The show’s immense popularity made Donahue the most-watched host for much of the ‘70s and ‘80s, drawing millions of views for each show. He received 11 daytime Emmy awards.

“The Phil Donahue Show” made its debut in 1967 on WLWD-TV in Dayton, Ohio, propelling Mr. Donahue on a 29-year syndicated run, much of it as the unchallenged king of daytime talk television.