Larry King Live

Larry King Live
source
Name	Larry King Live
Genre	Talk show
Creator	Larry King
Presenter	Larry King
Runtime	60 minutes
Network	CNN
Country	United States

Larry King Live was a flagship nightly interview program on CNN hosted by the iconic broadcaster Larry King. Premiering in 1985, the show became a global institution, renowned for its simple, direct format and King's unique interviewing style. It featured conversations with a vast array of guests, from world leaders and celebrities to newsmakers and ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of American television for 25 years.

Background and format

The program was launched on June 3, 1985, as part of CNN's strategy to expand its original primetime programming under the leadership of executives like Ted Turner. Originating from studios in Washington, D.C. and later Los Angeles, the show's format was deliberately minimalist, featuring Larry King in his signature suspenders seated at a simple desk with a Sony C-500 microphone. The visual backdrop typically displayed a montage of global city skylines, emphasizing the show's international reach. This straightforward aesthetic, devoid of elaborate sets or dramatic music, focused all attention on the conversation between King and his guest, which was conducted via satellite, telephone, or in-person. The production team, including longtime executive producer Wendy Walker, facilitated interviews with figures from every conceivable field, from politics and entertainment to science and sports.

Notable episodes and interviews

The program was a magnet for historic moments and headline-making dialogues. In 1992, it hosted a pivotal presidential debate featuring independent candidate Ross Perot, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, moderated by King. Memorable interviews included a 1993 joint appearance by Vice President Al Gore and Ross Perot debating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The show secured exclusive conversations with sitting presidents like Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as international figures such as Vladimir Putin and Yasser Arafat. Pop culture milestones ranged from Frank Sinatra's final television interview to a famous 1995 discussion with Marlon Brando, who kissed King on the lips. The program also provided a platform for figures like Mick Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, and the surviving members of The Beatles.

Cultural impact and legacy

The program fundamentally shaped the landscape of television journalism and celebrity interview culture. King's conversational, non-confrontational style, often asking simple, open-ended questions, became his trademark and influenced a generation of interviewers. The show's "Open Phone" segments, where viewers from around the world could call in with questions, democratized access to newsmakers in an unprecedented way. It served as an essential venue for politicians, particularly during elections, and was frequently parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live, with Darryl Hammond impersonating King. The program's longevity and consistent time slot made it a reliable fixture in media, often being the first stop for individuals embroiled in major scandals or promoting significant projects, thereby setting the agenda for other news outlets like Fox News and MSNBC.

Awards and recognition

Over its long run, the program and its host received numerous accolades honoring its contribution to broadcasting. Larry King won several CableACE Awards for Best Talk Show Series and Host. The show was also recognized with multiple Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for King presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 1989, the Peabody Award board honored King for his "masterful use of the electronic media to inform the public." Further honors included awards from the Los Angeles Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists, cementing its reputation within the industry for journalistic excellence and enduring influence.

Final episode and cancellation

After 25 years and over 6,000 episodes, the final broadcast aired on December 16, 2010. The decision to end the program was announced earlier that year, with CNN president Jon Klein citing a desire to refresh the network's primetime lineup. The finale was a retrospective special featuring tribute messages from a constellation of past guests, including Bill Clinton, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Blair. King signed off with his famous catchphrase, "Take care of yourself, and each other." The time slot was subsequently filled by Piers Morgan Tonight, hosted by British journalist Piers Morgan. The conclusion of the program marked the end of an era in cable news, closing a chapter on one of television's most recognizable and enduring interview formats.

Category:CNN original programming Category:American television talk shows Category:1985 American television series debuts Category:2010 American television series endings