During the series' run, its primary focus was on dealing with personal subjects like parenting skills (including single mothers who are accused of having the lack of experience of taking care of children), romantic relationships (both marital and non-marital), LGBT issues (like discrimination, same-sex couples who want to have children or straight people attracted to a person who is LGBT or the other way around), racism and prejudice (even within their own race and gender), interracial relationships, family discord, revealing secrets, and social topics of the day (like money, looking for work or being on welfare). At times she had lighter shows, ranging from contests (including female impersonators, beauticians, or those who want to prove to others that they do have talent), celebrity guests, and reunions, to granting viewers' personal wishes. There was even a practical joke show where people would go into a restaurant and have to take off a piece of clothing every time they got a part of the meal. Comedian John Carfi was part of the practical joke scene in the Strip Steak Restaurant in New York City. He played a waiter who would make the guests take some of their clothing off for their meal. Every time he brought food, they would have to take clothing off.