Daytime television

Daytime television is the general term for television shows produced that are intended to air during the daytime hours.

While some shows are identified as "daytime TV shows", "daytime television" is not a genre per se. Rather, it can be said that daytime television is the opposite of primetime television, which is the term used to describe television shows that air in the evening hours.

Types of Daytime Programming

There are several different sorts of daytime programming that is produced. Most of these shows are able to be produced on a low budget, as these shows have to be able to make at least five new episodes per week (sometimes more) for most of the year. Most daytime shows are syndicated, meaning individual stations buy the rights to show it.

Court Shows

First popularized in the 1980s with The People's Court, there are currently many different court shows produced. These shows deal with one, and sometimes two, small-claims cases per show. Some of these include:
Judge Joe Brown
Judge Mathis
Divorce Court

Talk Shows

Talk shows typically last one hour, and are more often then not hosted by celebrities. Talk shows deal with a variety of topics, like self-help related subjects (Dr. Phil), to variety shows featuring interviews and comedic monologues (The Ellen DeGeneres Show), to lowbrow "trash TV" (The Jerry Springer Show). Beside the three aformentioned shows, other talk shows include:
Live with Regis and Kelly
The Tyra Banks Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show- Highest rated U.S. talk show
The View

Game Shows

Involves regular people being contestants and playing a game, like the title suggests, with the ultimate goal being able to take first place, so as to win a prize (usually money).
The Price is Right
Wheel of Fortune
Jeopardy!
Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Family Feud

Soap Operas

A staple of daytime television since the 1950s, soap operas continue to be among the most popular programs among daytime audiences. For more information on this, see Soap opera.