The Oprah Winfrey Show Hits Television

A small talk show from Chicago with a host named Oprah aired for the first time across America in syndication on September 8, 1986. It would go on for 25 years and catapult it's host to being one of the most powerful women in the world.

The first show was what the show was all about, ordinary people. The theme, "How to Marry the Man or Woman of Your Choice".

In addition to doing shows on topics that everyday people cared about, celebrities would come by often. We also got to know some of Oprah's friends, most notably Gayle King and her longtime companion Steadman Graham. The show also introduced us to people in speciality fields who would get a kickstart to fame after appearing on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'; including, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and Nate Berkus.

One of the things I wanted for every year was the holiday tradition of 'Oprah's Favorite Things'. I can't tell you how many items I bought off of that list after watching the show - I think it might have been the first place I ever saw the Amazon Kindle.

Speaking of the Kindle, Oprah would also start a wildly popular Book Club.

And who could forget about the famous car giveaway that even 15+ years later has spawned one of the most popular memes of all time.

The show would also spawn a network and a magazine based around its namesake, Oprah Winfrey, which are both still going strong today.

The "Oprah Winfrey Show" remains one of the highest-rated daytime talk shows in American television history and one of the longest-running. Oprah is still one of the most popular and powerful women in the world. To think, it all started with a little talk show out of Chicago.