How a syndicated talk show redefined the daytime television landscape for nearly a decade
In short: Created by SallyAnn Salsano, The Real brought a unique multi-host dynamic to American daytime television. From its 2013 trial run to its 2022 conclusion, the show navigated shifting production landscapes, high-profile panel changes, and a historic Emmy win, ultimately leaving a distinct mark on the industry before its final broadcast.
The Real began as a strategic experiment in the summer of 2013, launching a trial run across seven Fox-owned stations in major markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. Following this initial testing phase, the program secured national syndication, officially premiering on September 15, 2014. Produced by 495 Productions and Telepictures Productions, the show was designed to offer a fresh perspective, anchored by a diverse panel of five original co-hosts: Tamera Mowry, Jeannie Mai, Tamar Braxton, Adrienne Bailon, and Loni Love.
Over its eight-season tenure, the series underwent significant structural and personnel shifts. The panel evolved as members like Tamar Braxton departed in 2016 and Tamera Mowry-Housley exited in 2020. Amanda Seales joined as a permanent host in January 2020 but left that June, citing concerns regarding the show's handling of social issues and the diversity of executive leadership at Telepictures. Despite these internal transitions, the show achieved notable milestones, including a visit to the White House to interview Michelle Obama in 2016 and a victory at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018.
The program's production model also adapted to the changing media environment. By the fourth season, which began in September 2017, the show transitioned to a live format to foster deeper audience engagement. However, the series faced mounting pressures, and on April 8, 2022, it was reported that the show would conclude after its eighth season. Industry reports attributed the cancellation to rising production costs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The final episode aired on June 3, 2022, marking the end of a run that spanned 1,000 episodes by February 2020.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Real (talk show)
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