The Mike Douglas Show

Years ago, Mike Douglas and his production team created a daytime variety show that consistently drew huge audiences. It lasted about 20 years and at its peak was syndicated in about 200 markets.

The budget was small - especially at first - but the show did the most it could it could with what it had.

The guest list was a complete who's-who of American pop culture and politics. It was the kind of program you could tune into as a kid, an adult or a senior citizen and enjoy the experience. Douglas was a devout family man and his style, approach and character pervaded the program.

The music was first rate and the interviews were well-done. People didn't shout and talk over one another like they do on the THE VIEW.

Although it was called "The MIKE DOUGLAS Show", it wasn't all about Mike. It was about entertainment and information - unlike OPRAH which after all is all about Oprah. Every week, Douglas graciously shared the spotlight with a co-host who was there with him for 5 full days and they were prominently featured.

The only current daytime show that comes close to what Mike Douglas and company did is LIVE with REGIS and KELLY. Unfortunately, although Regis and Kelly are great, the producer is driving that show into the ground.


Sadly, the great Mike Douglas passed away today - Friday August 11, 2006 on his 81st birthday. He will be remembered as a good singer, a true gentleman and a great entertainer.moreless

Mike Douglas was a pioneer in daytime talk shows.
He was wholesome like the guy "next door." The entire family could watch his show which can't be said for many shows today. I knew Mike Douglas in his private life - he's a great family man and after his mother passed on, he looked after his father and moved him to south Florida where my wife and I would take him shopping or have him over to dinner. Mike Douglas, a great singer, a personable talk host and a truly nice person who
brought something special into living rooms across America.moreless

The Mike Douglas Show actually premiered in May of 1961, on KYW-TV in Cleveland Ohio (Channel 3)not November, as listed on this site. It was first syndicated on other Group W stations after that, and therefore may have started on some other local stations at a later date. (May 1961)