime show that went national in 1986 and changed talk TV.
4. 4
   Larry King Live

   CNN interview show that premiered in 1985.
5. 5
   Geraldo

   Geraldo Rivera's tabloid-style daytime talk show from 1987.
6. 6
   The Morton Downey Jr. Show

   Confrontational late-1980s talk show that pioneered trash TV.
7. 7
   Live with Regis and Kathie Lee

   Morning talk show that went national in 1988.
8. 8
   The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers

   Fox's 1986 late-night launch that rivaled Carson.
9. 9
   The Merv Griffin Show

   Long-running syndicated talk show that ended in 1986.
10. 10
    Sally Jessy Raphael

    Daytime talk show known for its host's red glasses.

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