The Bottom Line
Pros
- Unique perspective
- Shows concern for guests
- Empathetic
Cons
- Can seem exploitative
- Topics can be prurient
Description
- Syndicated, check local listings.
- Taped in Los Angeles.
- Montel was the first African American Marine selected to the Naval Academy Preparatory School.
- Montel is an actor as well, having portray a Navy Seal lieutenant in episodes of the TV series JAG.
Guide Review - Overview: The Montel Williams Show
The most shows in this genre, The Montel Williams Show features an empathetic and determined host interviewing “issue guests” – everyday men and women who have suffered a tragedy, met with amazing fortune, discovered an odd secret, or something else slightly prurient, slightly sideshow.
The late ‘80s, early ‘90s were the worst years for this type of program. Not in terms of ratings, but in terms of what might be called exploitation. After viewers grew tired of such ilk, shows like this one reverted to a more issues focused agenda.
Montel’s show is no different. Recent topics have included teen identity-theft victims, “taking the law into your own hands” and families “forced to live in the shadows” to protect themselves.
The one thing that sets Montel apart is Montel himself. He was the first African American Marine selected to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. Awards he received after 22 years service include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, two Navy Expeditionary Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, a Navy Achievement Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals. He also suffers from multiple sclerosis.
