Last updated by Molly Saxby on Tuesday 19th August 2025

Oprah Winfrey is far more than a talk show host. She is a cultural icon, a trailblazer in media, and a global philanthropist whose influence has extended far beyond the television screen. Known simply as “Oprah,” her impact on entertainment, business, and society is so significant that it’s often referred to as The Oprah Effect.

From The Oprah Winfrey Show to her ventures in publishing, film, and streaming, Oprah has consistently redefined what it means to be a media personality. Her ability to inspire, empower, and connect with audiences across generations remains unparalleled.

Why Oprah mattered then — and still matters now

When The Oprah Winfrey Show debuted in 1986, daytime television was transformed. Unlike other talk shows of the era, Oprah combined heartfelt interviews with honest discussions on race, gender, relationships, and personal growth.

By tackling serious topics alongside celebrity interviews, she built trust and authenticity with her audience. Viewers didn’t just watch Oprah — they felt seen, heard, and understood.

This authenticity became her greatest strength, making her not only one of the most-watched figures in TV history but also one of the most trusted voices in America.

The “Oprah Effect”

The term “Oprah Effect” refers to her unparalleled power to shape public opinion, influence consumer habits, and elevate careers. A few examples highlight the scale of her impact:

  • Book Club phenomenon: Oprah’s Book Club turned novels into instant bestsellers, launching the careers of authors like Toni Morrison, Cheryl Strayed, and Eckhart Tolle into mainstream recognition.
  • The Favourite Things list: Her annual holiday gift guide transformed featured items into overnight sensations, boosting small businesses and turning products into cultural must-haves.
  • Political influence: Her endorsement of Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election was credited by analysts with helping him secure millions of votes.

Her effect wasn’t limited to consumer choices — it reshaped the relationship between media, celebrity, and audience.

Beyond the talk show

After ending The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011, Oprah expanded her empire through multiple ventures:

  • OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network): A television channel dedicated to diverse, inspirational, and often groundbreaking programming.
  • Film & acting: With roles in films such as The Color Purple and A Wrinkle in Time, Oprah demonstrated her versatility beyond hosting.
  • Philanthropy: Through the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, she has donated millions towards education, empowerment, and global humanitarian causes.
  • Streaming & podcasting: Oprah continues to thrive in the digital era, partnering with platforms like Apple TV+ to reach new audiences.

The lasting cultural impact

Oprah’s legacy lies in her ability to blend entertainment with empathy, creating space for conversations that matter. She brought difficult topics into living rooms worldwide and used her platform to champion voices and causes that might otherwise have been overlooked.

Her story — from overcoming poverty in rural Mississippi to becoming the world’s first Black female billionaire — has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams against the odds.

Why Oprah remains relevant today

Even in an era of fragmented media and digital influencers, Oprah remains a guiding figure. She represents resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Younger audiences who may never have watched her daytime show still encounter her wisdom through books, podcasts, streaming projects, and social media.

The Oprah Effect is alive and well — reminding us that entertainment can be both powerful and purposeful.

With Oprah In Conversation confirmed for December 2025 in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, many fans are wondering—could this mark the beginning of even more shows all over the world?