The girlies dive into the world of American talk shows — the modern circus helmed by formidable “experts.” They track the history of syndicated television, the rise of popular figureheads like Dr. Phil and Judge Judy, and interrogate the philosophical carnival that makes these programs simultaneously appealing and horrifying. Digressions include our favorite Instagram Reels creators, and how one listener’s family was ripped apart via the diet terrorism of Dr. Oz.

This episode was produced by Julia Hava and Eliza Mclamb and edited by Allison Hagan. Research assistance from Penelope Spurr.

SOURCES:

Admissible in a Court of Law: dna, paternity, and the talk show

And God Created Oprah

“America’s Doctor” Dr Oz fights back against critics

Bodies Defined and Confined

Don't Be Funny: Litigation is no laughing matter to your clients

Electronic Carnival: spectacularizing talk

Family Experts on Television Talk Shows: Facts, Values, and Half-Truths

E-mails offer glimpse into launch of Dr. Phil-endorsed diet products

Life in the Bleep-Cycle: Inventing Id -TV on the Jerry Springer Show

Nielsen Ratings, 2007

Nobrow Culture

Oprah and The Party Crashers

Televised medical talk shows—what they recommend and the evidence to support their

The Commercial Logic of Vulture Culture: how corporate media shape talk show culture 

The Commodification of Talk Show Culture

The People's Law versus Judge Judy Justice: Two Models of Law in American Reality-Based Courtroom TV

THE TALK SHOW AND THE TERROR OF CONVERSATION

The time Oprah Winfrey beefed with the Texas cattle industry

TV talk show therapy as a distinct genre of discourse

What’s Wrong With Dr. Oz? 

Dr. Oz Shouldn't Be a Senator--or a Doctor.