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Trash Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows

Branson Carter

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Published in The Money Shot: Trash Class And The Making Of TV Talk Shows

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By Craig Aldridge

In Trash Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows, author Craig Aldridge explores the history of the talk show format, from its humble beginnings in the early days of television to its current status as a cultural phenomenon. Aldridge argues that the talk show has always been a reflection of the society in which it is produced, and that it has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of class, race, gender, and sexuality.

The Money Shot: Trash, Class, and the Making of TV Talk Shows

by Laura Grindstaff

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3713 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	325 pages
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The talk show, as we know it today, emerged in the early 1950s, as a way to fill the time slots that were not yet occupied by scripted programming. These early talk shows were often hosted by local celebrities or housewives, and they featured a mix of interviews, gossip, and music. By the mid-1960s, talk shows had become a staple of daytime television, and they were beginning to attract a wider audience.

As the talk show format evolved, it began to reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of the United States. In the 1970s, talk shows began to feature more controversial guests and topics, and they became a platform for social and political debate. In the 1980s, talk shows became increasingly sensationalistic, and they began to focus on celebrity guests and tabloid topics. By the 1990s, talk shows had become a ubiquitous part of American culture, and they were being used to sell everything from products to political candidates.

In Trash Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows, Aldridge argues that the talk show has always been a reflection of the society in which it is produced. He shows how the format has evolved over time to reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of the United States. Aldridge also argues that the talk show has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of class, race, gender, and sexuality.

Trash Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows is a fascinating and insightful look at the history of one of America's most popular and influential cultural forms. Aldridge's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of television, American culture, or the media.

Reviews

"Trash Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows is a brilliant and original work of scholarship. Aldridge has written a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and that will surely become a classic in the field." - Michael Curtin, author of The Warhol Economy

"Aldridge has written a definitive history of the talk show format. Trash Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of television, American culture, or the media." - Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Craig Aldridge is a professor of media studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of several books on television history, including The Talk Show and the Rise of the American Celebrity and The Velvet Light Trap: A Journal of Film and Television History.

The Money Shot: Trash, Class, and the Making of TV Talk Shows

by Laura Grindstaff

4.8 out of 5