Rosie O’Donnell & The End of Those Trashy ’90s Talk Shows

Jerry Springer and Ricki Lake. Sally Jessy, Maury, and a few Steves. The other Mark Wahlberg. There was a lot of talk on daytime TV in the ’90s. And even more gasp-inducing, can't-look-away insanity: “You are the father!” reveals, surprise drop-ins from exes, strippers, club kids, and daughters begging moms to “stop dressing like me!” Then, exactly 25 years ago, came The Rosie O'Donnell Show. Before signing on, the comedian and actress had insisted upon “no trash” and promised to create a safe space for both kids at home after school and celebrities on the talk show circuit promoting movies. The original “Queen of Nice” (Ellen wasn't the first) joins us to talk about her favorite guests on the show, moments she’d do differently today, the day she was handed a check for $25 million, that Oscar night she was mistaken for Kathy Bates, and if she’ll ever bring her show back. (And, obviously, we discuss Tom Cruise and Madonna.) Oh, and remember when Batman’s suit got nipples?

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