View source for Loveline

{{Short description|Call-in radio program}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2011}}
{{Infobox radio show
| name         = Loveline
| image        = Loveline show logo new (lower res).jpg
| alt          = Logo for Loveline
| imagesize    = 225px
| format       = {{Plainlist|
* Talk
* Advice
* Comedy
}}
| runtime      = Approximately 93 minutes (Two hours, including commercials)
| creator      = {{Plainlist|
* [[Scott Mason (radio personality)|Scott Mason]]
* [[Jim Trenton]]
}}
| presenter    = {{Plainlist|
* [[Jim Trenton]] (1983–1993)
* [[Drew Pinsky]] (1984–2016)
* "Swedish" Egil Aalvik (1983–1990)
* [[Scott Mason (radio personality)|Scott Mason]] (1983–1987)
* Lee "Harvey" Alpert (1986–1989)
* [[Riki Rachtman]] (1993–1996)
* [[Adam Carolla]] (1995–2005)
* [[Stryker (disc jockey)|Stryker]] (2006–2009)
* [[Michael Catherwood]] (2010–2016)
* Simone Bienne (2011–2012)
* [[Amber Rose]] (2016–2018)
* [[Chris Donaghue]] (2016–2022)
}}
| producer     = Ann Wilkins-Ingold
| television   = ''[[Loveline (TV series)|Loveline]]'' (1996–2000)
| country      = United States
| first_aired  = 1983
| last_aired   = 
| website      = [http://www.lovelineshow.com/ lovelineshow.com]
| home_station = {{Plainlist|
* [[KROQ-FM]] (1983–2018, 2024–2025)
* [[Channel Q]] (2018–2022)
}}
| podcast      = 
}}

'''''Loveline''''' is a [[radio syndication|syndicated radio]] [[Talk show|call-in]] program in North America that features medical and relationship advice, often with guest appearances by actors and musicians. For most of its original run until ending in 2016, the show was hosted by [[Drew Pinsky]], who was paired with a radio personality. Several relaunches of the show with new hosts have occurred since that time. As of March 2025, new episodes of the show are no longer being produced.

At the height of its popularity, ''Loveline'' was also adapted into a weekly live television program on [[MTV]], also titled ''[[Loveline (TV series)|Loveline]]''. The television version was hosted by [[Drew Pinsky|Pinsky]], [[Adam Carolla]], and a rotating third co-host.

== Format ==
''Loveline'' follows a call-in, question-and-answer format, primarily aimed at helping youth and young adults with issues related to [[interpersonal relationship|relationships]], [[human sexuality|sexuality]], and [[drug addiction]]. The program combines the medical expertise of Pinsky, an [[internal medicine|internist]] and [[addiction medicine]] specialist, with the perspective and humor of a comedic co-host. [[Adam Carolla]] described his role as a "sheep in wolf's clothing".<ref name="drewadambook">{{cite book |last1=Carolla |first1=Adam |author-link1=Adam Carolla |last2=Pinsky |first2=Drew |author-link2=Drew Pinsky |title=The Dr. Drew and Adam Book: A Survival Guide to Life and Love |publisher=Dell Books |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-440-50836-6 }}</ref> Humor is often used to keep the tone approachable, even when discussing serious topics such as addiction, [[sexual abuse]], and [[domestic violence]].

The show occasionally addresses general medical questions, especially during slower segments or when the topics are atypical. Listeners are also invited to participate in various games featured on ''Loveline''.

== History ==
{{more citations needed section|date=November 2013}}

===Radio origins===
''Loveline'' began in 1983 as a Sunday night dating and relationships segment on [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] radio station [[KROQ-FM]], hosted by [[Disc jockey|DJ]] [[Jim Trenton|Jim "Poorman" Trenton]], DJ [[Swedish Egil|"Swedish" Egil]] Aalvik, and [[Scott Mason (radio personality)|Scott Mason]].

The show aired live Sundays through Thursdays from 10 p.m. to midnight [[Pacific Time Zone|PT]] (Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 3 a.m. [[North American Eastern Time Zone|ET]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The World Famous KROQ – KROQ-FM &#124; 106.7 KROQ |url=https://www.audacy.com/kroq |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710032531/http://kroq.radio.com/shows/ |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |website=audacy.com}}</ref> Its [[Flagship (radio)|flagship station]] was [[KROQ-FM]] in Los Angeles. It was syndicated primarily on rock, alternative, and adult talk radio stations.

In 1984, Trenton introduced a segment called "Ask a Surgeon," hosted by his friend [[Drew Pinsky]], then a fourth-year medical student at the [[University of Southern California]]. A prior legal segment had featured a lawyer known as "Lawyer Lee." As the show gained popularity, Pinsky emerged as a regular presence and became known informally as "Dr. Drew."

Mason departed following a breakup, and the legal and Swedish Egil segments were discontinued. Trenton continued with Pinsky as co-host. In February 1992, ''Loveline'' expanded to five nights a week. Trenton was replaced in August 1993 by former [[MTV]] [[Video jockey|VJ]] [[Riki Rachtman]].

[[Adam Carolla]] joined the show in October 1995, coinciding with its national syndication. Carolla and Rachtman often competed for airtime, leading to Rachtman's departure in January 1996.<ref name="UMNDaily">{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Michael |title=Laying it on the Loveline |url=http://www.mndaily.com/sites/default/files/paper-pdfs/1996/08/09/1996-08-09.pdf |access-date=October 3, 2010 |date=August 9, 1996 |work=[[Minnesota Daily]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927010328/http://www.dolland.net/loveline/cache/laying/index.html |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Carolla and Pinsky remained co-hosts until Carolla's departure in November 2005.

During their decade-long partnership, the show's popularity grew significantly. Carolla's humor and Pinsky's medical expertise created a distinctive dynamic. Together, they refined the format, toured, hosted a television version on MTV from 1996 to 2000, co-wrote a book, and made cameo appearances across various media. Carolla left to launch ''[[The Adam Carolla Show (radio)|The Adam Carolla Show]]'' in January 2006.

Following Carolla's departure, the show featured a rotation of celebrity guest hosts. Pinsky later revealed that the shortlist for a permanent co-host included [[Carson Daly]], [[Joel McHale]], [[Danny Bonaduce]], [[Steve-O]], and [[Daniel Tosh]].<ref name="Blog">{{cite web |title=Adam and Anastasia Ashley, Deborah Norville, Dr. Drew, William Shatner, Kid Rock, Peter Guber, and the Gibson Contest |url=http://adamradio.wordpress.com/2006/04/27/adam-and-anastasia-ashley-deborah-norville-dr-drew-william-shatner-kid-rock-peter-guber-and-the-gibson-contest/ |access-date=September 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012084745/http://adamradio.wordpress.com/2006/04/27/adam-and-anastasia-ashley-deborah-norville-dr-drew-william-shatner-kid-rock-peter-guber-and-the-gibson-contest/ |archive-date=October 12, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On July 23, 2006, KROQ-FM DJ [[Stryker (disc jockey)|Stryker]] was named co-host.

Stryker left the show on April 22, 2009, citing budget cuts at Westwood One. Another round of guest hosts followed until [[Michael Catherwood|Mike "Psycho Mike" Catherwood]] from ''[[Kevin and Bean|The Kevin and Bean Show]]'' became permanent co-host on March 11, 2010.

Simone Bienne, who had guest-hosted extensively, was introduced as co-host in December 2011. Presented by Pinsky on ''Lifechangers'', she became the show's first female co-host,<ref>{{cite web |title='Loveline' adds sex and relationship therapist as new co-host |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/radio-330619-eye-red.html |work=The Orange County Register |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=December 12, 2012 }}</ref> but departed in November 2012.

On December 7, 2012, Carolla and Pinsky launched a "Reunion Tour" to promote their podcast, ''The Adam & Dr. Drew Show''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Munoz |first=Matt |title=Carolla, Pinsky still feeling the love |url=http://www.bakersfield.com/news/carolla-pinsky-still-feeling-the-love/article_78f7b665-7b3c-5720-8195-6e27ddb268a5.html |date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |website=Bakersfield.com }}</ref>

On January 5, 2015, Catherwood and Pinsky launched ''Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood'' on [[KABC (AM)|KABC]] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood |url=http://www.kabc.com/common/page.php?pt=Dr.+Drew+Midday+Live+with+Mike+Catherwood&id=36221&is_corp=0 |access-date=December 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219215034/http://www.kabc.com/common/page.php?pt=Dr.+Drew+Midday+Live+with+Mike+Catherwood&id=36221&is_corp=0 |archive-date=December 19, 2014 }}</ref>

Catherwood announced his departure on March 16, 2016, to focus on family. His final episode aired March 31.<ref>{{cite podcast |title=Loveline |url=http://www.podcastone.com/pg/jsp/program/episode.jsp?programID=519&pid=1640871 |website=PodcastOne |publisher=Podcast One |host="Psycho Mike" Catherwood, Dr. Drew Pinsky |date=March 30, 2016 |access-date=April 1, 2016 }}</ref> On April 21, Dr. Drew confirmed that ''Loveline'' would end after the April 28 broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Drew Resigns from Loveline, Ends Show |url=http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2016/04/21/dr-drew-resigns-from-loveline-after-hosting-for-30-years/ |access-date=April 21, 2016 }}</ref> Carolla returned for the final episode. The radio version concluded in April 2016.

===Podcast===
After a hiatus, the show returned on September 8, 2016, as a weekly podcast hosted by [[Amber Rose]] and sex therapist [[Chris Donaghue]], with Ann Ingold as producer.<ref name="AmberRose">{{cite web |last=Schillaci |first=Sophie |title=Exclusive: Amber Rose Taking Over Iconic 'Loveline' Franchise With New Podcast: 'I Don't Hold Anything Back' |url=http://www.etonline.com/news/197171_exclusive_amber_rose_taking_over_iconic_loveline_franchise_with_new_podcast_i_don_t_hold_anything_back/ |date=September 8, 2016 |access-date=October 13, 2016 |website=Entertainment Tonight }}</ref> The podcast ended on March 8, 2018.

===Channel Q===
On November 1, 2018, ''Loveline'' was revived on the [[LGBTQ]] network [[Channel Q]], hosted by Dr. [[Chris Donaghue]]. It aired Monday through Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. [[Eastern Time]], broadcast via [[Audacy|Audacy's]] streaming service and [[HD Radio]] subchannels in about 20 markets including [[New York City]], [[Los Angeles]], and [[Chicago]]. Although no cancellation was officially announced, new episodes ended in December 2022 before the show's next iteration began in 2024.<ref name="lovelinefeed">{{cite web |last1=Donaghue |first1=Chris |title=Loveline with Dr. Chris |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loveline-with-dr-chris/id1149119909 |website=Loveline with Dr. Chris |access-date=23 October 2024}}</ref>

===Brief KROQ Reboot - December 2024 to March 2025===
A third version launched on [[KROQ-FM]] on December 15, 2024, hosted by Kevan Kenney and Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, who holds a doctorate in human communication.<ref name="newloveline">{{cite web |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=KROQ Resurrects Loveline |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/289532/kroq-resurrects-loveline/ |website=radioInsight |date=December 16, 2024 |access-date=17 December 2024}}</ref> The showed aired only on KROQ Sunday nights from 10pm to midnight. Amid layoffs at parent company [[Audacy, Inc.|Audacy]], the show ended in March 2025 after 12 Sunday broadcasts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Local layoffs at Audacy (and a resignation), the 2025 edition |url=https://ayodaradio.blogspot.com/2025/03/local-layoffs-at-audacy-2025-edition.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Local layoffs at Audacy (and a resignation), the 2025 edition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=Even More Names Affected From Last Week's Audacy Layoffs |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/296032/audacy-layoffs-march-2025/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Personalities ==

=== Regular hosts ===
* [[Drew Pinsky]] (December 1984 – April 28, 2016)
* [[Jim Trenton|Jim "The Poorman" Trenton]] (1983 – August 1993)
* "Swedish" Egil Aalvik (1983–1990)
* [[Scott Mason (radio personality)|Scott Mason]] (1983–1987)
* Attorney Lee "Harvey" Alpert (1986–1989)
* [[Riki Rachtman]] (August 1993 – January 17, 1996)
* [[Adam Carolla]] (October 1995 – November 3, 2005)
* [[Stryker (disc jockey)|Stryker]] (July 23, 2006 – April 22, 2009)
* [[Michael Catherwood]] (March 21, 2010 – March 31, 2016)
* Simone Bienne (December 6, 2011 – November 11, 2012)
* [[Amber Rose]] (September 8, 2016 – March 17, 2018)
* Chris Donaghue (November 1, 2018 – December 15, 2022)
* Kevan Kenney (December 15, 2024 – March 2025)
* Tara Suwinyattichaiporn aka "Dr. Tara" (December 15, 2024 – March 2025)

=== Recurring fill-ins ===
For Pinsky (in the case of medical physicians) or Psycho Mike (in the case of usual comedic co-host)
* [[Dr. Gary Alter]]: "Dr. Alter" ("Dr. Whack 'n' Sack, Dr. Alter-men")
* Nicole Alvarez: DJ on KROQ-FM
* [[David Alan Grier]]: a popular and frequent guest, sometimes referred to as the "Third Host" of ''Loveline'' or ''DAG''.
* Dr. Ohad Ben-Yehuda: "Dr. Ben" (OB/GYN, Infertility, High Risk Obstetrics)
* Dr. Marcel Daniels: "Dr. Marcel"
* [[Bruce Heischober|Dr. Bruce Heischober]]: "Dr. Bruce" (''Ichabod Bruce, Dr. Spaz'')
* Dr. Bruce Hensel: "Dr. Bruce"
* Dr. [[Reef Karim]]: "Dr. Reef"
* [[Roberto M. Rey Jr.|Dr. Robert Rey]]: "[[Dr. 90210]]", a plastic surgeon from [[Beverly Hills]]
* [[Trina Dolenz]]: former host of VH1's Tool Academy and couples therapist
* [[Emily Morse]]: "Sex with Emily"

=== Producers ===
* Ann Wilkins-Ingold (1988 – April 28, 2016)
* Lauren (Junior Producer) (2002 – December 20, 2007)
* Jonathan "Beer Mug" Kantrowe (December 2024 to March 2025)

=== Radio engineers ===
The show has had many engineers throughout the years who have developed their own on-air presence. Whether it be conversations with hosts and guests or specific "radio drops" that they have produced usually from clips of previous shows.
* Mike Dooley (October 1995 – June 20, 1999) ("Dooley," "The One-Nut Wonder," produced "The Drew Shuffle" and "The Drew Boogie")
* Anderson Cowan (June 21, 1999 – April 28, 2016) ("The Magic Fingered One," "The Liberace of the Potentiometers," produced "Millionaire", PAB, Co-Host of "The After Disaster")
* Damion Stephens (2000–2002)
* Chris Perez (2003–2005)
* Michelle (2004 – November 2005) (left for ''[[The Adam Carolla Show (terrestrial radio)|The Adam Carolla Show]]'')

;Timeline
<div class="center">
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:30
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:50
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat  = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:1983 till:03/17/2018
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors =
  id:Co-Host  value:red  legend:Co-Host
  id:Expert  value:green  legend:Expert
  id:Engineer  value:blue  legend:Engineer
  id:Producer  value:yellow  legend:Producer

Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom

ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1983

BarData =
  bar:Trenton text:"Jim Trenton"
  bar:Aalvik text:"Swedish Egil Aalvik"
  bar:Mason text:"Scott Mason"
  bar:Pinsky text:"Dr Drew Pinsky"
  bar:Alpert text:"Lee Harvey Alpert"
  bar:Rachtman text:"Rikki Rachtman"
  bar:Carolla text:"Adam Carolla"
  bar:Stryker text:"Stryker"
  bar:Catherwood text:"Michael Catherwood"
  bar:Bienne text:"Simone Bienne"
  bar:Rose text:"Amber Rose"
  bar:Donaghue text:"Dr Chris Donaghue"
  bar:Ingold text:"Ann Wilkins-Ingold"
  bar:Dooley text:"Mike Dooley"
  bar:Cowan text:"Anderson Cowan"
  bar:Stephens text:"Damion Stephens"
  bar:Perez text:"Chris Perez"

PlotData=
  width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
  bar:Trenton from:01/01/1983 till:08/01/1993 color:Co-Host
  bar:Mason from:01/01/1983 till:01/01/1987 color:Co-Host
  bar:Aalvik from:01/01/1983 till:01/01/1990 color:Co-Host
  bar:Pinsky from:12/01/1984 till:04/28/2016 color:Expert
  bar:Alpert from:01/01/1986 till:01/01/1989 color:Expert
  bar:Ingold from:01/01/1988 till:04/28/2016 color:Producer
  bar:Rachtman from:08/01/1993 till:01/17/1996 color:Co-Host
  bar:Pinsky from:10/01/1995 till:04/28/2016 color:Co-Host
  bar:Carolla from:10/01/1995 till:11/03/2005 color:Co-Host
  bar:Dooley from:10/01/1995 till:06/20/1999 color:Engineer
  bar:Cowan from:06/21/1999 till:04/28/2016 color:Engineer
  bar:Stephens from:01/01/2000 till:01/01/2002 color:Engineer
  bar:Perez from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2005 color:Engineer
  bar:Stryker from:07/23/2006 till:04/22/2009 color:Co-Host
  bar:Catherwood from:03/21/2010 till:03/31/2016 color:Co-Host
  bar:Bienne from:12/06/2011 till:11/11/2012 color:Expert
  bar:Rose from:09/08/2016 till:end color:Co-Host
  bar:Donaghue from:09/08/2016 till:end color:Expert
</timeline>
</div>

== Media tie-ins and cultural influence ==
A [[television|TV]] version of ''Loveline'', also titled ''[[Loveline (TV series)|Loveline]]'', aired on MTV from 1996 to 2000 and was produced by Stone Stanley Entertainment. It followed a similar format to the radio program but featured a live audience and a rotating female co-host alongside Pinsky and Carolla. The co-host role was filled during the show's run by MTV VJ [[Idalis DeLeón|Idalis]], actresses [[Kris McGaha]], [[Catherine McCord]], [[Diane Farr]], and comedian [[Laura Kightlinger]]. The show was filmed at [[Hollywood Center Studios]].<ref>{{cite episode |title=The Adam Carolla Show |series=The Adam Carolla Show |network=KLSX-FM |airdate=April 28, 2008 }}</ref>

''The Dr. Drew and Adam Book: A Survival Guide to Life and Love'', an advice book written in a tone similar to the radio program, was released in 1998.<ref name="drewadambook" />

The series also inspired several games mentioned on the show.<ref>{{cite episode |title=First caller |series=Loveline |airdate=September 11, 2001 |network=KROQ-FM }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode |series=Loveline |airdate=October 19, 2003 |network=KROQ-FM }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode |series=Loveline |airdate=October 19, 2004 |network=KROQ-FM }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Third caller |series=Loveline |airdate=February 23, 2003 |network=KROQ-FM }}</ref>

A thinly veiled reference to ''Loveline'' appears in the 1988 film ''[[Heathers]]'' in a scene featuring a fictional radio call-in show titled ''Hot Probs'', hosted by Jim Trenton, the then-host of ''Loveline''.<ref name="thew_Girl">{{cite web |title=Girls on Film: Why No Teen Film Compares to Heathers |url=http://theweek.com/articles/448688/girls-film-why-no-teen-film-compares-heathers |website=The Week |date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=June 23, 2016 }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{official website|http://www.lovelineshow.com}}

{{Loveline|state=expanded}}
{{Westwood One}}

[[Category:Loveline| ]]
[[Category:1980s American radio programs]]
[[Category:Comedy podcasts]]
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[[Category:1983 radio programme debuts]]
[[Category:English-language radio programs]]
[[Category:Audio podcasts]]
[[Category:2016 podcast debuts]]
[[Category:2018 podcast endings]]
[[Category:KROQ-FM]]
[[Category:1990s American radio programs]]
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