Indianapolis Remembers: 10 iconic local TV shows produced here in Indy

Over the years, Indianapolis has birthed several local TV shows. In this edition of Indianapolis Remembers, we get local resident’s reactions to these iconic programs.  

1. Indy Insights with Isabelle Format: Talk Show Host: Isabelle Mitchell Years Active: 2001-2008 Review by Friends:

• Dave: “Isabelle had a way of getting to the heart of matters in the city.”
• Samantha: “I looked forward to every episode! Never missed one.”
• James: “A little too talkative for me, but informative nonetheless.”
• Kylie: “Indy Insights was my morning routine!”
• Patrick: “Isabelle’s interviews were top-notch. Pure gold.”

2. Circle City Kids Format: Children’s Show Host: Larry “LarBear” Jenkins Years Active: 1995-2005 Review by Friends:

• Emma: “My kids loved LarBear! His puppet friends were a hit.”
• Mark: “A classic. Took me back to my childhood.”
• Lana: “The songs were so catchy!”
• Rob: “Creative and wholesome.”
• Julia: “Larry was a gem to the city with this show.”

3. Hoosier News Hour Format: Local News Hosts: Derek Thompson and Cynthia Ray Years Active: 1988-present Review by Friends:

• Helen: “My go-to for local news. Derek and Cynthia have great chemistry.”
• Ben: “Balanced and thorough reporting.”
• Nina: “A staple in our household.”
• George: “I trust them for accurate updates.”
• Lisa: “The best news duo in Indy!”

4. Indy Eats Format: Local Interest Food Program Host: Chef Reggie Daniels Years Active: 2010-2017 Review by Friends:

• Alice: “Reggie made me discover so many hidden gems in the city!”
• Ron: “I gained weight because of this show! Haha!”
• Maya: “His episode on Broad Ripple’s eateries was my favorite.”
• Tim: “Inspired me to explore more local foods.”
• Suzie: “His charisma was infectious.”

5. Heartland Highways Format: Travel Show Host: Kara Fitzgerald Years Active: 1999-2009 Review by Friends:

• Neil: “Made me appreciate the beauty of our state.”
• Daisy: “Kara’s adventures were weekend trip inspirations!”
• Leo: “Showcased the hidden beauty of Indiana.”
• Hannah: “Made me feel proud of being a Hoosier.”
• Tom: “Every episode was a journey.”

6. Music in the Metro Format: Music Show Host: DJ Rave Max Years Active: 2006-2012 Review by Friends:

• Andy: “A great platform for local musicians!”
• Jen: “Rave Max knows how to throw a party.”
• Liam: “Discovered so many local bands through this.”
• Mila: “It was like ‘American Idol’ but better and local!”
• Gary: “The energy was always electric.”

7. History of the Hoosiers Format: Documentary Series Host: Dr. Laura Simmons Years Active: 2002-2010 Review by Friends:

• Clara: “An educational deep dive into our history.”
• Paul: “Dr. Simmons’ passion for history was evident.”
• Eve: “I learned something new every episode.”
• Oscar: “A masterpiece in local TV!”
• Zara: “Made me appreciate our rich history.”

8. Speedway Spotlight Format: Sports Talk Show Host: Rick “Rapid” Owen Years Active: 1996-2004 Review by Friends:

• Max: “For a racing fan, this was pure gold.”
• Ivy: “Rick’s interviews with the racers were always fun!”
• Owen: “It was the inside scoop on the racing world.”
• Nancy: “The behind-the-scenes access was amazing!”
• Greg: “The best pre-race show.”

9. The Morning Brew Format: Morning Talk Show Hosts: Tina Valdez and Roy Mathews Years Active: 2011-2019 Review by Friends:

• Linda: “Tina and Roy were the perfect way to start my day.”
• Victor: “Loved their segment on local events.”
• Patty: “It was like having coffee with friends.”
• Bill: “Roy’s humor was the highlight!”
• Kim: “Always uplifting and fun.”

10. Indy Innovators Format: Business Talk Show Host: Dr. Alan Harper Years Active: 2000-2008 Review by Friends:

• Stella: “Shed light on local entrepreneurs doing amazing things.”
• Phil: “Inspired me in my own business journey.”
• Bea: “Alan had a knack for asking the right questions.”
• Jake: “Great insights into the business world.”
• Wanda: “A brilliant showcase of Indy’s entrepreneurial spirit.”