Last week’s Watercooler covered the hottest U.S. midseason shows of special interest to VideoAge’s international buyers. Now it’s time to focus on the other big U.S. programs being introduced at NATPE – first-run talk shows, which are of particular interest to our U.S. TV station executive readers.
After some difficult years for the syndication business (and local stations), daytime and afternoon television is being inundated with new shows, headlined by big-name stars, signaling a revival of broadcast business.
Syndication time slots are up for grabs for several reasons — the departure of Oprah in 2011, Regis Philbin’s retirement from daytime TV, and the nearly across-the-board cancellations of soap operas. All of these elements are colliding to bring about one of the strongest years in first-run talk shows in recent memory.
Among the first-runs premiering at NATPE is Jeff Probst, starring the longtime Survivor host. The CBS Television Distribution talker has been sold to more than 80 percent of the country. “We feel the show will be an instant asset for stations,” said John Nogawski, president, CBS Television Distribution. “Stations have stepped up and spent what is necessary for us to produce a quality talk show,” he added.
Also new at NATPE is The Ricki Lake Show, from Twentieth Television. The series marks Lake’s return to daytime after 12 years, but unlike her Jerry Springer-esque former show, this one will be more general interest talk-show with a strong female focus. According to Paul Franklin, EVP & General Sales Manager at Twentieth Television, the reception to Lake’s return has been incredible. “We’re now creeping up on 90 percent clearance,” he said.
Katie Couric, former Today and CBS Evening News host is also headed to daytime with Disney-ABC Domestic TV’s talker Katie. The show has already cleared in 90 percent of the country, and at least 55 of the top 60 markets.
NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution has sold hour-long talk show Steve Harvey in more than 80 percent of the U.S., including 40 of the top 50 markets. It has clearances with station groups including NBC, Fox, CBS, Hearst and Gannett. Set to premiere in Fall 2012.
Of course there are the returning talkers, too: including Andersoon Cooper’s Anderson, which is being distributed by Warner Bros. and has been renewed for season two and Debmar-Mercury’s The Jeremy Kyle Show, which has been granted it second stateside season (the show was originally British).
Even as programming for 2012-13 is being set into place, options for 2013-14 are developing. Queen Latifah has signed with Sony Pictures TV to host a talk-show that would be executive produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
For updated news on new first-runs, pick up a copy of the VideoAge Daily at NATPE.
