By Randall Elvin · Entertainment Editor
A studio audience, a comical host and a celebrity guest.
For decades, television talk shows repeatedly used that formula. But the equation has changed.
On Aug. 31st, the final episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” aired after seven seasons of success. The conclusion of another staple talk show represents a larger change rippling through the entertainment industry. Talk shows are declining, while online podcasts continue to rise.
Clarkson premiered her talk show in 2019, taking on a new role beyond her original career as a singer. As a singer, Clarkson won the first season of “American Idol” and went on to win three Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades. The show combined music, comedy and celebrity interviews, all centered around her personality. Her show accumulated 1,200 episodes and earned numerous Daytime Emmy Awards.
Unlike some traditional talk-show hosts, Clarkson already had decades of experience as a performer. She could interview a musician and then immediately perform alongside them. Her ability to sing, joke and have emotional conversations with guests gave the show an identity that went beyond simply interviewing celebrities.
However, her show concluding is no surprise, as other popular daytime and late-night programs have been ending as well. Stephen Colbert said goodbye to “The Late Show” in May after 11 years as host and 33 years of the franchise. “Sherri” was canceled after four seasons. “The Steve Wilkos Show” closed its doors after a mammoth 19-season run.
Compare “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to “The Merv Griffin Show,” which ran from 1962 to 1986. Celebrities like Muhammad Ali, Steve Martin and Jerry Seinfeld all appeared on the program. Conversations developed pleasantly and did not rush through a few minutes of promotion. Clarkson offered the same appeal by centering the show around her personality. Her humor, music and ability to connect with people made the show successful.
For a long time, television was the best place to support that format, but not anymore. Podcasts have repurposed the basic idea of the talk show while being able to make it longer and more accessible. Television blocks don’t constrict podcasts. They don’t need to cut to commercials. A conversation can last 30 minutes, two hours or anything in between.
Podcasts such as “Call Her Daddy,” “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “IMPAUSLIVE” have found massive success in celebrity stories and getting to know the person behind the public image.
Television has stopped being the best place for celebrities to talk. Entertainment doesn’t stay in one place. Radio gave way to television. Blockbuster gave way to streaming. And talk show television is giving way to online podcasts.
