In the program, Carlson debated with a number of guests: one segment involving a liberal and one with former Around the Horn sports show host Max Kellerman.

This style prompted comparisons to sports talk shows that use a similar format, such as ESPN's Pardon the Interruption.

Tucker was produced by Bill Wolff, who worked with Kellerman on two other PTI-styled sports shows, Around the Horn and I, Max.

Second, in "Crime Blotter," Carlson introduced three stories about "wrongdoing and justice served" and typically discussed one of them with a guest, usually via satellite, on a number of topics related to a situation.

Third, in "The Outsider," Carlson debated a variety of news-inspired issues with Max Kellerman, who played devil's advocate regardless of his personal viewpoint.

When Geist moved to Morning Joe, the last segment that regularly featured him instead had fellow MSNBC producer and contributor Bill Wolff.

There were rotating guests, including MSNBC political analyst Pat Buchanan, The Hill associate editor A.B.

On February 7, 2008, substitute host David Shuster made controversial comments regarding Chelsea Clinton, resulting in his suspension from MSNBC.