In its first six weeks, the show typically featured several guests on stage who discussed their thoughts on a given topic, such as female body image or the dangers of gang life.
Nelson moderated discussions and periodically handed off his microphone to audience members to make additional comments.
Under this new format, the show featured topics such as a man who intended to raise money to cut off his feet with a guillotine, a mother who became a legal prostitute, and a human guinea pig.
[4] According to executive producer Linda Ellman, "[Nelson will] bring the same blend of credibility and compassion to his show that made Donahue a talk-show franchise.
"[5] Nelson hoped to host an unconventional talk show that improved the negative reputation of daytime television in the United States.