"The McLaughlin Group" (1982) TV series 1982-????

User Rating:

(awaiting 5 votes)

Director:

Sheldon Schwartz

Seasons:

unknown

Genre:

News | Talk-Show

Plot:

This PBS news/talk-show presents several journalists involved in spirited discussions of topics in current events...

Plot Keywords:

Politics | Current Affairs | Political | Non Fiction | Character Name In Title

US TV Schedule:

Sun. July 26

11:00 AM

CBS

Cast

John McLaughlin	...	Himself - Host / ... (127 episodes, 1997-2009)
Eleanor Clift	...	Herself (111 episodes, 2007-2009)
Pat Buchanan	...	Himself (99 episodes, 2007-2009)
Monica Crowley	...	Herself (82 episodes, 2007-2009)

Runtime:

30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Company:

Oliver Productions Inc.

Trivia:

Chicago columnist Mike Royko often referred to the show as The McGoofy Group.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Saturday Night Live: Alec Baldwin/Whitney Houston (#16.14)" (1991)

Shouting Match or Civil Discussion?

"The McLaughlin Group" was the first of the political "round table" shows. I like the fact that they address important issues of the day, and that the group members seem to be very well-informed.

However, the show quickly gets on my nerves when the panelists constantly shout and interrupt each other. It seems like none of them ever listen to the other participants. Each of the panelists, especially Mr. McLaughlin, comes across as extremely biased and unwilling to consider any other point of view. I also don't like the episodes when all the panelists hold essentially the same views and gang up on a person in the news. They also condemn individuals who disagree with them in any way. What about the issues? Aren't people entitled to hold an opinion differing from that of the panelists? Why not focus on the issues rather than personalities? Aren't there two sides to every story?

This show sets a bad example by pushing simple answers to complex problems and by drowning out any other opinion than the week's "party line."

I would find civil discussion much more challenging to the viewers. Commentators should encourage people to think for themselves.

How about polite forums on the issues, where all sides are represented and the panelists respect other peoples' right to hold differing opinions. We have freedom of speech in America. But obviously not on this show.