Geraldo (TV series)

Infobox Television
show_name = Geraldo


caption =
show_name_2 = The Geraldo Rivera Show (1996-1998)
genre = Tabloid talk show, talk show
starring = Geraldo Rivera
country = USA
language = English
num_seasons = 11
location = Tribune Studios
cinematography = Multiple-camera setup
camera =
runtime = 1 hour (including commercials); 40 minutes (without commercials)
network = Syndicated
picture_format = 4:3
audio_format =
first_run =
first_aired = September 7, 1987
last_aired = September 11, 1998
preceded_by =
followed_by =
related =
website =
imdb_id =
tv_com_id =

Geraldo was a daytime television talk show that aired in syndication from September 7, 1987 to September 11, 1998. On the last two seasons, it was known as "The Geraldo Rivera Show". Both titles were produced by Tribune Entertainment.

As "Geraldo"

The title "Geraldo" was used on the first 9 seasons. It led to "Newsweek"'s characterization as "Trash TV". The show had many guests during its long run including Dionne Warwick, Tonya Harding, Gary Coleman, Bern Nadette Stanis, Jeanne White Ginder (mother of AIDS activist Ryan White), Kathy Garver, Diandra Newlin, Peter Tork, Howard Stern, Alison Stern, Margaux Hemingway among many others.

Although public perceptions in the show's first season were leading to this dubious title, the episode that solidified "Geraldo" as "Trash TV" was the November 11, 1988 episode involving white power skinheads, anti-racist skinheads, black activists, and Jewish activists. A confrontation between the guests led to a full-out fist fight, in which several stage hands and Rivera himself attempted to break it up. In the process, Rivera was punched in the face and wound up with a broken nose. Geraldo's injured face graced the covers of nearly every magazine and tabloid publication in America.

From that point on, the less graceful side of society's issues, and juicy celebrity exposes were the norm, but no other future incident matched the heated brawl of season two. "Geraldo"'s symbol in the grand scale of talk shows became typified by what opened each show: the image of a generic tabloid magazine cover displaying images of the day's subject with a screaming headline accompanied by the show's scripted logo (Geraldo's handwritten signature). This practice paved the way for later talk shows using creative and somewhat drawn-out titles for their show topics ("The Jerry Springer Show", "Jenny Jones" and "Ricki Lake" were among the programs to jump on this bandwagon).

As "The Geraldo Rivera Show"

From 1996 to its retirement in 1998, it was known as "The Geraldo Rivera Show", and changed from the established tabloid format to a more stubbed, serious show. Gone was the opening checkout-counter tabloid graphic, replaced with a full opening sequence that played up Rivera's caring and sensitive nature (in one shot, he is locking lips passionately with his then-wife). Summer 1996 promos for the new season showed Rivera also playing with his two young daughters. He was seen in a 1997 PSA about children. It was similar to the old "Geraldo" title.

In 1998, David John Oates starred on the show, playing reversals on Bill Clinton.

ee also

*Geraldo Rivera