The Ricki Lake Show was a daytime talk show hosted by Ricki Lake that debuted on September 13, 1993. The shows topics focused on problems with teenagers, young adults, and college students. The shows audience was mostly urban viewers ages 18-25. Frequent topics on the show discussed parenting skills, romantic relationships, same sex couples who wanted children but were not able to have them , discrimination issues, pregnancy results, revealing secrets, female impersonators, celebrity guests, reunions, etc. At times during the truth segments the show would have a surprise guest hiding behind a door. When the guest on the stage was prompted with a question and they gave a dishonest answer; a doorbell would ring allowing another guest to come fourth and set the record straight. Sometimes more serious topics would be discussed on the show such as homeless strangers, domestic violence, teens on death row, and victims of substance abuse.
The producers would have certain methods to secure guest drama on the show. They would have the guest come into the studio green room where executive producers would go over details on what would be discussed during the episode. Guests would be asked to say certain phrases to stir up controversy. They were forced to sign confidentiality agreements and appear for the entire 80 min show tapping even though the aired segment was only 1 hour.
The show was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in 1994 for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Lake also received a Gracie Allen Award and Prism Certificate. Ricki Lake officially left The Ricki Lake Show in May 2004 to spend more time with family after a move to Los Angeles, California. The show went into syndication and aired reruns up until August 27, 2004.
Cast
Ricki Lake
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Via:La Times
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