I'm surprised no one has started a thread on this.

This used to be THE late night show for me growing up (when I was lucky to stay up past bedtime, anyway). This show was very influential in showing younger, up-and-coming artists (particularly rap & hip-hop). All the biggest hip-hop artists at the time (MC Lyte, KRS-One, Wu-Tang Clan, Tribe Called Quest) rapping on the last show is one of my favorite TV moments ever.

Looking back now, you notice a lot of things, like how Arsenio sucked as an interviewer and as a comedian. His monologues were really corny to me and he was ill-prepared when talking to his some of his guests (Frank Zappa, for example). He always seemed to struggle with his questions. I think the show started to go downhill when he started to take himself too seriously. Some consider the Louis Farrahkhan episode the death knell for the show.

Despite its flaws, it was still a very influential show for its time.

ETA; There was the show where he gets into an argument wtih Queer Nation about the lack of gay guests on his show (you can watch here). I heard that this was planned. Even if it was planned, I thought his reaction was a little over the top. The audience was really annoying during the argument. I sensed a little homophobia there.

I loved this show, too! I was a teen when it was on, and at the time I thought his show was the coolest thing on TV.

But this:


is so true. And now, knowing what we know about him and La Murphy, I can't help but think there was extra chemistry between those two during interviews. I bet that was on tumultuous relationship!

I remember being sad when his show was cancelled, but the quality did go down a lot. I wish we had a similar show now, although I am not sure who would host it.

Arsenio, should try it again! Many people get better with age, and I think if he did his show again today he would do it better. There is definantly a void since he left.

With this being an election year and all, the first thing I thought of when I saw this thread was Bill Clinton playing the sax on the show. (I can't find the clip I was looking for, which was the one where he was playing 'Heartbreak hotel with he dark shades on). I know I was very young and didn't have much basis of reference, but I don't think Presidential candidates did the talk show thing (well other than something on PBS or Larry King) before Pres. Clinton. Arsenio really revolutionized the way in which candidates appealed to the youth and I think set the groundwork for all the summits on MTV, (Rock the vote) etc. Now you can turn on any talk show and see candidates, some times too much of them, lol.

The second thing I think of was this was THE show for up and coming R&B and hip hop artists to come on. Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton were 2 cd's I went out and bought after seeing the show. I do agree, his intervewing skills were sub-par and his fingers were freakishly large (shout out to the In Living Color Spoof!) I did like his opening monolgues though. I saw him on Flavor of love3 (leave me alone, lol) and i think time has been very kind to him, he looks like he hasn't aged a day since his show aired. I think he can make a comeback of some sort on tv ( maybe not a talk show, because talk show was 90's, and reality show is the new millenium thing for old stars to do).

I loved this show! Even to this day, when I see AH or even hear him mentioned, this runs through my head:

"Arsenio Hall (huh!) He's Black and He's Tall (huh!) Arsenio Hall...we be havin' a ball (huh!)"

....anyone else? no? just me then.

I agree.

I went to a taping of one of his early shows. He had just started doing that "woof woof" thing. My then husband stood up and did that really loud and Arsenio looked right at him, pointed at him and gave him a thumbs up. I had a ball at the taping.

Arsenio had the best guests. I loved when Bill Clinton appeared and played the sax. Awesome television moment.

God why did someone remind me. Horrible show.

I went to a couple of tapings aswell, always good times! Hard to believe but Dr Phil is in the same studio now. So sad...