The Arsenio Hall Show (1989–1994, 2013–2014)
- Jan 2, 1989
- 3 min read
The Arsenio Hall Show is an American syndicated late-night talk show that redefined the genre with its vibrant energy, diverse guests, and urban appeal. Hosted by Arsenio Hall, it aired in two runs: the original from 1989 to 1994 and a revival from 2013 to 2014. The show stood out for its hip, youthful vibe, breaking from traditional late-night formats with a focus on African-American culture and music, making it a cultural touchstone of the early 1990s.
Created and hosted by Arsenio Hall, with contributions from producers like Marla Kell Brown, the original series premiered on January 3, 1989, and ended on May 27, 1994, while the revival ran from September 9, 2013, to May 21, 2014. Hall’s vision of a dynamic, inclusive talk show, produced by his company, Arsenio Hall Communications, brought fresh energy to late-night TV, challenging giants like Johnny Carson.
Plot/Format
Set in Los Angeles (originally at Paramount Studios, later at Sunset Bronson Studios for the revival), The Arsenio Hall Show featured a mix of celebrity interviews, musical performances, and comedy sketches. Hall’s charismatic hosting, backed by the Posse house band, created a lively atmosphere with the audience’s signature “Woof! Woof! Woof!” chants from the “Dog Pound” section. The show explored contemporary issues, pop culture, and music, with recurring segments like “Things That Make You Go Hmmm…” inspiring a 1991 hit song. It targeted a younger, diverse audience, showcasing hip-hop artists, comedians, and political figures.
Cast/Regulars
Arsenio Hall (host)
Burton Richardson (announcer, 1989–1994)
Michael Wolff (musical director, 1989–1994)
Robin DiMaggio (musical director, 2013–2014)
The Posse (house band, 1989–1994), including John B. Williams, Starr Parodi
Notable recurring guests: Eddie Murphy, Paula Abdul, Andrew Dice Clay
Seasons and Episodes
Original Run (1989–1994): 5 seasons, approximately 1,000 episodes
Revival Run (2013–2014): 1 season, approximately 160 episodes Total Episodes: ~1,160 (exact counts vary due to syndication)
Cultural Impact
The Arsenio Hall Show was a groundbreaking platform, especially for African-American and hip-hop culture, hosting stars like Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and then-Governor Bill Clinton, whose 1992 saxophone performance became iconic. The “Dog Pound” and “Woof!” chants, inspired by the Cleveland Browns’ fanbase, became pop culture staples. The show’s bold support for gay rights and diverse guests set it apart, though its 1994 cancellation was linked to controversial bookings like Louis Farrakhan and increased competition from Jay Leno and David Letterman. The 2013 revival, while less impactful, featured modern stars but struggled with bookings and station downgrades. Syndication on networks like BET and streaming on platforms like Pluto TV, along with a 2022 Netflix Is a Joke Fest special, kept its legacy alive.
Honors and Recognition
The original run won two Primetime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Variety Series in 1989, Outstanding Sound Mixing in 1993) and received several nominations. Hall was lauded as the first African-American late-night talk show host, earning an NAACP Image Award in 1990. The show’s innovative format and cultural relevance were widely praised, though the revival received mixed reviews for its more conventional approach.
Conclusion
The Arsenio Hall Show remains a landmark in late-night television, celebrated for its bold, inclusive vibe and cultural impact. Its influence on talk shows and representation in media endures, securing its place as a vibrant classic that reshaped the genre.
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