TV Guide was first published as a national magazine in 1953. The first issue featured the infant child of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball.

By 1980, TV Guide had a circulation of about 20 million. However, the advent of cable television posed challenges for the magazine. By 2007, its circulation had fallen to about 3 million.

In 2005, the magazine changed its look, going from the digest-sized format to a full-sized magazine that featured more articles and fewer program listings.

Actress Lucille Ball has appeared on the cover of TV Guide more than any other celebrity, appearing on nearly 40 covers.

TV Guide has always been nice to Clay Aiken. He has been on the cover numerous times and has been mentioned in passing often.

In the July 24, 2005 issue. Clay was not only on the cover, but was the featured story. For this issue, there were two different covers and even a third for the cable version of the magazine.

Below are scans of the three covers and the article. Remember, if you want to see one of the scans up close, click on the image and it will show up larger so you can read the article better.  All of the scans will enlarge except the first two covers.

Which cover is your favorite?