On the air since 1976, The Barbara Walters Specials feature in-depth interviews conducted by journalist Barbara Walters. The very first special aired in December of 1976, composed of interviews with President-elect Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn, actress Barbra Streisand, and producer Jon Peters. Though the show was not critically acclaimed, it debuted to record ratings.
In 1983, the program won the Emmy for Outstanding Informational Series and in 1988 aired its 50th episode. Walters premiered her annual Ten Most Fascinating People Specials in 1993, highlighting each year's newsmakers and culminating with Walters' pick for the "most fascinating" individual of the year.
Notable personalities featured on The Barbara Walters Specials include: George Clooney, Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Audrey Hepburn, Sir Laurence Olivier, John Wayne, and Betty White.
- by Adrienne Faillace
