The Merv Griffin Show pushed the boundaries of what a talk show could be. 

Merv Griffin actually began his career as a singer, but eventually transitioned to hosting radio. Once television came around, he hosted game shows, and was finally handed the hosting job of his own show.

Griffin made the program stand out by inviting on intellectuals, fringe celebrities, and up-and-coming stars. It was an fascinating, eye-catching sometimes strange alternative to the mainstream juggernaut that was The Tonight Show, and is remembered as trailblazing the way for the countless other shows that followed. 

Look back at Merv and his best guests from this gem of old-school television.