We love them and we love watching them! The following is a list of the most inspirational and impactful talk show hosts, as well as why we adore tuning in to their programs for so many years.

Ellen DeGeneres

This woman serves as an inspirational figure to many people. DeGeneres has a dynamic personality and it is no wonder she has forced a more open-minded way of thinking for her fans. Her audience adores her energy and her awesome dance moves. In addition to her talk show, she marketed for American Express and CoverGirl. She is a woman with a message to embrace oneself.

Dr. Phil McGraw

Though his role as a talk show host is similar to that of Maury, Jerry Springer, and Steve Wilkos in that he brings individuals forward to tell their personal stories, Dr. Phil differs by having a calm atmosphere and assuming the role of a mentor. Sure, Steve Wilkos acts as a mentor and many talk show hosts of this kind offer professional help to their guests, but Dr. Phil works with a different type of audience that hits closer to home. We - the audience - are better able to sympathize with Dr. Phil’s guests. 

Larry King

There’s a reason why Larry King had such a long career on CNN with his program, “Larry King Live.” He is fantastic with interviewing celebrity guests and handling political topics. Even after going into so-called retirement, he developed “Larry King Now,” an online-based program that revolved around politics. 

Regis Philbin

This cherished personality has hosted numerous talk and game shows for more than 50 years. He was the sweet co-host on “Live! with Regis and Kelly” for approximately 10 years, with guests including Joe Biden, Joan Rivers, Christina Aguilera, and Donald Trump. He was undoubtedly one of the hardest working personalities on television and will leave quite a legacy behind him. 

Anderson Cooper

The man behind “Anderson Cooper 360” is a famed journalist and perhaps CNN’s greatest success story. Anderson Cooper is his own brand, and the public loves him. After noticing a high increase in ratings when Cooper joined “NewsNight,” CNN nicked “NewsNight” and allowed “Anderson Cooper 360” to dominate in 2003.

Oprah Winfrey

After all, what’s a list of TV talk show hosts if it doesn’t include TIME magazine’s “world’s most powerful woman,” a master in everything from television to radio to social media, and even beyond? Winfrey handled many different topics during her talk show and her generosity touched countless individuals. She still does charitable events and will be remembered for how she has changed the world.

Rosie O’Donnell

Though she had a dramatic time on “The View,” her audience saw a softer side of her on her daytime talk show “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” She even became known as the “queen of nice.” Who knew? Her show was one of the few daytime talk shows that was not aggressive by nature and her fans appreciated it. 

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