Talk Show

Talk shows are important pillars of television entertainment. As political discussion rounds, they provide information; as personality shows, they are an indispensable part of the entertainment programme. The presenters and their invited guests talk about a specific topic, often covering several subject areas. These talk shows usually take place in the studio , rarely in public spaces. They are an integral part of the television programme, offering the latest news on a regular basis. The talk shows on German television are a constant source of conversation, excitement and sometimes scandal. Sometimes they are broadcast in real time, while some shows are also recorded and can be found in the programme at different times.

Different formats

The formats of the programmes differ on the one hand in terms of content, and on the other in terms of concept and structure. The respective presenters invite guests and viewers to stage a public exchange on relevant issues. Traditional and innovative topics alternate. News from politics and current affairs often take centre stage. The personal lives of celebrities or the fates of unknown private individuals are also thematised and discussed.

How do talk shows work?

The presenter, also known as the talk show host, acts as the host. The typical process involves the presenter asking the guests about a specific topic as a first step. This is followed by a conversation that is either very much steered by the presenter or that develops more freely among the guests. The guests often talk in debate or argument form. Depending on the genre , there are also entertaining elements, such as show interludes or live music. If a talk show is staged as a dialogue, the host talks to a single guest or two (surprise) guests talk to each other.

Talk shows in different variations

In addition to the celebrity talk shows, in which celebrities are interviewed and exchange views, there is also the themed talk show, in which the topic takes centre stage, these can be more political or intellectual. Talk shows that focus on portraits or confrontation are broadcast regularly, as are late-night shows and so-called confession talks, in which private individuals or celebrities come out on personal topics.

Cult programmes and one-hit wonders

There have been over 180 talk shows on German television in recent decades. These have included one-hit wonders and scandalous programmes, but also genuine cult shows. ‘Der internationale Frühschoppen’ is considered to be the first talk show in Germany. This talk show was first broadcast on the NDR radio programme in 1952 and then on WDR television from 1953. A lot has changed in the media landscape since then. The talk show format has changed and now has a place in the programme in a wide variety of forms. Iconic international talk shows include the Late Show, Graham Norton and Saturday Night Live.

Political programmes enjoy a high status

Political talk shows are very popular with audiences. They are usually live programmes with viewers. The panel of guests usually consists of politicians and celebrities who discuss a given topic in a more or less controversial manner. Experts from various fields, sometimes also concerned citizens and journalists, are supposed to ensure a controversial discussion.

Popular: personality talk

When it comes to personal topics on which guests comment, the conversation becomes a personality talk. This type of talk show was invented by TV legend Dietmar Schönherr with ‘The Later the Evening’. Alfred Biolek became legendary as host with the shows ‘Bei Bio’ and ‘Boulevard Bio’. Markus Lanz is currently regarded as the most successful presenter in the personality talk segment. The guest takes centre stage as a person. Celebrities like to use this type of talk as a forum to report on important events in their biography and also to promote publications. Such a talk show can also have a central theme on which scientists, journalists and those affected express their views. When it comes to programmes in which people ‘like you and me’ talk about their personal problems, the presenter plays a particularly important role.

Appearing on a talk show as a private individual

Anyone who wants to can apply for talk shows as a private person and have the chance to appear on a personality talk show.

Talk shows with a fixed script

Just like theatre plays, talk shows are often conceived with the help of scripts and recorded on a plan, the callsheet.