One of the earliest formats created for television was the talk show, also known as a "chat show." Early talk show hosts such as Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Steve Allen, and Garry Moore combined interview segments with sketch comedy, musical numbers, and improvised audience participation. The basic premise of a talk show was to bring on popular entertainers or newsmakers for live interviews with a quick-witted host. The audience would be entertained by the anecdotes of the guests or the improvised quips of the host or sidekick.

By the late 1960s, the talk show format became more focused on the interviews themselves, leaving the sketches and improvisations to the variety shows. Talk show hosts such as Dick Cavett, David Frost, Mike Douglas and Tom Snyder all became household names through their personal interview styles. Guests on these talk show programs were encouraged to do more than simply promote an upcoming film or musical album. Cavett and Snyder were especially adept at the "talking heads" format, drawing their guests into lengthy academic discussions and using tight close-up shots.

By the 1980s, the talk show format had once again shifted from academic interviews to a more confrontational style, with hosts such as Jerry Springer, Phil Donahue, Maury Povich, and Oprah Winfrey often booking controversial guests. Some critics of this style of talk show believed the producers were simply pandering to the audience's taste for controversy, not presenting a legitimate exploration of the subject at hand. Several of the more controversial talk shows did not survive, while others changed their formats back to the traditionally cordial guest/host relationship.

The modern talk show format runs the gamut from controversial tabloid shows hosted by Montel Williams and Maury Povich to the established late night comedy shows hosted by such names as David Letterman, Jimmie Kimmel, Conan O'Brien and Craig Ferguson. The syndicated talk show format is often a combination of musical performances, audience interaction and short celebrity interviews. Celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres or Rachel Ray are often recruited to host these syndicated talk shows, since they can be produced quickly and not affect the talents' other professional obligations.

Local television stations also produce their own versions of a talk show, since they do not require elaborate sets or difficult camera movements. It's not unusual for a local cable access program to duplicate a basic talk show format as well. These local talk show efforts may not have the technical sophistication of a professional version, but they do provide a way of disseminating events of interest to local viewers.