The first talk show to be broadcast on TV was in 1951. Called "The Joe Franklin Show," it was presented by Joe Franklin, a radio and television personality. The show ran for 42 years until 1993.
The first talk shows in the 1950s were generally broadcast on Sundays and dealt with political and social issues. The most famous of these was "Small World," hosted by Edward R. Murrow.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, late night talk shows became highly popular. Nearly every network launched a rival program to be broadcast after prime time presentations. "The Tonight Show" gained nationwide notoriety during this period.
The rise of the daytime talk show began in the late 1970s and gained headway throughout the 1980s. These dealt heavily with social issues and tips for the home. Still running as of 2009, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" became the most watched show in this format.
Tabloid talk shows gained prominence in the 1980s. These shows capitalize on disagreements between its guests and push the boundaries of social consciousness. The most successful of these is "The Jerry Springer Show," a syndicated TV show which began in 1990.
On August 28, 2007, Guinness established a world record for holding the longest talk show in history. Davor Dretar Drele and Kristijan Petrovic-Kiky of Varazdin, Croatia, hosted a 35 hour long talk show during a festival.