10 Most Disturbing Talk Show Moments Because of What We Know Now

10 Disturbing Talk Show Moments Because of What We Know Now

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at 10 talk show moments or sit-downs that seemed harmless then, but carry a darker meaning today.

Kevin Spacey’s Interview with Charlie Rose

“Charlie Rose” (1991-2017)

During the height of the #MetooMovement, “Rent” actor Anthony Rapp spoke up against Kevin Spacey– and it marked the beginning of his downfall. Up until then, Spacey had a polished public image as a two-time Oscar winner, celebrated theatre actor, and respected artistic director. In a 2013 sit-down with Charlie Rose, he discussed playing Frank Underwood on “House of Cards.” At the time, it came across as a fascinating deep dive into his craft. But after his 2017 scandal, the interview feels unsettling. Suddenly, the line between Spacey and the manipulative character he played seems razor-thin. We can’t blame anyone who views him the same way they see Frank Underwood. Even more chilling? Rose later faced sexual misconduct allegations of his own.

Ellen DeGeneres “Nice” Act

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-2022)

Ellen DeGeneres wasn’t just the bubby host of her show; she was the very embodiment of kindness and inclusivity. Her “Be Kind” mantra defined her brand, as she danced with audiences, held surprise giveaways, and closed many episodes with, “Be kind to one another.” But after her 2020 workplace scandal, that catchphrase feels different. A Buzzfeed investigation revealed accounts from former staffers who described a toxic workplace culture. We’re talking about racism, antagonism, favoritism, and even sexual misconduct by senior executives. While Ellen wasn’t singled out directly, many felt she turned a blind eye. Now it feels like she was preaching of a kindness that couldn’t be extended to her staffers. That’s awful.

Lance Denies Doping on Larry King Live

“Larry King Live” (1985-2010)

In 2005, the French sports newspaper L’Équipe reported that Lance Armstrong had tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Armstrong immediately went on the defensive, even appearing on “Larry King Live” that same year to vehemently deny any wrongdoing. He blasted the newspaper, claiming they were targeting him because he was a winner, and reminding viewers of drug tests he had passed. Almost everyone believed him. All the while, the famous cyclist was lying through his teeth. Now, looking back to this interview after Armstrong’s 2013 confession, it feels like watching one of the biggest liars in sports history. The confidence with which he deceived millions doesn’t just feel bold– it’s chilling.

Dr. Phil Interviews Troubled Teens

“Dr. Phil” (2002-23)

Phil McGraw built his brand as TV’s go-to psychologist, tackling everything from family drama to teenage problems. Families would appear on the show and sometimes troubled teens were sent to rehabilitation programs he recommended. On TV, it looked like tough love with the promise of turning lives around. Behind the scenes? It wasn’t all that rosy. Over the years, some treatment centers have faced serious allegations. Former attendees described the place as traumatizing rather than healing. Even rapper Bhad Bhabie spoke up about her terrible experience at Turn-About Ranch in Utah. In one Florida facility, there have even been cases of missing teens. So, was Dr. Phil really helping these kids or just selling TV entertainment packaged as therapy?

Matt Lauer Interviews Corey Feldman

“Today” (1952-)

Matt Lauer’s case is one of the most unsettling. For decades, he was the familiar face for NBC’s “Today Show.” He interviewed many celebrities, including those who spoke up about sexual harassment. In one interview with Corey Feldman, who promised to expose predators in Hollywood, the tension was obvious. That was before Lauer’s own sexual misconduct issues came to light in 2017. Multiple women came forward, with reports ranging from inappropriate behavior in the office to serious violence. Lauer was fired from NBC almost immediately. Now, rewatching his interviews, especially the Feldman one, just hits different. It’s almost as if Lauer was on the defensive the whole time, constantly interrupting Feldman. Considering his own scandal, it all makes sense now.

R. Kelly Denies Allegations

“CBS This Morning” (1987-99; 2012-21)

After “Surviving R.Kelly” aired in 2019, the public’s attention snapped back to the long trail of sexual abuse allegations against Robert Kelly. To defend himself, the singer sat down with Gayle King in what became one of the most explosive interviews of the decade. He cried, shouted, and even stood up at some point, desperately insisting on his innocence. At the time, some people probably saw it as over-the-top or an act of desperation. But after Kelly was convicted of abuse on a large scale in 2021, the interview feels downright scary. You’re essentially watching a man perform innocence while hiding years of abuse. That disconnect between his emotional outburst and the horrific truth is exactly why this is creepy.

Sean Comb’s Interviews

Various

The truth is, after P. Diddy’s scandal, many of his old interviews take on a different meaning. Back then, he charmed viewers with his swagger, and few paid attention to the deep meaning of what he said. Take his 2002 “Conan O’Brien” interview, when he joked about women and locking doors, and the audience laughed. Today, with the disturbing allegations against him, it feels like a red flag in plain sight. How about his 1999 “Entertainment Tonight” appearance, when he bragged that his parties might get him arrested? It sounds more like foreshadowing now. Even his 2009 “Ellen” response to domestic abuse feels off after the Cassie Ventura video leaked. Now we totally understand why he didn’t outrightly condemn the abusive act.

Nancy Campbell-Panitz

“The Jerry Springer Show” (1991-2018)

This American talk show was the very definition of trash TV. From wild drama and screaming matches, to outright brawls, a lot of wild stuff happened. Yet, we didn’t expect “The Jerry Springer Show” to be linked to murder. In one episode, Nancy Campbell-Panitz appeared in hopes of reuniting with her ex-husband Ralf, only to be cornered into a heated confrontation on live TV. On the day the episode finally aired, several weeks later, Nancy was murdered by Ralf. It might have been intriguing to watch then, but now it’s just plain dark, especially as “Springer” was let off the hook without any real repercussions.

Steve Dymond

“The Jeremy Kyle Show” (2005-19)

When 63-year-old Steve Dymond walked onto the “Jeremy Kyle Show” stage, he probably never thought the segment would break him in the worst way. Hoping to prove he wasn’t unfaithful to his partner, Dymond took a lie detector test, only for it to declare him a liar. To make matters worse, Jeremy didn’t take it easy on the poor man. Just a week after filming, Dymond took his own life. It was heartbreaking then, and even sadder when one thinks about how things might have turned out if this domestic issue was kept private. Perhaps it may have helped if the show admitted that lie detectors aren’t 100 percent accurate. “The Jeremy Kyle Show” was canceled amid the legal fallout.

Michael Jackson’s 1993 Interview

In February 1993, Michael Jackson sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a live interview watched by millions worldwide. He gave a rare look into Neverland Ranch, presenting himself as childlike and misunderstood. Jackson even explained that the estate was for sick and disadvantaged children to enjoy themselves. But in August of that same year, Jackson faced his first sexual abuse allegation. What was once a look into his world now looks like a prelude to his scandals. When the 2003 documentary “Living with Michael Jackson” aired, and he admitted to letting kids share his bed, the image of Neverland grew darker. Even now, the King of Pop’s reputation remains stained by those allegations.

Which is the most disturbing talk show moment of them all? Let us know in the comment section.