What The Talk Is and Why It Matters
The Talk is a daytime talk show that has aired on CBS since October 2010, produced by CBS Television Studios. It typically runs four to five episodes per week and is filmed at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, Los Angeles. The show presents a mix of news, lifestyle topics, celebrity interviews, and panel discussions, aiming to reflect a range of viewpoints in a conversational format. It is positioned in the crowded daytime talk space alongside long-running programs, emphasizing open dialogue and audience engagement through real-time reactions and social interaction.
Core Format and Recurring Features
Each episode of The Talk follows a structured yet flexible format designed to balance news with personality-driven conversation. Segments usually move from hard news and current events to lighter lifestyle topics, with the hosts offering commentary and inviting guest perspectives. The show emphasizes debate and discussion, often featuring multiple viewpoints on a single topic. Below is a high-level overview of recurring element patterns you can expect across episodes.
| Segment Type | Typical Placement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Open | Start of episode | Quick headline tease to set tone |
| Main News/Topic | Early segment | Substantial discussion of a top story |
| Celebrity Interview | Mid-episode | Entertainment-focused conversation |
| Roundtable Panel | Middle to late | Diverse perspectives on topic |
| Viewer Mail/Social | Late segment | Audience voices and lighter topics |
Hosts and Their Tenures
The Talk has featured a rotating lineup of hosts, which has influenced its tone and chemistry over time. Hosts are often selected for their media experience, comedy background, or journalism credentials, and the show intentionally includes a mix of genders, generations, and cultural perspectives. Below are the main hosts, listed chronologically with approximate tenures. Note that some hosts have returned after breaks, and lineups have changed due to scheduling and production needs.
- Sara Gilbert (co-creator, original 2010–2022; returns occasionally)
- Julie Chen Moonves (2010–present, consistent anchor)
- Sharon Osbourne (2010–2021; departed after contract and controversy)
- Sheryl Underwood (2011–present, multiple tenures)
- Mario Lopez (2013–2019; returned briefly in 2023)
- Akbar Gbajabiamila (2021–2022; left for other opportunities)
- Jerry O’Connell (2021–present; current co-host)
- Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (2013–2022; later returned for limited appearances)
Production Details and Scheduling
Taping and Broadcast Rhythm
The Talk is taped several hours before airing on weekdays, allowing for timely reactions to news while leaving room for edits. Episodes are usually broadcast on CBS affiliates nationwide at 11:00 AM local time in most markets, though exact times vary by station. The show follows a traditional Monday through Friday schedule, with occasional thematic weeks or special episodes that shift focus to holiday celebrations or in-depth features. Production pauses for major holidays and annual summer breaks, which affect episode count and availability.
Behind the Scenes Team
Behind the on-screen personalities, The Talk relies on a multi-department structure typical of daytime television. Producers oversee topic selection and guest booking, writers craft segments and cue cards, and technical directors manage lighting, cameras, and graphics. Bookers coordinate travel and logistics for guests, while social teams monitor and amplify audience interaction on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. This behind-the-scenes machinery supports the conversational style and enables rapid adjustments based on trending topics or guest availability.
Notable Moments and Cultural Impact
The Talk has generated headlines through on-air debates, surprise celebrity visits, and milestone episodes that reflect broader conversations about representation and media. The show has tackled social issues such as voting rights, workplace equity, and public health, often amplifying voices from different communities. It has also served as a platform for artists to promote projects, for advocates to share campaigns, and for everyday people to have their stories heard through audience segments. While ratings have fluctuated, the program remains a visible example of daytime television’s capacity to blend entertainment with civic discourse.
Where to Watch and How to Engage
New episodes of The Talk air on CBS stations and are available on Paramount+, with full episodes typically streaming for a limited window after broadcast. Some clips and highlights are published on the official CBS YouTube channel and social pages. Viewers can submit questions or topics through the show’s website and social channels, and select segments are sometimes made available for replay on streaming platforms. Check local listings for exact air times in your market, as they can differ between CBS affiliates.