20 Most Confrontational Moments in Television

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 20 most confrontational moments in television.

#20: Aziz Ansari Calls Out CBS

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (2015-)

Representation has been a topic of discussion in showbusiness for a long time, and it’s something that Aziz Ansari has spoken candidly about. During an interview with Stephen Colbert, the "Parks & Rec" comedian took some not so subtle jabs at CBS's track record when it comes to diversity. And Ansari managed to do it while still being funny. Fortunately, Colbert was able to roll with it and poke some fun of his own - defusing potential awkwardness, and making it easy to focus on the comedian’s point.

#19: Vince McMahon vs. Bob Costas

“On the Record with Bob Costas” (2001-04)

While some discussions start gently and gradually grow more confrontational, Bob Costas' interview with WWE's Vince McMahon is underpinned by a palpable fierceness right from the start. Coming across more like an interrogation than a discussion, Costas grilled his guest on the failings of the XFL – a then new football league created by McMahon that would ultimately go bust within a year of debuting – while also not painting professional wrestling in the most positive light. By the time the interview came to an end, McMahon appeared on the verge of body slamming the host, although the pair would meet up for a much more cordial episode a year later.

#18: Billy Bob Thornton

“Q with Jian Ghomeshi” (2008-14)

Billy Bob Thornton takes music as seriously as his movies. In this “Q with Jian Ghomeshi” interview, Thornton is especially mad about interviewer Jian Ghomeshi mentioning his more famous and cinematic credentials. Things are so dire at several points that his bandmates jump in to save the day. According to the acclaimed actor, he does not want to talk about anything other than his musical group. His grimace says it all as there’s a visible stare down between guest and broadcaster. The band leader claims he briefed the show’s producers about his intentions to avoid talking about his films, but the message went largely ignored for this segment.

#17: A Rude Interruption

“The Wendy Williams Show” (2008-)

Few things can ruin a person's focus quite as instantly as a ringing phone. During a recording of "The Wendy Williams Show," the host found her train of thought interrupted by the sound of a mobile, a crime that could not go unpunished. At that moment, Wendy Williams uttered the phrase anyone who has ever been stuck in a theatre with a disruptive audience member has always wanted to say. Although Williams defused the situation within a few seconds, that does not mean the host's initial frustration was not genuine.

#16: Madonna vs. Letterman

“The Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)

This interview was off to a rough start with Letterman’s derogatory introduction. He then told Madonna to kiss a man in the audience. Even so, no one could have predicted what followed. Filled with expletives from Madonna, and innuendo from both parties, this interview toes the lines between playful banter and outright hostility. To say that it takes some weird turns is an understatement. By the last few minutes, it had gone completely off the rails, as any semblance of structure gives way to confusion, cigars, and shocked audience members.

#15: Rosie O’Donnell vs. Elisabeth Hasselbeck

“The View” (1997-)

In this segment from “The View,” the discussion starts with Joy Behar’s comments about President Bush and turns into a feud between Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. This leads to O’Donnell scolding Hasselbeck for her views about the Iraq War. Their bad blood goes well beyond the show with the on-screen pairing fighting over one of the former’s statements regarding the American military. The more conservative panelist mentions that she doesn’t feel the need to defend her liberal counterpart, even if quotes are taken out of context. Not to be outdone, Bill Maher also had a hectic 2007 when he confronted an audience member (xref). Even with the confrontational aspects of that HBO program, this verbal altercation remains one of its defining episodes.

#14: Patti LaBelle Isn’t Having It

“The Tyra Banks Show” (2005-10)

Who knew that a pretty short conversation revolving around cupcakes and paper could be so uncomfortable? What seems to start out as a genuine misunderstanding between Hungry Girl cookbook writer Lisa Lillien and guest Patti LaBelle regarding the paper surrounding the cupcakes, quickly turns into an improv session with cringe-worthy attempts at humor and condescending remarks. All things considered, LaBelle managed to keep her cool despite being spoken to like a toddler. While the animosity dies down relatively quickly, a segment about cupcakes should never have been this tense to watch. The incident was so infamous that it inspired a 2020 “Saturday Night Live” sketch, starring “SNL” cast member Ego Nwodim as LaBelle stand-in “Cookie LaFloof”, and host Daniel Craig as the put-upon celebrity chef.

#13: Jordan Belfort on “60 Minutes”

“60 Minutes Australia” (1979-)

“The Wolf of Wall Street” has some explaining to do in this “60 Minutes Australia” interview. Asking about Jordan Belfort’s new life as a business guru, the interviewer digs into his prior convictions and the financial hardships of his victims. Belfort attempts to prove that he’s a changed man with several well-meaning answers about his positive outlook after prison. The conversation also turns to his personal finances and whether or not he should be paying restitution to those who deserve it. Belfort grows flustered with the investigation and eventually asks for another question. A similar thing also happens with Joan Rivers in her infamous CNN appearance from the same year, but the particular segment with Belfort is even more tense for its connection to a serious crime.

#12: Whoopi Goldberg vs. Bill O’Reilly

“The View” (1997-)

TV personality Bill O'Reilly brings along plenty of controversy and tension to this clip from "The View." The panel discusses the planning of an Islamic community center near Ground Zero in New York City, with more than a few strong opinions to support each side. O'Reilly condemns the project and makes other generalizations about Muslims that provokes Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar to leave the set. There've been plenty of fights on the program, but they almost never result in someone walking off the stage. Goldberg and Behar return, at which point the former sits in silent protest next to the conservative guest.

#11: Meghan's Choice Words

“The View” (1997-)

Political discussions naturally tend to grow a bit fiery, but certain words are practically never heard on daytime television. While Meghan McCain and Joy Behar are known to snap at each other, "The View's" co-hosts usually refrain from using profanity. While debating a Trump rally, McCain grew increasingly frustrated with Behar's occasional interruptions. It reached the point that Whoopi Goldberg had to try and cool down the panel. McCain and Behar have had several blowouts over the years, but this was one of the more memorable ones.

#10: Cher vs. Letterman

“Late Night with David Letterman” (1982-93)

It’s rare that a talk show interview starts out confrontationally, then becomes progressively calmer. But that’s exactly what happened when Cher first appeared on "Late Night with David Letterman." During the initial stages, Letterman attempted to learn why Cher had previously rejected the show's invitations, and there was a definite tension during these moments that made the exchange uncommonly awkward. When Cher finally revealed the reason, it could have come across as a punchline if it were not for the fact that the singer did not laugh for a couple of seconds after the fact. It was no joke.

#9: Rush Limbaugh vs. Protesters

“The Pat Sajak Show” (1989-90)

The most infamous episode of this show didn’t even feature the titular host. A couple of weeks before the show's cancellation, Rush Limbaugh took over for an episode about a recently vetoed abortion bill and, in a move that backfired instantly, asked an audience member for their opinion. The rest of the episode involved Limbaugh trying and failing to gain any sort of control over a restless crowd, with many vocal members who did not agree with the guest host's political views. The experience was such a trainwreck, Limbaugh would later claim it was a publicity stunt staged by the talk show's producers.

#8: Jon Stewart on “Crossfire”

“Crossfire” (1982-2005; 2013-14)

The then-“The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart joins the controversial program "Crossfire" in this clip. Stewart throws caution to the wind as he rebukes his interviewers and the show’s format. He doesn’t mince words either, directly pointing out the flaws of the operation. This leads presenter Tucker Carlson in particular to throw in some critiques in retaliation. The segment comes crumbling down in hilarious fashion as the comedian easily dismisses the two personalities. Some see it as the interview that eventually brought down the show in its original run. Either way you look at it, Stewart’s semi-serious takedown strikes a chord to this day.

#7: Tom Cruise vs. Matt Lauer

“Today” (1952-)

Few celebrities had a more exciting or controversial 2005 than Tom Cruise. His antics on Oprah are especially memorable, but it’s his time on the “Today” show that makes this list for its bad vibes. In an interview that delves into his views on Scientology, Cruise receives questions about his disputed stance on psychiatry and medication. The questioning also stems from the star’s misgivings about Brooke Shields’ treatment for postpartum depression. Lauer holds strong in an uncomfortable moment that bumps up against the actor’s usually positive image. Cruise asserts his views with the dramatic intensity of his finest roles, making for an especially uncomfortable segment on the morning program.

#6: Rosie O'Donnell vs. Tom Selleck

“The Rosie O'Donnell Show” (1996-2002)

In the aftermath of the Columbine High School massacre, Rosie O'Donnell and Tom Selleck ended up in a now-infamous debate over gun control. Selleck, who came on the talk show to promote the romantic comedy "The Love Letter" was blindsided by O'Donnell who was far more interested in discussing the NRA, guns, and the second amendment. While Selleck tried to maintain a degree of composure and civility early on in the debate, the actor seemed to give up once it became apparent this argument was just going to go around in circles.

#5: Dakota Johnson’s Birthday

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-22)

In a scandalous appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Dakota Johnson brings up her recent birthday party, mentioning to DeGeneres that she had sent an invitation despite the host denying it. Johnson presses the issue in rather blunt fashion, nearly grinding the whole episode to a halt. The awkwardness continues as the “Fifty Shades of Grey” actress mentions her favorite comedian. It’s not hard to imagine that the performer and host didn’t become close friends after this appearance. 2019 was a year for other intense interviews, such as R. Kelly’s blow-up with Gayle King, but this particular moment captured our imaginations even more.

#4: Alex Jones Get Heated on “Piers Morgan”

“Piers Morgan Live” (2011-14)

This “Piers Morgan Live” discussion focuses on the issue of gun violence in America, bringing out the passion in guest Alex Jones. Morgan offers up statistics and the possibilities of regulations while enduring the wrath of Jones’ rage. The “InfoWars” personality goes off the deep end in a rant about US History. As a fierce supporter of the 2nd Amendment, the interviewee lays it all on the line in one of his early viral speeches. The presenter watches in horror as he completely loses control of the guest. Also from the contentious year of 2013, one could argue that Sarah Ferguson’s interview went as poorly in regards to her scandal. However, there’s an almost-sinister atmosphere to the CNN-based exchange that makes it even worse.

#3: Marc Summers vs. Burt Reynolds

“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (1992-2009; 2010-14)

Sometimes things escalate slowly before reaching a boil; this was not one of those times. Marc Summers and Burt Reynolds share one cordial exchange before the bitter jokes, cups, and pies begin to fly. From the moment Summers made a crack at Reynolds' past divorces, it felt like the pair were constantly on the brink of a fight. Neither party came out of this segment looking particularly great, while Jay Leno seemed simultaneously delighted and terrified by what was unfolding in front of him. Things might not have worked out as planned but it did lead to an unforgettable interview.

#2: Gebrawldo

“Geraldo” (1987-98)

While sometimes arguments arise from unlikely pairings, certain situations are purposefully crafted to spark controversy and hostility. When "Geraldo" invited a White Aryan Resistance Youth member onto the same show as civil rights activist Roy Innis, the talk show presumably anticipated a few fireworks, although a full-on brawl presumably exceeded the expectations of even the most ambitious of TV execs. After one particularly racist comment, Innis took matters into his own hands before the show lost complete control of its guests and audience. By the end, Geraldo Rivera ended up with a broken nose, and a ratings smash.

#1: Jim Everett vs. Jim Rome

“Talk2” (1994-95)

A moment so infamous, "South Park" parodied it more than a decade later. After years of "Talk2's" Jim Rome poking fun at Jim Everett by calling him “Chris” instead, in reference to the female tennis player of the same name, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback dared the host to repeat it one more time during an interview. Rome did so, and instantly regretted it. This segment is so outlandish, it almost seems staged; however, Everett has always maintained that it was legitimate. Considering neither party came out from this scuffle looking particularly good, it does seem pretty real.


Did we miss any hostile TV interactions? Let us know in the comments!