On this date in 1989, The Arsenio Hall Show premiered, making history as the first regularly scheduled nightly talk show to be hosted by an African American, Arsenio Hall.
The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a younger, more diverse audience than traditional late-night programs. Hall’s energetic hosting style, iconic “Woof! Woof! Woof!” audience chant, and willingness to feature hip-hop artists, comedians, and politicians (including then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton playing the saxophone) set his show apart from others.
It ran successfully until 1994, briefly returned in 2013, and remains a landmark in television history for breaking racial barriers in late-night TV.
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