Does panel-style debate TV actually change anyone's mind anymore?

I've been thinking about how much value there is in those roundtable discussion shows where hosts from different political backgrounds debate current events. On one hand, you get perspectives from across the spectrum in real time—there's something appealing about watching people with genuinely different viewpoints actually engage rather than just talking past each other.

But here's what I'm wondering: are these formats actually persuasive, or do they mostly just reinforce what people already believe? When you have a mix of conservative and liberal commentators tackling politics, pop culture, and breaking news, does it create genuine dialogue, or does it devolve into familiar talking points?

I think there's also the production element to consider. These shows need to be entertaining and keep momentum, which sometimes seems at odds with the kind of thoughtful, nuanced discussion that might actually shift perspectives. The best moments are when someone on the panel makes a point that catches others off guard, but how often does that really happen?

What's your take—do you find value in watching people from opposite ends of the political spectrum debate, or does it feel performative? And does it matter whether the format mixes ideologies throughout, versus having separate shows for different audiences?