Our screens are filled with TV personalities, but not all hosts leave a lasting impression. A few daytime TV hosts have risen above the rest of their peers and have become true icons of the industry. Here are our picks for the top 7 daytime TV hosts of all time.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah is not only one of the greatest daytime TV hosts of all time, but she is also the queen of media. Her show, The Oprah Winfrey Show ran from 1986 to 2011. Oprah has been named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world ten times and has won 18 Daytime Emmys. As a philanthropist, she has donated more than $400 million to higher education and many other causes.
2. Regis Philbin
One of the hardest-working men in show business, Regis Philbin holds the Guinness World Record for the most hours spent on TV in the United States. Best Known for his co-hosting role on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Regis will forever go down in history as one of the most iconic daytime TV hosts of all time. Beyond daytime TV, he also is well known for his hosting role on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. In 2020, he died of a heart attack at age 88. He forever stole the hearts of Americans with his humor and relatability.
3. Dr. Phil
Phil McGraw, or Dr. Phil, has been a staple of Daytime TV. The Dr. Phil Show began in 2002. Incredibly, the show ran for 21 seasons. His unique show offered guests and viewers advice in the form of life strategies based on his experience as a psychologist. Dr. Phil has won several awards for his work.
4. Ellen DeGeneres
Despite the criticism surrounding Ellen in recent years due to toxic work environment allegations on her show, she still is one of the greatest daytime TV hosts of all time. From 2003 through 2022, Ellen hosted The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As a comedian, she never failed to make people laugh or feel good about themselves. She received 33 Daytime Emmy Awards for her show. In 1997, she courageously came out as a lesbian on the Oprah Winfrey Show, despite the toll this could have taken on her career at the time. Also a philanthropist, her charity The Ellen Fund supports conservation efforts for endangered species.
5. Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters had a long career in TV starting in 1951 through 2015. She was on several programs including Today, ABC Evening News, 20/20, and The View. In 1989, she was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, received a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2000, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. She was known for her hard-hitting interview skills and has interviewed every sitting US president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama.
6. Phil Donahue
Phil Donahue was a pioneer of Daytime TV and established the modern daytime talk show format. His show The Phil Donahue Show, ran for nearly 30 years. He was the first host who focused on audience participation from a studio audience. He often tackled hot-button social issues including women’s rights, homosexuality, and the misdeeds of the Catholic Church. His show was syndicated in more than 200 markets and he won numerous Daytime TV Emmys.
7. Hoda Kotb
A broadcast journalist and Today Show host, Hoda Kotb has been with NBC since 1998. She recently announced her retirement so that she can spend more time with her daughters. Hoda has become one of the more recent greats of daytime TV. Her vulnerability and realness have brought a breath of fresh air to the fourth hour of Today.
Daytime TV Show Greats
Over the years, certain hosts have captivated audiences. Many of them redefined what daytime television is today. These seven iconic hosts entertained millions during their tenure. They became household names with their engaging personalities, revolutionary formats, and ability to relate to their audiences. Both on and off the air, these individuals have made lasting contributions to the world of television.