Larry King Live

Larry King Live was a highly respected American talk show on CNN that ran from 1985 until 2010, making it one of the network's longest-running and most watched programs. A beacon of American television broadcasting, the show was anchored by Larry King, a pioneering veteran in the field of broadcasting with a career that spanned more than six decades. The show was renowned for presenting the most significant figures of its time, including world leaders, politicians, celebrities, authors, and experts from various fields, covering a range of topics from political turmoil to blockbuster movies.

The show was formatted around one-on-one interviews conducted by Larry King, a host known for his minimalist interviewing style. Unscripted and known for his direct, non-confrontational approach, King allowed guests to express themselves openly. His interviews were a combination of current events, political debates, celebrity interviews, and human-interest stories. Not limited to just one guest nor a single issue at a time, the program often included a diverse panel of guests, ranging from pundits, scholars, analysts, and other thought-leaders who provided various perspectives on contemporary matters.

Larry King Live was traditionally broadcast from CNN studios in Washington D.C., but over its 25-year run, the show was occasionally taken on the road to broadcast from notable locations such as the White House and Graceland. The later episodes were aired from Los Angeles, California. The show and its eponymous host made a name for themselves covering breaking news and major events, including presidential elections, wars, and national crises, often with live, on-the-spot interviews.

One of the unique aspects of the show was King's groundbreaking use of phone calls from viewers. This interactive component was revolutionary and became a signature component of the program. This gave a democratic flavor to the show and enabled King to connect his diverse audience, from regular citizens to high-profile personalities. In the process, it gave a more direct role to the public in steering the content and direction of the discussions.

The ubiquity and influence of Larry King Live within American popular culture led to its presence in numerous films and TV shows, attracting cameos from its iconic host himself. Over its run, the show brought in an audience of millions each night, marking it as a key influencer in shaping national and international public discourse.

King conducted more than 30,000 interviews in his career, with a wide range of prominent interviewees. This ample list includes all the sitting U.S. Presidents since Gerald Ford, world leaders like Vladimir Putin and the Dalai Lama, entertainers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, as well as a host of other figures who defined the late 20th and early 21st century.

Furthermore, the impact of Larry King Live extended beyond mere broadcasting, as it proved a vital turning point for the Cable News Network itself, solidifying its reputation as a premier source of news content. The show played a significant role in shaping CNN as a groundbreaking news outlet with a global audience.

Despite the rise of new media and changes in consumption behavior, Larry King Live managed to maintain relevance and viewership over 25 years due to King's unique probing style of questioning and his remarkable ability to engage with his guests and viewers. It played a significant role in showing the power of live broadcasting, and King's indelible style had a profound influence on the talk show landscape.

After ending in 2010, Larry King Live left an impressive legacy and a tough-to-fill void in the landscape of American political and cultural television talk shows. The show was not just popular, but respected - a testament to Larry King's unique place as a genuine American television icon. The show's contribution to broadcast journalism and King's impact on talk-show television continue to be profound and long-lasting.