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The 30 Most Unforgettable Moments From "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

Oprah went nationwide on September 8, 1986.

On September 8, 1986, The Oprah Winfrey Show made its nationally syndicated debut and television—and America—changed forever.

Over the course of some 4,561 episodes before the show ended in 2011, there were celebrities, surprises, giveaways, tears, joy, and a lot of love.

Below, we share 30 of the most unforgettable moments from the show's history.

First Ear Piercing

Even icons are scared of pain.

Delivering Christmas Kindness

A special holiday episode about giving that would plant the seeds for the Oprah Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Madonna's First "Ray of Light"

There were hundreds of musical performances on the show's stage over the decades, but few match the energy of Madonna singing "Ray of Light" for the first time live in front of an audience. The crowd goes absolutely wild— plus it's fun to see Oprah mouthing along to every word.

A Will & Grace Surprise

Paolo, a grocery store clerk who wants to be an actor, gets his wish granted when Oprah gets him a role on Will & Grace. He now has his own talk show, and got to interview interviewed Oprah about how she changed his life.

The Magic Of J.K. Rowling

Two powerful women discussing the importance of never giving up on your dream.

An Audience Of Brave Men

Tyler Perry led an important discussion with an audience of 200 men who were molested as children.

Oprah's Favorite Teacher Pays A Visit

What happens when Oprah's favorite schoolteacher visits her on her own talk show? Tears. Lots and lots of tears.

Princess Fannie Gets The Royal Treatment

The Oprah Show made loyal viewer Frannie Eugene "Princess for a Day" and gave her a new van. Years later she lost her home to Hurricane Katrina and Oprah came to the rescue again with a new house.

The Little Rock Nine Reunion

In 1995, seven of the nine women who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1954 reunited on the show.

A Mary Tyler Moore Surprise

What happens when you're surprised by one of your idols? Tears. Lots and lots of tears.

Auschwitz With Elie Wiesel

Oprah visited the concentration camp—on her birthday, no less—with the celebrated Holocaust survivor for a powerful hour of television.

Oprah Tackles AIDS

In 1987, Oprah took her show to Williamson, West Virginia, which was in an uproar over a HIV-positive gay man who swam in a local public pool. Oprah returned to Williamson to follow up in her farewell year.

Skinheads And Racism On TV

Oprah has said this episode was a turning point for her show, one that made her realize she should use her platform for good, instead of giving a voice to hate.

Meeting Mattie Stepanek

Oprah said 11-year old Mattie, who was born with an incurable genetic disorder, was a "prophet for our times." When he died at age 14, she spoke at his funeral—calling him "the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known in my life.”

She is still close with Stepanek's mother, and surprised her at a recent birthday party.

The Launch Of Oprah's Book Club

The birth of the largest book club in the world proved the power of Oprah's audience.

On Tour With Tina Turner

She joined Tina onstage and didn't take the wig off for months.

Oprah Confronts James Frey

Oprah confronted Frey on national television for lying in his memoir, A Million Little Pieces. You couldn't look away as he was being scolded by the Queen of Daytime TV. (they made up years later.)

Nate Berkus Survives 2004 South Asian Tsunami

The earthquake and tsunami that rocked South Asia killed thousands, including Berkus' partner at the time.

The World Meets Oprah's Half-Sister

When Oprah found out she had a sibling she never knew—one who never thought to take her discovery to the press—she had to invite her on the show.

The O.J. Simpson Verdict

When the verdict in the O.J. Simpson murder trial was announced on October 3, 1995, Oprah was taping an episode. So she filmed her audience's reactions.

Wheeling Out The Fat Wagon

A moment she called her "biggest on-air mistake."

The Men Of Morehouse College

The Oprah Scholars Program helped pay for the education of 400 men at Morehouse College. They surprised Oprah at her Farewell Spectacular—just try hold back the tears while watching.

Ultimate Viewers Are Given A Trip To Australia

After you've given away everything from cars to computers, how do you top yourself? How about taking 300 people halfway across the world?

Oprah And Gayle Time Travel To A Colonial Village

They might be living like Pilgrims but that doesn't stop Gayle from requesting Oprah make her bacon "extra crispy."

Favorite Things Insanity

The annual extravaganza that turned audience members into loot-loving lunatics.

Tom Cruise's Couch Jump

One of the first viral videos—and a moment that Cruise still can't live down.

Any Moment From Oprah And Gayle's Cross-Country Road Trip

The two besties took a two-week road trip across America—sleeping in teepees, crashing weddings and dring their friendship to the breaking point. (Spoiler: They're still friends.)

The Epic Black Eyed Peas Flash Mob

An exhilarating dance number that showed the love Chicagoans have for Oprah. She calls the event the definition of "joy rising." We couldn't agree more.

The Greatest Car Giveaway

Even after all these years, if you yell "YOU GET A CAR!" everyone knows exactly what you're referring to.

The Entire Final Episode

No celebrities, no giveaways. Just Oprah delivering a sermon on the lessons she learned over the past 25 years. #Blessed

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