Despite being a widely popular queen of daytime TV, talk show host and former Masked Singer contestant Wendy Williams went into an unfortunate spiral involving health concerns, rehab for addictions, financial problams, and a hiatus from her eponymous series. Things became more complicated in the aftermath, with Williams’ talk show ending without her returning, and rumors about a career resurgence were hindered by a dementia diagnosis in early 2024 ahead of the docuseries Where Is Wendy Williams?

Wendy Williams' Legal Guardian Provides Health Update With Lawsuit Filing

After months of relative silence that followed the initial flurry of reports and family member reactions to the somewhat unfinished TV project, Wendy Williams’ court-appointed guardians Sabrina E. Morrissey filed new court documents that sadly aren’t so positive regarding her current state of health. According to paperwork that requested producers of the docuseries edit out each moment with non-public details mentioned, Morrissey says:

Wendy Williams was first given a court-ordered guardianship back in April 2022, at a point when her publicized health concerns included lymphedema and Graves' disease, as well as alcohol abuse that reportedly became more of an issue following her divorce from Kevin Hunter in 2019. She was temporarily put into a care facility and later released, though several of her family members claim they've been unable to contact her under Morrissey's care.

Morrissey first hit A&E with a lawsuit in February 2024 on the same day her medical team released the dementia diagosis (which she'd received in 2023). At the time, the goal was to prevent the network from airing Where Is Wendy Williams? But that attempt was denied by an appeals court, and A&E aired it as planned.

Why Is A&E Countersuing?

A&E execs did not just sit back and let Morrissey's lawsuit drive them into hiding. Instead, the company's legal team is fighting back against the legal guardian's initial suit with the claims that she was infringing, or attempting to, on the org's First Amendment rights. With the proof being the first lawsuit that tried to block the docuseries from airing.

One of the arguments here has A&E blaming Morrissey for forcing its execs to focus their efforts on defending the company in court against what they feel are bunk accusations. To that end, A&E's legal docs point out that documentaries focusing on subjects with dementia aren't illegal to film, and that her signing the talent agreement makes that point moot anyway.

Pointing the finger of blame back at Sabrina E. Morrissey, the A&E paperwork states:

Wendy Williams and others reportedly weren't too happy with the final cut of the docuseries showing her out of sorts and not always mentally present, among other things. And it's not likely that she would have returned (or will return) to film more of the docuseries, or even if she'd be able to at this point. But until we're allowed to hear it straight from her, it's unclear where things truly stand.

Remember back in the day when you were home sick from school or work and had nothing to do but watch hours of daytime talk shows like Oprah, Jerry Springer, and Maury? Over the years, those shows, and countless others, gave us shocking TV moments that made us laugh, cry, and a little bit of both along the way. 

And since nostalgia is a well that never runs dry, here are 32 daytime TV talk show moments we’ll never forget, no matter how hard we try.

Tom Cruise's Couch Incident On Oprah

Tom Cruise’s 2005 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show has to be one of the most iconic and strangest interviews the actor has ever conducted (though not the most contentious). The clip, which features the War of the Worlds star jumping on a couch and professing his love for Katie Holmes, quickly became one of the first viral videos on the up-and-coming YouTube platform.

The Creator Of Bum Fights Dresses Up Like Dr. Phil

The media and parent groups called the Bum Fights DVDs dangerous, exploitative, and crass when they were released and became highly controversial back in the early 2000s. So, when one of the creators, Ty Beeson, was invited for an interview on Dr. Phil, it only made sense for him to dress up like host Phil McGraw, which created one of the most insane moments of daytime TV.

The Tragic Crush Episode Of Jenny Jones

The Jenny Jones Show features what is probably the most notorious daytime TV talk show moment of the ‘90s, but it wasn’t really because of what happened on screen. Three days after he told Jonathan Schmitz that he had a crush on him, Scott Amedure was shot to death by the man. According to the New York Times, Schmitz was sentenced to 25-50 years in prison for the crime.

A Brawl Breaks Out On Geraldo

We’ve all seen the image of Gerald Rivera wiping blood from his face, but did you know what led to the iconic TV moment? During a 1988 taping of Geraldo, a massive brawl broke out between two groups following a heated discussion on race relations. The rest is TV history.

'Catch Me Outside' On Dr. Phil

Bhad Bharbie, who would become a massive OnlyFans star later on, became a massive internet sensation after her infamous “Catch Me Outside” moment on Dr. Phil. Appearing on an episode about troubled youths, Danielle Bregoli uttered the words that would be used and reused and remixed countless times in the days, weeks, months, and even years after the encounter.

The Fainting Incident On Phil Donahue

The late Phil Donahue gave daytime TV some great conversations and moments over the years. And while many episodes touched on some serious topics, one 1985 episode ended in chaos when several members of the audience (who were paid) began fainting.

A Young Boy Makes A Drill Instructor Cry On Jenny Jones

Throughout the ‘90s and 2000s, it seemed like every daytime TV talk show had some variation of “kids behaving badly,” but few became as emotional as this one seen on The Jenny Jones Show. When a drill instructor asked a boy if he wanted him to be his dad, the child left him in tears when he said yes because he didn’t have a daddy. Bring on the waterworks.

'Andrew, You Are Not The Father' On Maury

Don’t lie, you’ve probably spent countless hours watching “You are not the father” videos from those paternity reveals on Maury. But who are we to judge? The best has to be a 2005 episode in which a man named Andrew began dancing after hearing those fateful words.

Wendy Williams Passes Out On Live TV

During the Halloween 2017 episode of The Wendy Williams Show, the host, dressed like the Statue of Liberty, collapsed in the middle of her live broadcast. The veteran host quickly popped back up and continued with the show. 

The Guy Who Married A Horse On The Jerry Springer Show

The Jerry Springer Show had its fair share of crazy moments (many of which we can’t write about), and one of the silliest took place during an episode where a man, who appeared to be blind, said he was married to a horse. Best of all, the young horse was brought out on stage, and the audience lost it.

G.G. Allin On Geraldo

G.G. Allin was one of the foulest, crassest, and unforgettable figures in the American punk rock scene throughout his short yet eventful life. A little more than a year before his not-all-shocking death, the transgressive king of shock rock appeared on Geraldo where unsuspecting viewers got a taste of this over-the-top character.

'Oh No, Don't Go Back There, That's Worse' On Maury

Some of the best episodes of Maury were those where guests were forced to confront their biggest fears. While there were some more toned-down encounters, some, like the guest who was afraid of balloons were truly bonkers. Maury Povich yelling “Oh no, don’t go back there, that’s worse” while a grown woman screams about balloons was TV gold.

When Everyone Got A Car On Oprah

The Oprah Winfrey Show had some wild moments throughout its historic run, including a 2004 episode where Orpah started giving cars to members of the audience. It has been memed countless times over the years (the “bees” version still reigns supreme), but the site of the audience losing their minds over free cars was both wholesome and hilarious.

Dakota Johnson Calls Out Ellen Degeneres On The Ellen Show

Dakota Johnson showing up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to call out the host for comments she made about not being invited to her 30th birthday party is so awkward yet so unforgettable. It’s one of those scenes that play in our heads at 3 a.m.

Boot Camp For Wild Kids On Sally

Sally Jessy Raphael hosted a total of 3,820 episodes of Sally, so it should be no surprise that there was at least one memorable moment throughout the show’s 19-season run. One of the wildest has to be a 2000 episode in which several wild kids were sent to boot camp. These so-called tough teenagers instantly transformed into scared kids when they found out what was happening.

9/11 On Live With Regis & Kelly

If you go back and watch the September 11, 2001 episode of Live with Regis & Kelly, you can see the moment the hosts knew the world was forever changed. What started out as a normal show quickly unfolded into a historical record of one of the worst days in American history.

The Michael Jackson Interview On Oprah

In 1993, Michael Jackson sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey, where the TV journalist pressed the “King of Pop” on everything from his changing appearance to his love life and the various scandals that were following the singer at the time.

The 'Bring Out The Olives' Freakout On Maury

The “Bring out the olives” moment on Maury has to be one of the most unhinged segments in daytime TV talk show history. It has drama, it has (unintentional) comedy, it has suspense, it has it all. That poor woman nearing pulling Maury’s arm off in an attempt to protect herself from a jar of olives is something we’ll never forget.

Rappers And Punk Rockers Discuss Obscenity On Phil Donahue

Remember when The Phil Donahue Show held an hour-long discussion on obscenity and indecency with members of 2 Live Crew and Suicidal Tendencies? Well, back in 1990, the TV show host had the two groups, among others, on to tackle a number of topics in an intelligent and honest way.

Rosie O'Donnell Vs. Elisabeth Hasselbeck On The View

The View is pretty much set up so that the revolving group of hosts can argue about various topics (both serious and not-so-serious). One of the most explosive moments took place in May 2007 when Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck got into a legendary debate over politics. Things got so heated that O’Donnell left the show and didn’t return for nearly a decade.

'Macho Man' Randy Savage Reacting To Ric Flair On Live With Regis And Kathie Lee

Do you know what’s better than celebrities appearing on wrestling shows? Wrestlers appearing on daytime TV talk shows. One of the wildest came in 1992 when “Macho Man” Randy Savage showed up on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee to react to videos of Ric Flair, with whom he was feuding in WWE.

'I'll Try Anything Once' On The Jerry Springer Show

Though we’re not sure if it was staged for The Jerry Springer Show (this was the case more times than not), there was an incredibly heartwarming moment when a guy learned the woman he had been chatting with online was actually a man. Instead of having a negative reaction to the revelation, the man simply said “I’ll try anything once” and the two embraced.

An Honest Discussion About AIDS on Phil Donahue

The Phil Donahue Show wasn’t afraid to address some more serious topics over the years. In November 1982, the talk show host dedicated an entire episode to a thoughtful and informative discussion on the AIDS epidemic long before it became a massive talking point. 

Matt Lauer And Tom Cruise's Showdown on Today

“You’re glib” are two words that anyone watching the June 2005 interview between Tom Cruise and Matt Lauer on The Today Show will never forget. In a sprawling conversation that got heated and confrontational at multiple points, the actor and TV host went at it about everything from Cruise’s career to ADHD medications for kids.

The 'Dula Peep' Gaffe On The Wendy Williams Show

Back in 2018, when Dua Lipa was still an up-and-coming music star, she became the topic of discussion for a very odd reason. During an episode of The Wendy Williams Show, the host was talking about the singer when she called her “Dula Peep,” creating a massive meme in the process.

Tyra Banks' Fear Of Dolphins On Tyra

Tyra Banks’ TV show is like a treasure trove of wild incidents, including one that felt like something out of King of the Hill, one of the best cartoons of all time, and not a daytime TV program. Basically, the model-turned-host was swimming with some dolphins when she lost her mind and freaked out while everyone watched from home.

The Kung-Fu Hillbilly On The Jerry Springer Show

The “Kung-Fu Hillbilly” was a recurring guest on The Jerry Springer Show. And while his subsequence appearances were great, his debut is the stuff of legend. The stories, the presence, and the kung fu chops and “roundhouse kicks” were something, but it reached a whole other level when he went and attacked another guest 

The Wagon Of Animal Fat On Oprah

During a 1988 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, the host showed up 67 pounds lighter and a wagon of animal fat that she used as a prop to show how much she had lost in her journey. The startling image of a massive bag of discarded meat had a massive effect on Winfrey and everyone who watched.

Kanye West's Rant On The Ellen Show

Kanye West is no stranger to making people feel uncomfortable, but he really outdid himself during a 2016 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he went on an extended rant about everything that was going through his head. For nearly 17 minutes, the controversial figure talked about his relationship with then-wife Kim Kardashian, the meaning of life, and all those wild tweets.

The 'Rabies Incident On Tyra

Do you all remember when Tyra Banks acted like she was infected with rabies on TV? No, well, the Tyra host went as far as to spit out fake foam and thrash about the set acting like someone from 28 Days Later.

'I'm In Love With My Cousin' On Ricki Lake

The Ricki Lake Show, like a lot of other ‘90s and 2000s daytime talk shows, did everything it could to get viewers. Yes, that includes one episode where someone came on to profess their love for their cousin, and it was something.

Oprah Confronts James Frey About His Fraudulent Memoir On Oprah

Just a few months after Oprah Winfrey added James Frey’s “memoir” A Million Little Pieces to her official book club, the TV host had the author on her show to confront him about the various fabrications he made in his best-selling book about addiction. The book was later turned into a movie starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role, but the damage was done.

Over the last few years, we’ve learned a lot about all the health issues Wendy Williams has faced alongside professional challenges, like The Wendy Williams Show ending. Now, there’s a Lifetime docuseries, Where Is Wendy Williams?, that dives into a lot of those sensitive topics. Following its premiere, the talk show vet’s project was met with backlash, with some claiming it was exploitative. However, now two of the producers of the series are opening up about how Williams reportedly feels about it. 

Erica Hanson, a producer on the docuseries, told ET that Williams and her son Kevin Hunter Jr. were producers on the project, and they wanted to “be able to tell her story so honestly and truthfully.” The producer went on to say that making this wasn’t easy, and the story they were telling was one full of hard moments. To that point, she said:

Where Is Wendy Williams? covers topics like Williams' financial struggles and her health troubles, which include memory loss, addiction, Graves disease and lymphedema. The docuseries was filmed between August 2022 and April 2023, per Today, and also addresses things like Williams being put under the control of a court-appointed guardian and the end of her show. Right before the documentary’s premiere, it was confirmed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, and her family opened up about her health struggles. 

Despite the project facing backlash regarding how it portrayed Williams’ health issues, with some calling it exploitative the article noted, producer Mark Ford said she “appreciates” the “love and attention” she’s received from fans since its release on the 2024 TV schedule in February. He said:

Along with this claim, Ford noted that he hasn’t spoken with her since the documentary premiered. However, he has kept in touch with the Williams family, and he noted that they are “supportive of the project." He said he’s also met with people close to the talk show host, and they reportedly said:

While they were making the documentary, Hanson explained that Wendy Williams didn’t put many “limitations” on them. She said the TV personality was “very direct” about what she would and would not do, but overall, there wasn’t a lot off limits. To that point, Ford explained:

Overall, this docuseries covers a lot of very personal challenges Wendy Williams has faced. Viewers weren’t sure what to make of it, as many thought it might have dived too deep. However, the producers claimed that the former host wanted to go to those places and talk about them. 

As we learn more about the response to Where Is Wendy Williams?, and if the beloved talk show host directly speaks up about the project, we’ll be sure to keep you posted. 

No one behind the scenes of Lifetime’s much-discussed docuseries Where Is Wendy Williams? could have fully known everything that would transpire with the former talk show queen’s health and personal life when filming. Especially considering the doc’ origins were centered on Williams’ unrealized plans to start a podcast in the wake of The Wendy Williams Show’s final episode airing after a full season without her in the purple chair. With all four parts of the cable project having aired, one of Williams’ former talk show producers has spoken out about how pained she felt while watching.

Yazmin Ramos rose up the ranks behind the scenes at The Wendy Williams Show, not only in going from production assistant to senior producer, but also going from a dutiful employee to a trusted colleague who spent a ton of time with Williams on a regular basis. As such, Ramos found it very difficult to watch a friend she knew so well become someone entirely unfamiliar during the course of Where Is Wendy Williams?, which she opened up about in a self-authored article for Business Insider. 

In Ramos’ heart and mind, Williams will always be the same woman who won over millions of fans with her long-running, Hot Topic-filled show, someone who told it like it she saw it, experiencing the world without many filters. But with the camera crew beginning filming just as the public was starting to learn she was facing a number of health problems amidst a reportedly heavy addiction to alcohol. According to Ramos:

In her years on the show, Yazmin Ramos says she always worked hard and went the extra mile for Williams, who acknowledged and rewarded it at times. The woman she knew was warm and embracing. She continued:

While Ramos didn't directly indicate that the docuseries offered up any false information about her former boss, she did stress the hope that at least some people come away from watching it with positive mindsets about Wendy Williams still intact. As well, that the former host knows the impact she's made on those she worked with and entertained, even if Where Is Wendy Williams? didn't always hone in on positive vibes.

Yazmin Ramos isn't the only former Wendy Williams Show vet to have spoken out about the celeb's sudden downswing. DJ Poof said that it wasn't obvious to those on the show that Williams was suffering from any problems, though he personally had an inkling something was amiss because he'd "been around it."

In the docuseries, Williams’ niece Alex Finnie told the producers that after the news broke that The Wendy Williams Show was canceled, it didn’t truly take hold in her aunt’s mind for an unexpectedly long time. Finnie claimed it took “weeks, months” to convince Williams from going out and saying that she was returning to the show, which painted a very troublesome picture, with her memory coming into question at several points in the Lifetime project.

Ahead of the docuseries' airing, representatives for Williams went public with her medical diagnoses, revealing she suffered from primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, and that both had already "presented significant hurdles" in her life.

Though filming stopped in April 2023 as things grew more serious, it wouldn’t be surprising if network execs are already planning on a follow-up for down the road. For now, Where Is Wendy Williams? can be streamed on Lifetime.

Last week we learned that former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The announcement comes after years of struggles for the host which included Williams losing her popular daytime talk show. Now one member of that show is speaking out about Williams’ battles, saying that while people on the show knew she was having problems, nobody understood the extent of the situation.

Before the aphasia diagnosis, Wendy Williams had been battling alcohol addiction and having conflicts with people on The Wendy Williams Show this ultimately led to the cancellation of Williams’ show, with the time slot taken by Sherri Shepard. The recent diagnosis would seem to at least explain part of what was going on. Friend and co-worker of Williams DJ Boof recently told TMZ that while people certainly knew Williams was dealing with something, nobody understood what was going on. Boof explained…

The drama surrounding The Wendy Williams Show lasted for years before the show was eventually canceled. Williams was reportedly having financial issues for some time, and the final season of her show was handled almost entirely without her, as the host dealt with unspecified health problems.

Wendy Williams is dealing with the same frontotemporal dementia that forced Bruce Willis to retire from acting. It requires constant supervision, but even there we find controversy. Williams' family is taking issue with just who is providing that care.

Williams’ family says they have not been able to see her, and they are seemingly not being updated on her condition. Her son accused the guardianship that is overseeing Williams of taking advantage of her. DJ Boof doesn’t know why they are being kept at a distance, but he does believe Williams’ family should be there for her. He continued…

A new documentary which premiered Lifetime takes a look inside Wendy Williams’ life as it is today. It may provide some answers that explain everything that has been going on in Williams' life. Her family will be included, so fans will at least be able to see both sides of this fight.

A top executive of the Sherri show has been found dead during an investigation into financial irregularities on the show. Matt Uzzle was an executive-in-charge of the daytime talk show hosted by Sherri Shepard, who was reportedly found dead on February 13, though information is only coming to light now. While authorities are not commenting on the open investigation, at least one report is claiming the death was by suicide.

Page Six says that Uzzle was under investigation by the show at the time of his death. His responsibilities on Sherri included dealing with the show's finances, and it seems there were some serious problems there. 

Reportedly the rent on the New York studio where Sherri was taped had not been paid since September and there were also concerns regarding petty cash, though it’s not clear exactly what those concerns were. The issues were brought to the attention of the parent company that owns the Sherri show, and an investigation was launched. 

Some reports cite sources that were afraid that Sherri might end up being canceled due to the financial problems, though others claim things were not so dire. It does seem that when the parent company launched an investigation, many behind-the-scenes became seriously concerned about the show's future. 

The report claims that Uzzle told investigators he needed some time to get the paperwork together regarding the financial questions. After people lost touch with Uzzle and hadn’t heard from him in a few days, a welfare check was performed by police, where he was found dead. 

Matt Uzzle had been the executive-in-charge since the days of The Wendy Williams Show. Sherri Shepard took over the show in 2022 following Williams’ departure for health reasons, and much of the crew behind the camera simply moved on from one show to the other, a move which reportedly caused tension on the new Sherri show.  The show included an “in memoriam” to Uzzle on February 15, but beyond that, the exec’s death hasn’t been major news. 

While the timing of the investigation and the death are certainly coincidental, we certainly shouldn’t jump to conclusions until more information is known. There are many questions left unanswered in the wake of Uzzle’s death, and it’s unclear if there will ever be answers. 

The Sherri parent company, Debmar-Mercury, told Page Six it had retained legal counsel as part of its investigation into the financial issues, and until we get more details from both that investigation and the one from the police, it will be impossible to know for certain what has happened here.

Whatever the full story, a man has died and there will be those mourning his death. Matt Uzzle had worked in daytime TV since at least 1994, with jobs on Maury and The Montel Williams Show before working on The Wendy Williams Show.  

Daytime TV doesn’t look quite the same as it did just a few years ago, due in part to the headline-making fall from the spotlight suffered by Wendy Williams. The longtime talk show host, celebrated and derided for her behavior while on the air (from live TV farts to seemingly disrespectful death announcements), has been almost completely absent from public life more than two years after her eponymous series was ended, though a new Lifetime docuseries aims to tackle the myriad rumors that have surfaced regarding her alcohol abuse,rehab stints, health issues, financial struggles, family strife, and more. 

Despite being one of the most popular daytime TV hosts for years on end, Williams’ personal ups and downs began garnering more attention over time, with her 2017 on-air collapse as one of the first attention-grabbing red flags, leading into her later publicly revealing her Graves’ disease diagnosis. Williams entered a healthcare facility in April 2023 as treatment for mental issues reportedly caused by alcohol use (per her son in the documentary), at which point the Lifetime docuseries filmmakers wrapped filming. She’s apparently been in that facility ever since, and her family has raised concerns about being unable to directly contact or communicate with Williams themselves. At this time, reportedly the only person allowed to reach out to her at any given time is a court-appointed guardian.

Here’s how Wendy Williams’ sister Wanda Finnie put it, per People:

That’s precisely one of the questions that the docuseries, which will air four installments across two days, will attempt to answer with the months’ worth of footage filmed between August 2022 and April 2023. The project features moments that will no doubt shock and dismay viewers, such as a segment where Williams is being driven around in her car, and she asks her driver to swing by the studio where The Wendy Williams Show was filmed, not remembering that they’d already just done so. CinemaBlend previously reported on her alleged memory problems.

Williams’ driver was also interviewed for the documentary series, and it seems like he was just as out of the loop and concerned as anyone else in her life. As he put it:

It’s no doubt a troublesome time for Williams’ family and friends who aren’t always fully aware of what she’s up to or how she’s feeling. Not that things were always going smoothly beforehand, as the talk show vet was prone to suspicions and accusations in recent years. In the documentary, for instance, she calls out her financial guardian, whose identity hasn’t been publicized, for stealing money from her. However, no evidence of such crimes was made available, and no one else backed her claims. 

It was in the fall of 2021 when Wendy Williams’ TV troubles first arose, with Season 13’s start being delayed on multiple occasions due to behind-the-scenes issues. The show later began filming with guest hosts taking her spot, which remained the case for the rest of the season, one that now stands as the final year of The Wendy Williams Show, even though she wasn’t part of it. It doesn’t seem like she’ll ever get back to the job that made her a household name, but hopefully some answers will come out of this docuseries.

Check out the trailer for the new project below!

Where Is Wendy Williams? will make its debut with back-to-back episodes on Lifetime on Saturday, February 24, at 8:00 p.m. Episodes will also be streaming with a Philo subscription or Sling subscription.

One of the things that makes talk shows so popular is the friendly intimacy they create. As viewers, we all want to feel like we're welcoming the show into our own homes. Obviously, the best talk show hosts drive the conversation, but every great host needs a great foil and that's where the sidekicks come in. Here's our list of the best sidekicks on talk shows, and how each was used to make the show better. 

Ed McMahon (The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson)

The granddaddy of all talk show sidekicks has to be Ed McMahon. For 30 years, McMahon was Johnny Carson's right-hand man on The Tonight Show. He served as the announcer, coining the famous "Heeeeeeeeere's Johnny!" intro to the show, and he also sat on the couch next to Carson's desk for the entire show, mingling with the guests and laughing at Carson's jokes. 

Paul Schaffer (The Late Show With David Letterman)

Paul Schaffer wasn't the first bandleader to be incorporated into the banter of a talk show, but he was the first to be the bandleader AND sidekick. Schaffer was first the leader and keyboard player for the "World's Most Dangerous Band" on Late Night With David Letterman on NBC, then served the same role in the CBS Orchestra when Letterman switched networks and started The Late Show With David Letterman. He was also the guy Letterman bounced jokes off nightly and was a true sidekick in all senses of the word. 

Andy Richter (Late Night With Conan O'Brien)

When Conan O'Brien took over for David Letterman on Late Night, he brought with him comedian Andy Richter. Or, more accurately, head writer Robert Smigel brought in Richter. He was an important member of the cast for the show's first seven years before departing. He would later rejoin O'Brien on his short-lived stint as host of The Tonight Show and again on Conan for TBS, from 2010 to 2021 when that show ended. 

Geoff Peterson (The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson)

By far the most unique sidekick on this list has to be Geoff Peterson. Geoff, you see, isn't a person, he's a robot. A robot that was actually designed by the late Mythbusters host, Grant Imahara. He was the sidekick on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and he was voiced by Josh Robert Thompson.

Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Live!)

Guillermo Rodriguez has to be the least likely person to become a talk show sidekick on this list. Rodriguez started as a security guard at the theater where Jimmy Kimmel Live! is filmed and by complete chance ended up as one of the most beloved people on the show as his appearances became more and more frequent and he got more and more comfortable playing bits in skits and commenting on the show's happenings. 

Questlove/The Roots (The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon)

Jimmy Fallon doesn't really have a traditional sidekick on The Tonight Show, instead, he has a whole band. Sure, Questlove is the most prominent member of the house band, The Roots, in respect to the show, but the whole band plays its part as the host's sidekicks. 

Fred Armisen (Late Night With Seth Meyers)

Seth Meyers has the ultimate sidekick in Fred Armisen on Late Night With Seth Meyers. Not only is Armisen a comedian and SNL vet along with Meyers, but he's also a great musician and as such, is both a comedic foil for Meyers AND his bandleader. 

Chuy Bravo (Chelsea Lately)

Chuy Bravo had an interesting road to fame. Unconfirmed legend has it that he fell in love with acting when the Steve Martin movie Three Amigos was filmed in his village in Mexico when he was young. While that may or may not be true, it still took Bravo years to get into the industry, but when he did, he made the most of it as the sidekick on Chelsea Lately for the show's entire run. Bravo died in 2019. 

Stephen "tWitch" Boss (The Ellen DeGeneres Show)

Stephen "tWitch" Boss tragically died by suicide in 2022 just a few months after the show that helped make him famous, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, went off the air. He was a beloved part of the series, serving as both DJ and sidekick, as well as the occasional guest host when Ellen DeGeneres was on vacation. 

John Melendez (The Tonight Show With Jay Leno)

One wouldn't think that a guy with the nickname "Stuttering John" would make for a good announcer, but John Melendez proved that wrong as the announcer and sidekick on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. In addition to traditional announcer duties, Melendez was often a part of skits and other bits on the show alongside host Jay Leno. 

Regis Philbin (The Joey Bishop Show)

It's almost impossible to imagine Regis Philbin as anything other than a host. The television legend set records in his career doing just that, but he started as Joey Bishop's sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show. Throughout the show's brief run (less than three years), Philbin played the role of the young apprentice to the Rat Pack veteran, often as the butt of Bishop's jokes about his young age (though Philbin was in his mid-30s when the show aired). 

Reggie Watts (The Late Late Show With James Corden)

Reggie Watts has the distinction of being the sidekick on not one, but two shows. First, he served as DJ/band leader on Scott Aukerman's mock talk show Comedy Bang! Bang! and left that show to do the same thing on The Late Late Show With James Cordon in 2015, where he remained until the show ended in 2023. 

Max Weinberg (Late Night With Conan O'Brien)

In 1989 Bruce Springsteen broke up his longtime group, The E Street Band, and drummer Max Weinberg was left in the wilderness. After bobbing around for a while looking for a steady gig, he landed a spot as the bandleader for Late Night With Conan O'Brien. At first, he was just that, in charge of the music, as Andy Richter was the real sidekick. When Richter left the show in 2000, Weinberg started filling that role, in addition to playing drums and leading the band.  

Hannibal Buress (The Eric Andre Show)

As sidekick on The Eric Andre Show, Hannibal Buress was unique. He was expressly disdained by the audience (on purpose) and rather than support host Eric Andre, he was often critical of Andre's performance. Like the whole show, it turned the standard talk show fare on its head and it was brilliant. 

Branford Marsalis (The Tonight Show With Jay Leno)

When Branford Marsalis landed the bandleader job on the new Tonight Show With Jay Leno he was already a world-renowned jazz star. The saxophonist served both as bandleader and sidekick, as Leno didn't have a traditional sidekick. It was that second role that Marsalis came to dislike, and it eventually led him to leave the show after just three years. 

Gene Rayburn (Tonight With Steve Allen)

Tonight with host Steve Allen, which aired in the mid-1950s, was the forerunner to NBC's Tonight Show and it set the template for pretty much all talk shows that followed. That template included announcer Gene Rayburn as a sidekick, participating in comedy skits and banter with the host. 

Steve Wilkos (The Jerry Springer Show)

Steve Wilkos is a different kind of sidekick. As head of security in the heyday of The Jerry Springer Show, Wilkos' main job was to break up the endless fights that happened between guests. He was so prominent that his role evolved into one of foil for host Jerry Springer and he eventually parlayed that into his very own talk show. 

Hugh Downs (Tonight With Jack Parr)

Hugh Downs was ubiquitous on television from the 1940s until his retirement in 1999. His first major exposure came as the announcer and sidekick to host Jack Parr on Tonight With Jack Parr, the second iteration of what would become The Tonight Show. Like other announcers in the show's history, Downs served as a comedic foil to the host. 

Steve Higgins (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)

The most recent in the long line of announcers/sidekicks on The Tonight Show is Steve Higgins, who has been in the role since Jimmy Fallon took over as host in 2014. Like the others, he's involved in comedy sketches and banter with the host. He previously served the same role when Jimmy Fallon hosted Late Night. 

Jon Batiste (The Late Show With Stephen Colbert)

Following in the path first taken by Branford Marsalis with The Tonight Show, jazz great Jon Batiste was the bandleader and de-facto sidekick for the first seven years on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, before leaving for other career opportunities in 2022. 

"Weird Al" Yankovic (Comedy Bang! Bang!)

"Weird Al" Yankovic needs no introduction. For more than 40 years he's been a legend in the music industry, known for his hilarious parodies of hit songs. Less well-known to the general public was his brief stint as the bandleader and sidekick in the final season of Comedy Bang! Bang! where he brought his trademark surrealism to an already completely surreal show. 

Edd Hall (The Tonight Show With Jay Leno)

Like Ed McMahon before him, Edd Hall served as the announcer for The Tonight Show when Jay Leno took over for the retired Johnny Carson. While he didn't sit on the couch like McMahon, he was an important part of the show, often participating in comedic sketches and bantering with Leno during the monologue. 

Skitch Henderson (Tonight With Steve Allen)

The first bandleader in Tonight Show history was Skitch Henderson, who led the band for both the Steve Allen-headed show and later in the first few years of the Carson-led show. He wasn't as involved as a sidekick as his successors, and in what few clips that survive, didn't seem comfortable in that role. He left in 1966 to pursue a more serious career as a conductor. 

Doc Severinsen (The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson)

The Tonight Show has had a lot of bandleaders over the years, but maybe the most beloved is Doc Severinsen. Severinsen was in the band on the show from the very first iteration with Steve Allen in 1953, until Johnny Carson retired in 1992, for the last 25 years of which, he was the leader. He also assumed sidekick duties when Ed McMahon was out, or both McMahon and Carson were off and there was a guest host. 

Tom Scott (The Chevy Chase Show)

Tom Scott is an incredibly accomplished musician, having played on albums by George Harrison, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and many more. He also has the unique distinction of being a bandleader/sidekick on two infamous talk shows by celebrities that didn't last. First, The Pat Sajak Show, and second, The Chevy Chase Show. 

Louis Cato (The Late Show With Stephen Colbert)

When Jon Batiste left The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in the summer of 2022, they wasted no time installing fellow Stay Human musician Louis Cato as the new band leader. Cato has a more traditional approach to being a bandleader and is less of a comedic sidekick as a musical one, often performing full songs with the band and with guest musicians. 

Arthur Treacher (The Merv Griffin Show)

When Merv Griffin developed The Merv Griffin Show, he chose Arthur Treacher as his sidekick, who played the part very much like Ed McMahon played it on The Tonight Show. Treacher was a show business veteran, but found his highest degree of fame sitting next to Griffin and bantering on the show. 

Kevin Eubanks (The Tonight Show With Jay Leno)

Jay never never had a traditional sidekick during his long run as host of The Tonight Show, instead, he used his bandleaders, like Kevin Eubanks, as his bantering partner. Eubanks took over from Branford Marsalis in 1995 and remained there until leaving the show in 2010, a few years before Leno retired himself.

Craig Shoemaker (The Magic Hour)

For eight magical weeks in the summer of 1998, NBA superstar Magic Johnson hosted The Magic Hour in first-run syndication. For about the first three of those weeks, his sidekick was comedian Craig Shoemaker. Shoemaker was fired after publicly calling the show "The Titanic." Turns out, he was right, and the show was canceled a few weeks later. 

Glenn Humplik (The Tom Green Show)

One of the weirdest talk shows of all time was The Tom Green Show on MTV. Host Tom Green, who was never afraid to earn an R-rating, picked his sidekick because it was his childhood friend Glenn Humplik, whose main job, it seems, was to just take abuse from Green. Sure, it was funny, but wow, it was pretty denigrating, also. 

Jimmy Vivino (Late Night With Conan O'Brien)

While Max Weinberg was the bandleader for Late Night With Conan O'Brien, he was often away later in the show's run, touring with Bruce Springsteen. On such occasions, Jimmy Vivino took over. Eventually, Weinberg left the show and Vivino took over the role Weinberg had played as the bantering partner for O'Brien. 

Norman Baker (The Wendy Williams Show)

The Wendy Williams Show was unlike anything else, mostly because of Williams' unique personality. She was mostly a one-woman show, but occasionally bantered with the show's producer Norman Baker. 

Every great host needs a great partner, so as long as there are talk shows, there will be sidekicks to joke with. 

The Wendy Williams Show came to a somewhat unceremonious end this year, as its host battled health issues that prevented her from returning for the 13th season. As Sherri Shepherd closed out the series’ final episode — which featured a tribute to Wendy Williams, if not the TV personality in the flesh — and clips from the show were scrubbed from YouTube, there was some concern regarding the fate of the host’s iconic purple chair and other memorabilia. Well, Wendy fans, worry no longer, because the former host herself has provided us with an answer to what happened to the chair, along with an update about her next career move.

Wendy Williams returned to Instagram on November 3, telling her fans to “#StayTuned” on the official page for her upcoming podcast The Wendy Experience. While it’s great to see the host making moves to return to the media following a stint in rehab, many fans were also excited to see that the purple chair also lives on: 

After The Wendy Williams Show’s series finale — which her ex-husband Kevin Hunter called a “travesty” — it was reported that the chair was going to be “thrown out,” along with the host’s wigs, shoes, artwork and other belongings. However, her manager Will Selby seemed to refute those claims, saying he’d told Wendy Williams that they should go get them since they belonged to her and were iconic. Now we have the proof!

Listeners of The Wendy Experience will be able to rest assured that the professional gossiper will be sitting in her rightful place when she delivers whatever new content she’s got planned for the pod. While Wendy Williams had announced her pivot away from television earlier this summer, it was unknown what the status of her career path was after getting help for her alcohol addiction. Following her stay in rehab, it was even reported she might be interested in opening her own restaurant. Just imagine if all the chairs therein would be modeled after the talk show's.

The talk show host may be “home and healing” now, according to her representative, Shawn Zanotti, but some scary stories emerged about Wendy Williams amid this latest step in her recovery. Sources claimed she couldn’t stop drinking and kept having to be reminded that her show had been canceled, and another worrying claim emerged about her being “at death’s door” during a relapse in 2020.

Details have also come out about the confusion that surrounded The Wendy Williams Show’s 13th season. Insiders report that a Zoom staff meeting — intended to clarify the show’s situation after the premiere date was pushed back — went south after Wendy Williams became incoherent, and Debmar-Mercury’s co-presidents abruptly ended the call. In the end, Williams didn't return to the show for any of its final season installments, with a series of guest hosts filling in. The decision was made for Sherri Shepherd to permanently take over the time slot with her own show, Sherri, which debuted in September. 

It’s good to see Wendy Williams back in our news feeds, and particularly in her iconic purple chair. Hopefully her health is now in a place where she can tackle the new podcast and whatever else is next. In the meantime, check out our 2022 TV schedule to see what premieres are coming up. 

Wendy Williams has lived through a tremendous amount of difficulties in the past several years that most people would consider deeply stressful. In early 2019 the now former host of The Wendy Williams Show told her fans that she’d been residing in a sober living facility, and shortly after, Williams divorced her husband after reports of him fathering a child with another woman went public. Her many health issues soon became too much, with Williams sitting out all of what would become the final season of her daytime talker. Now, there are more alleged worries coming from those who know Williams, as there are reports that her habits are taking a toll and she can’t remember that her show was canceled.

What Are Insiders Claiming About Wendy Williams’ Habits? 

Even before Wendy Williams admitted to fans on her talk show that she’d been battling with addiction and living in a sober house to fully recover, the former radio host had been open about her addiction to cocaine. While Williams is now attempting to find her way back into the spotlight with a podcast that she’s said to be working on, though, The U.S. Sun is reporting that some close to the star are now worried that her habits are making things worse for her. According to one anonymous source:

Basically, the source claims that Williams is still trying to live like someone who has her life fully together, possibly to the point of ignoring the severity of her health problems and all the consistent changes needed to her lifestyle to make things better for her in the short and long term. Another source got more specific, and noted that Williams’ use of alcohol is seen as an issue:

Williams has been struggling with the symptoms from Graves' disease, along with a number of other health conditions, for quite some time. But, those problems increased enough in the summer of 2021 that she was unable to return to her talk show, which is what led to its eventual cancellation, and one of her guest hosts, Sherri Shepherd, being given her own show in the former Wendy Williams Show timeslot this fall. With reports that Williams passed out next to a glass of champagne in a New York City storefront in early August, it’s obvious why those close to her might see her drinking as an issue.

Wendy Williams Seems To Be Forgetting That Her Show Was Canceled 

While fans were already very concerned about Williams’ health as a series of guest hosts kept her show going, it was in early 2022 that several troubling rumors surfaced about the state of Williams’ mental health, as well. Fans heard that she was having trouble eating and dressing herself on a regular basis without help, along with not being able to hold normal conversations and sometimes not recognizing people she’d known for many years. 

The early months of this year also saw Williams become embroiled in a fight with her bank after they denied her access to her money and information regarding her accounts, when those in charge became suspicious that she was an “incapacitated person” who was “of unsound mind.” And, though Williams and several who’ve been on her team or close to her over the course of this year have denied reports of her having trouble with her mental health, she’s also had at least one public instance where she appeared to have forgotten that her talk show had been canceled. 

In early May, while doing an Instagram Live (via THR) with rapper Fat Joe (who acted as one of the guest hosts during The Wendy Williams Show’s final season) Williams noted that she’d “absolutely” be back on her show, though she could have been referring to making an appearance in the finale, which didn’t end up happening. 

Hopefully, Wendy Williams will get the help she needs, and be able to make the comeback she and so many of her fans want.

The day is fast approaching for Sherri Shepherd to debut her new talk show, and she’s excited to finally be taking over the time slot previously held by Wendy Williams with her own show, rather than just serving as a guest host. The comedian/actress has some big ideas when it comes to what she wants Sherri to accomplish, and it sounds like she’s getting advice from the right person to make those things happen. Shepherd opened up about the wise words she was offered from none other than Oprah Winfrey about how to find success in the daytime TV realm.

Sherri is set to premiere on Monday, September 12, as a replacement for The Wendy Williams Show, which was canceled after its 13th season when the eponymous host was unable to appear for the final season due to health issues. Sherri Shepherd filled in for Williams as a guest host, but now that she’s set to call all her own shots, she took advantage of the opportunity to pick the brain of one of the most famous talk show hosts in TV history. Shepherd recalled to EW the advice she got from Oprah:

If Oprah says to bring the energy, you can bet that Sherri Shepherd will do just that. For one thing, I can imagine that following any advice “The Queen of All Media” sends your way would be a good idea. But also, Shepherd’s background in stand-up comedy proves that she already knows how to engage her audience. In fact, she’s said that with Ellen DeGeneres ending her show after 19 seasons, she has the opportunity to fill that void of a daytime talk show hosted by a comedian.

Sherri Shepherd was apparently able to glean a good bit of advice from Oprah Winfrey, as she said she took multiple pages of notes during her audience with the iconic host. She said:

I can only imagine the gems that Oprah Winfrey dropped, and Sherri Shepherd must feel pretty fortunate to have those words of wisdom. Shepherd already had some ideas about how her show will differ from Wendy Williams’. She wants a celebrity-friendly atmosphere, where her guests won’t have to worry about a “gotcha” moment. Audience feedback suggested that some people thought Williams was “mean,” but that is not something Shepherd plans to carry over to Sherri. Perhaps that will help her attract A-listers including Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep and, of course, Oprah Winfrey herself. 

Sherri is set to make its debut in syndication on Monday, September 12, so check your local listings for time and channel. You can also check out these movies and shows to watch if you love Oprah Winfrey.

Sherri Shepherd is mere weeks away from debuting her new daytime talk show Sherri, Debmar-Mercury’s replacement for The Wendy Williams Show, which was canceled after its 13th season amid the host’s health struggles. Shepherd served as one of many guest hosts in the outgoing series' final season, which ultimately won her the opportunity to lead her own chat-friendly project. Because not only did the company reportedly see good ratings for episodes with the comedic actress running thangs, but audience members’ feedback regarding Wendy Williams herself also played a part in Shepherd being named the official replacement.

As it became increasingly obvious that Wendy Williams would not be able to return to work while dealing with medical issues, Debmar-Mercury co-president Ira Bernstein told THR that he and others began looking at their longer-term options. Along with needing a host who could bring their own style and personality, they wanted to be sure to retain as much of the impressively large crowds who already tuned in for The Wendy Williams Show as possible. Feedback from her hardcore fans and critics helped them do that, with Bernstein saying:

It was important to Debmar-Mercury that whoever take over for Wendy Williams “fill that niche about gossip and entertainment,” so her audience would continue to tune in, and Sherri Shepherd seemed the right fit to do that in a more celebrity-friendly way than Williams had, the co-president said.

While Wendy Williams’ strong opinions and fearless attitude was part of what attracted so many fans, apparently some of it came off as “mean” to some within her audience. (To be fair, that's also why another section of her fanbase liked her so much.) But “mean” is something Sherri Shepherd says she is not going to do. The former View co-host has said her guests will not have to worry about facing a “gotcha-moment” — which is pretty important if she hopes to attract the caliber of celebrity on her wish list, which includes Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep. 

Another aspect Sherri Shepherd hopes to bring to daytime TV is her comedy background. With Ellen DeGeneres ending her award-winning talk show after 19 seasons, an opening was created for hosts with stand-up comedy experience, and that’s a “void” Shepherd is excited to fill. Not that comedians aren't sometimes known for being mean themselves, even outside of Roast specials, but Shepherd has experience with speaking confrontationally without becoming disrespectful. 

Sherri is just one addition to the ever-changing landscape of daytime TV. The Jennifer Hudson Show will also make its debut in September, with the EGOT winner joining fellow American Idol veteran Kelly Clarkson in the talk show universe. Sherri Shepherd’s former colleagues on The View also added two conservative-leaning co-hosts for their 26th season in Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.

With so much happening, be sure to stay tuned to our 2022 TV Schedule for all of the premiere dates, and check your local listings to see what time and on which channel you can find Sherri in syndication when it premieres Monday, September 12. 

Even as Wendy Williams is allegedly forging ahead with her new plan to return to the airwaves, there remains quite a bit of concern about the state of her health. Rumors and questions have really circulated since Willliams collapsed on live television in 2017, but her condition has become particularly worrisome in the past year, with the daytime talk show host unable to return for what ended up being the final season of The Wendy Williams Show. Her former staff members have shined some light on what went down behind the scenes of the show during that stressful time, recalling a Zoom meeting that was held with the media personality ahead of the decision to cancel the show.

On September 30 of last year, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein organized a Zoom call to update Wendy Williams’ staff after the start of Season 13 was pushed back from its original premiere date of September 20, per THR. However, with many of the 100 Wendy Williams Show employees gathered either in person or remotely, the meeting apparently went south rather quickly, with claims that Williams did not seem like herself, combined with her speech becoming muddled. One insider described the meeting as such: 

The co-presidents had apparently rehearsed with Wendy Williams what she was going to say during the meeting, and had been talking with the host for around two hours prior to it. But when they realized the staff was becoming increasingly concerned, rather than having their fears allayed, the Zoom session promptly ended, causing further confusion. 

Lonnie Burstein, Debmar-Mercury’s vice president, attended the aforementioned virtual meeting in the studio with about 50 members of the staff, and said the reality became clear to them all at that time. In his words:

Later that same day, it was announced on Instagram that The Wendy Williams Show would be delayed further, with new episodes returning October 18. But when Season 13 did premiere, the eponymous host remained absent, and guest hosts continued to fill in for Wendy Williams throughout the season. 

In February the decision was made to officially replace The Wendy Williams Show with Sherri, a new show hosted by Sherri Shepherd. The former View standout had been filling in frequently for Wendy Williams, and her episodes reportedly brought in the most impressive viewership and ratings stats, thus her landing the new gig. 

Close to a year later, the situation surrounding Williams' health isn’t any clearer. Early in August, she reportedly said she’d gotten married, which her brother Tommy Williams said was “very unnerving” because it wasn’t true. He'd also spoken out in the last few months about the “heart-wrenching” situation, as Wendy apparently does not think she needs any help.  

With this new information about the staff meeting that was held ahead of Season 13, it’s easy to see why there was so much confusion and worry surrounding that situation. It’s also disheartening that Wendy Williams’ loved ones continue in that same state today. As always, we hope the best for the iconic media personality.

As Sherri Shepherd started running The Wendy Williams Show last year, a spotlight was shined on Williams’ health troubles as it became apparent she would not be returning to her daytime show. While The Wendy Williams Show was canceled after a full season of missing its star on the air, in more recent weeks, reports have broken about new comments the star reportedly made about being married (she's not) and more. Now, Wendy Williams’ brother has spoken on the record about the situation, calling it “very unnerving.” 

Early in August, Hollywood Unlocked revealed a conversation that allegedly happened with Wendy involving news about her recent nuptials. Host Jason Lee noted when he’d talked to Wendy on the phone she’d told him she had gotten “married” in what would have been surprise news. The conversation was pretty straightforward, with the host recounting: 

That interview was quickly followed up by her rep, who said the marriage comment was “inaccurate,” and that the star “probably got carried away.” Now, her family is speaking out about the stories related to the daytime host that have broken in recent days, including the faux marriage comments.

What Wendy Williams’ Brother Had To Say After The Married Quotes Broke

To note, the comments Williams’ allegedly made on the podcast do not seem to be accurate to what is actually going on in her personal life. The former daytime host’s brother Tommy confirmed to Page Six that his sister had not married an LAPD officer, also sharing his feelings about his sibling's behavior. 

He also noted the two had been in touch recently and she hadn’t mentioned a husband before noting the family feels Williams may not be “healthy” enough after her myriad issues to be going out and making appearances already. Per the report, she may not be around people who have her best interests at heart. Tommy also said it’s been “really sad” to watch from the outside, also stating: 

I’ve been with Wendy since the very beginning and she’s never talked like this, but I don’t think it’s her fault. It’s a precarious situation.

The news comes a little over a month after Tommy spoke about his sister in a separate interview. She’s been doing press recently to talk about her daytime show’s cancellation as well as her health battles, including a struggle with lymphedema. Williams has also been going out in public more often, to events including an after party following this year’s Met Gala and more. 

Regardless, Tommy has been clear he feels Wendy Williams  is “struggling,” previously saying that it’s been hard because his sister doesn’t seem to recognize a need or want help. 

Wendy Williams’ Family Aren’t The Only Ones With Concerns

Her rep William Selby has even said that Wendy Williams is not yet 100%. He’s noted he’s “trying [his] best to make [his] client happy,” even when he doesn’t always agree with where she wants to take her career. 

Though her talk show has been canceled, Wendy Williams has plans to launch a podcast by mid-August. She’s been moving forward with certain interviews and more, but it sounds like there are concerns about what might happen if the former daytime personality goes into full gear too soon.

Her pals and fellow TV hosts are rooting for her, however, with Charlamagne tha God has shared his hopes Williams will make a comeback given her history of success in the TV business. Nick Cannon also allegedly sent support to Wendy after his daytime show was also cancelled this year. We'll be sure to keep you updated if any further news related to the host breaks.

We know Wendy Williams’ television days are behind her. After The Wendy Williams Show was canceled after 13 seasons amid ongoing battles with her health, she has said she’s turning away from TV, and Williams is now focusing on a new podcast. The outspoken media personality has lots of fans who are hoping she can finally make that comeback, and that includes her friend and ex-colleague Charlamagne Tha God, who weighed in on the former talk show host’s legacy and what he hopes to see from her in the future.

Charlamagne Tha God started working with Wendy Williams on her radio show The Wendy Williams Experience in 2006 and has called her his mentor. Though the relationship between the two has been rocky over the years, The Breakfast Club host told E! News’ Daily Pop he said it would be a shame for her not to make a comeback, given the huge mark she’s made as a Black woman in media. He said:

Charlamagne Tha God definitely thinks the potential is there for Wendy Williams to make a triumphant return to media, and it sounds like he has nothing but respect for her, despite any feuding that occurred in their past. Williams’ ex-husband Kevin Hunter fired Charlamagne Tha God from The Wendy Williams Experience in 2008, and that — along with the fact that Charlamagne had introduced Hunter to his longtime mistress — caused a rift between the radio host and Williams that lasted over a decade.

The two have since ended their feud, though Charlamagne told Andy Cohen on Sirius XM in December that he hadn’t spoken to Wendy Williams since 2020. He still thinks, however, that the way things went down with her talk show — with fans saying The Wendy Williams Show finale wasn’t the tribute she deserved, and even Kevin Hunter calling it a “travesty” — shouldn’t be how the icon goes out. Charlamagne told Daily Pop:

The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode in June, and though many had hoped to see Williams make one last appearance, she was not present for the finale, which featured only a video tribute to Williams. Sherri Shepherd and a number of other celebrities took over hosting duties for the show’s 13th season, with parent company Debmar-Mercury choosing to move forward with Shepherd hosting her own show, Sherri, which is set to premiere on Monday, September 12. Be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what other premieres are coming soon.

A lot of Wendy Williams' fans are probably still reeling a bit from the end of her eponymous talk show back in mid-June, after 13 years on the air. Williams was, of course, absent from the entire final season of her show because of a number of health and financial issues, but viewers figured the finale would feature the long-time host’s actual presence in some way. When it didn’t, lots of fans took their ire to social media, and now Williams ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, has shared his adamant thoughts about how the show allegedly treated her before cancellation.

What Did Kevin Hunter Say About How Wendy Williams Was Treated By Her Show?

Debmar-Mercury served as The Wendy Williams Show’s long-time producer and distributor, and while those behind the company had seemed supportive of Williams over the last several years as she dealt with personal problems ranging from her 2019 divorce from Kevin Hunter to addiction and other health challenges, Hunter has now claimed that that actually wasn’t the case. About Williams struggles with sobriety, Hunter recently told Page Six:

In late 2018, Williams started an extended break from her daytime talker, after suffering what was called “health complications” from a shoulder injury and her Graves’ disease. However, once she was back on the air, Williams announced on her show in March of 2019 that she’d actually been living in a sober house, and was continuing to do so until she could get her addiction problems under control. 

According to Hunter, those from Debmar-Mercury were not supportive when they and Williams’ family members sat down with her to attempt a sort of intervention for the famed host after she worked full time while living in that sober house. It was also shortly before Hunter welcomed a child with another woman and Williams filed for divorce, which Hunter alleges led to him being fired from the show (something he’s now suing the production over).

Though this is sad, if true, it may help to explain why The Wendy Williams Show’s producers decided that one season without the host amid her dealing with a myriad of health problems was enough. It was announced in February that Williams’ show wouldn’t return following Season 13, noting it would be replaced by guest host Sherri Shepherd’s new talk show, with the new host giving props to Williams for paving the way.

At the time of this writing, representatives for Wendy Williams and Debmar-Mercury haven’t commented on Kevin Hunter’s claims about how the show treated Williams amid her addiction recovery, but it’s little surprise that he’d go on the record with his allegations, seeing as how Hunter was also brutally honest about the “travesty” of the series ending without Williams’ involvement.

Wendy Williams is reportedly working on getting her career back on track with a supposedly celeb-fueled podcast now that she’s conquered some of her health woes, so, hopefully, that can arrive on a timeline that works best for Williams, and fans can hear, “How you doin’?” again in the near future.

It’s been an intense last few months in the world of daytime talk shows. The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded after a 19-season run. Meanwhile, the likes of The Wendy Williams Show, The Real and Nick Cannon’s self-titled entry were all canceled. In the case of Williams, guest hosts had been temporarily filling in for some time as the namesake reportedly struggled with health and financial problems. The patience seemingly ran out from her production company, but the star allegedly got major support from fellow ouster and longtime friend Cannon in the wake of the cancellation.

The infamous “Hot Topics” talker is being replaced in her time slot by none other than Sherri Shepherd, who had been frequently filling in as a temp host. Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury company followed up the move by not featuring Wendy Williams in the finale of her show. (The producers used a tribute video instead.) Nick Cannon’s show had been fronted by the same company and, according to a source for Page Six, he supposedly didn’t appreciate how he and Williams were treated. In addition, the Wild ‘N Out alum is said to have taken a stand against Shepherd’s appointment:

The first season of Nick Cannon had been streaming on YouTube while also airing on TV after Wendy Williams’ time slot. The source claimed that Cannon felt “indebted” to Williams, whose faith in him reportedly led to the creation of his own talk show. Apparently, though, Debmar-Mercury was relying too much on bringing in leftover audiences from TWWS and The Real in order to “propel Nick’s numbers,” and as a result, “they failed miserably.”

However, another insider for the outlet refutes the insinuations about The Masked Singer host’s supposed loyalty to Wendy Williams. On the suggestion that he wouldn’t back Sherri Shepherd as the replacement, they say is entirely “not true.” In fact, he was evidently “always a pleasure and business professional” in his BTS dealings, according to them.

Initial reports had indicated that the syndicated talk show was only supposed to be on a five-week hiatus so Nick Cannon could attend to his other filming obligations (The Masked Singer and Wild ‘N Out). Eventually, though, there was talk of a sudden change of plans by Debmar-Mercury that led to the series getting shuttered entirely, with crew receiving severance pay. For his part, Cannon had reflected after the cancellation that he understood the “business” reasons behind the talk show getting cancelled after one season, adding that he was essentially just going with the flow of change.

The Drumline actor has a lot else on his plate anyway besides allegedly going to bat against Sherri Shepherd’s come up as a host, including the slew of babies he’s helped conceive with different women of late. (On the last count, his ninth child is on it way later this year.) In tandem, the media personality has been having to backpedal certain statements of his regarding wanting to win back ex-wife Mariah Carey.

But back to Wendy Williams. There was a lot of criticism from both the fanbase and Williams’ ex-husband that her show’s series finale handled things poorly by not including her in the plans. Williams weighed in herself in an interview with The New York Post. She told them that there was “nothing” she liked about the supposed tribute to her work on the show. What's more is that she confirmed the speculation that she hadn’t even received an invitation by Debmar-Mercury for a last appearance, saying her reaction to watching it play out from her living room was largely, “Eek!”

To add yet another insult to injury, as she prepares for her post-talk show future, Williams' fans got some bad news. Recently, her former show was scrubbed from the internet ethers almost entirely, as though it didn’t even really exist… Eek, indeed. Nevertheless, Nick Cannon and Sherri Shepherd are seemingly going to be just fine moving forward: Season 8 of The Masked Singer, and the freshman season of Sherri are slated for fall premieres on the 2022 TV schedule.

The Wendy Williams Show came to an end on June 17, after 13 seasons of celebrity gossip, strong opinions and, “How you doin’?” inquiries. However, the show went out with a whimper, rather than the bang you’d expect from anything bearing the longtime host’s name. Many fans took issue with the fact that Wendy Williams was not featured on her series finale, saying she didn’t get the tribute she deserved, considering what she contributed to the world of daytime television for 12 years. Norman Baker, Williams’ longtime producer on the show, was asked about those opinions and responded to the criticism.

Ahead of The Wendy Williams Show’s final episode, some wondered if the namesake host would make one final appearance before shutting off the lights. However, when the day came, there was no Wendy, but there were lots of kind words about the host from Sherri Shepherd and the guests, as well as a video tribute. Overall many fans were upset, and took to social media to air their grievances. Norman Baker told Carlos King on the Reality With the King podcast he was not a part of the decision-making that went into the finale. He said:

Norman Baker said he doesn’t know exactly what happened, or if anybody from the show reached out to Wendy Williams to make an appearance. Ahead of the finale, insiders reported that there were mixed feelings about her possibly coming back. While some apparently thought it would be weird to close the show without her, others were reportedly ready to move on under the stability of Sherri Shepherd, who inherited much of Williams’ staff for her upcoming talk show Sherri. 

Despite the criticisms, Norman Baker said he was “good” with how the series finale turned out, recognizing that no celebration would have actually been enough to honor Wendy Williams. In his words:

Not everybody felt that way. After The Wendy Williams Show finale aired, the host’s ex-husband Kevin Hunter called it a “travesty” that more was not done to honor the 12 years of work that Wendy Williams had put in. He absolutely ripped the production, saying it showed a “lack of professionalism,” and that there was no reason a celebration involving his ex-wife couldn’t have happened. He also blasted the higher-ups for not supporting Williams amid her health struggles.

One way or the other, everybody now appears to be trying to move on. Wendy Williams has announced she’s done with television but plans to return to media by way of podcast. Meanwhile, Sherri Shepherd plans to fill a void in the daytime TV realm with Sherri, which will take over the time slot previously held by The Wendy Williams Show in September. Be sure to check out our 2022 TV schedule to see what other premieres are coming soon.

The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode on June 17, having wrapped after 13 seasons. The somewhat awkward affair was a rather fitting end to a final season during which its eponymous host never once returned. A montage recalled a number of memorable guests and moments from years past, and the host’s trademark, “How you doin’?” catchphrase was repeated quite a few times throughout the episode by guest host Sherri Shepherd, the audience, crew members, and assorted guests. But apparently Williams was not doin’ OK when she heard her famous purple chair and other memorabilia were headed for the trash after the finale, because she has apparently rescued the items. 

After reports that set pieces from The Wendy Williams Show — including the iconic purple chair and multiple wigs — were being “thrown in the trash,” The Sun reports that Wendy Williams’ manager Will Selby went with the former host to retrieve her belongings. Selby said: 

Along with Wendy Williams’ chair and “a couple of wigs,” Will Selby said they claimed some custom-made shoes and some artwork that was created for her. He said those items were important to the host, as well as her fans, and the purple chair will find a new home in a different studio, as the media personality spoke recently about starting a podcast. It was important to Williams that she reclaim what was hers, her manager said: 

Wendy Williams didn’t appear in any episodes from her talk show’s 13th season, amid health concerns from COVID and other ongoing issues, but with reports that she was “on the mend” and hoping to return to TV, some wondered if she’d make an appearance on the series finale. She didn’t, and while the host herself didn’t comment publicly on her show’s final episode, her ex-husband called it a “travesty.”  

Fans were dealt another blow when the show’s official YouTube channel was scrubbed, along with other domains that included clips and interviews from The Wendy Williams Show, and it sounds like that memorabilia was simply going to be discarded as well, as The Sun previously reported that a source said:   

I’m glad Wendy Williams was apparently save her items, because to simply get rid of them like that just doesn’t seem right. Regardless of the drama that surrounded The Wendy Williams Show's final season, or any before it, there’s no denying the media personality left her mark on daytime TV, and in the 12 seasons she did host, she was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmys.

Back in February, Debmar-Mercury announced The Wendy Williams Show would be officially replaced by a new talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd, who was one of many guests to fill in for Williams in Season 13. While Shepherd has remained respectful and complimentary to her predecessor, she has clarified that the two women are not friends, and Wendy Williams previously threw some shade at her replacement, saying she would not be tuning in when Sherri premieres. So we can probably assume Shepherd wouldn't have been the one to step in and save the purple chair.

Even with reports of Wendy Williams trying to get back to work, her brother reports that It’s a sad situation overall. We hope she continues to take care of herself, and her fans will be excited if and when she makes her return to media. Until then, be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what new and returning shows are premiering soon.

Daytime TV viewers are seeing a huge shift in the landscape after a number of longtime talk shows came to an end this year. Ellen DeGeneres, for one, wrapped her show after 19 seasons, and The Wendy Williams Show was canceled after 13 seasons when its namesake host was unable to return for the final season amid health and financial struggles. To that end, Sherri Shepherd is stepping in with her own show, Sherri, and she sees a specific void in the daytime TV slate that she plans to fill.

Sherri Shepherd was one of many guest hosts who stepped in for Wendy Williams when she was unable to return for Season 13 of her show. The decision was eventually made to cancel The Wendy Williams Show and give the time slot permanently to Shepherd. However, the former co-host of The View told People, she’s going to put her own spin on her series, filling a hole that’s been left in the world of daytime TV, particularly since the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Shepherd said:

The Kelly Clarkson Show has been tapped to take over Ellen DeGeneres’ vacated time slot, and the American Idol winner is apparently putting her show through a complete overhaul in order to do that. Every host has their strengths, however, and where DeGeneres is known for her comedy, Kelly Clarkson is more musically inclined. Singing is and will likely remain a big part of the former Voice coach’s show, clearing the lane for Sherri Shepherd and comedy background.

The actress said as a guest host on The Wendy Williams Show, she stayed within the format that Wendy Williams had established, but with her own eponymous talk show, Sherri Shepherd looks forward to bringing her own flavor and finding “the lightness and the humor of a hot topic story.” She said:  

Sherri Shepherd seems excited about being able to call the shots on her own series, but when Sherri premieres, there’s one person who likely won’t be tuning in. Wendy Williams threw some shade at the woman who’s replacing her, saying that what Shepherd brings to the table is “really not my thing.” To each her own!

As well as Wendy Williams and Ellen DeGeneres, Maury Povich hung up his hat after a 31-year talk show career. NIck Cannon saw his talk show axed after just one season, and The Real was also canceled following the end of its eighth season. In the musical milieu, meanwhile, Kelly Clarkson will be joined by fellow American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, who’s set to debut her own show this fall.

Viewers who are excited to see Sherri Shepherd put her stamp on the world of daytime TV can do so this fall, with the premiere of Sherri coming September 12 (check your local listings for time and channel). You can also see what other premieres are coming soon with CinemaBlend's 2022 TV Schedule.

There have been lots of scary reports thrown around regarding Wendy Williams and the state of her health over the past year or so. The former talk show host was absent for the entirety of the final season of The Wendy Williams Show, with people around her at one point saying the media personality was struggling with simple tasks including eating and getting out of bed. Now, as she attempts to make a comeback — not to television, but rather podcasting — her brother has spoken out with some more troubling statements about her condition.

Tommy Williams spoke with Good Day DC about his sister following an interview she did with TMZ, in which she revealed she was done with TV following the cancellation of her talk show that is being replaced by Sherri Shepherd's Sherri. Wendy Williams also spoke about her battle with lymphedema, which she said has left her with just 5 percent feeling in her feet. Despite her claims that she’s not letting any of that hold her back, her brother described a “very heart-wrenching” situation that paints a bleak picture. He said: 

Wendy Williams has been getting out and about more in recent months, even making an appearance at the Met Gala afterparty. However, Tommy Williams makes it sound like his sister actually needs more help than she’s letting on and is reluctant to admit that to those around her. Wendy Williams is certainly headstrong, and that attitude is part of what’s attracted fans to her over her nearly four-decade career on TV and radio, but it sounds like the circumstances are quite frustrating and heart-breaking for her loved ones. 

The former talk show host has reportedly been “on the mend” for months, and she had been talking about a return to TV sooner rather than later, even amid the series finale of The Wendy Williams Show, which did not include the namesake host. In fact, Wendy Williams’ ex-husband Kevin Hunter called the show’s final episode “a travesty.” Fans were dealt an additional blow when the show’s official YouTube channel was scrubbed, along with other domains that included clips and interviews from The Wendy Williams Show.

We, like her many fans, look forward to whatever project comes next for Wendy Williams, but her physical and mental health should definitely be the priority. We continue to hope that she is getting whatever help she needs. While we wait for updates — maybe about that podcast she mentioned — stay tuned to our 2022 TV schedule to see what new and returning shows are premiering soon.

Just a few weeks ago, talk show aficionados witnessed the end of an era, as The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode. The fan-favorite series signed off after 13 years, without the titular host actually being there. Williams, who’d had a revolving door of guest hosts filling in for her since last year, is currently in the process of planning her post-talk show future. Meanwhile, Sherri Shepherd is set to take over the veteran host’s former timeslot with her own program. Avid fans are more than likely sorry to see Williams go and, unfortunately for them, they just got hit with some more bad news. 

It would seem that The Wendy Williams Show’s presence on the web is being scrubbed in the aftermath of its cancellation. The show’s official YouTube channel, which included a sizable number of clips from various interviews, has been deleted. In addition, domains for the show like “wendyshow.com” and “wendywilliamsproductions.com” no longer forward users to resources for the production. Variety notes that the former merely gives an error message, while the latter domain now appears under an auction at Go Daddy. 

The YouTube channel’s deletion is a serious blow for longtime followers of the program. There’s a chance that a number of people might’ve continued to visit the account in order to check out some of the sassy media personality’s most memorable moments. Considering the cancellation and the Sherri Shepherd rebrand, it was probably only a matter of time before said footage was made inaccessible, to be honest. Still, some are sure to find this disappointing, as the channel was the only public place where one could access the archived content. 

As time goes on, the reality of The Wendy Williams Show’s demise is really starting to settle in. Fans got a real shock just a few weeks ago when it was reported that Williams’ purple chair and other pieces of memorabilia were being “thrown in the trash.” This includes the former host’s famous wigs, which she reportedly never returned to claim. Though it’s not too surprising to hear that she didn’t pick up any momentos, especially since she’s apparently been very focused on the next steps in her career. 

With her health and financial problems apparently behind her, the star initially seemed to be eyeing a return to TV. The host said during an interview back in March that she was gearing up to head back to the old grind in a matter of months. And by April, a source alleged that she was “ready to work.” A recent report, however, suggests that her brand-new career plan involves a podcast, on which she’d interview an array of celebrities. Her manager even claimed that the star had already reached out to some high-profile celebrities about possibly appearing as guests.

Sherri Shepherd, on the other hand, is looking forward to headlining her own talk show, which premieres in September.  All the while, she’s been candid about Wendy Williams’ legacy, crediting her for blazing a trail for other TV personalities. Shepherd, who clarified that she and Williams are “not friends,” also helped pay tribute to her on the show’s final episode. While discussing her successor, Williams said that she liked Shepherd but threw a bit of shade when she “won’t be watching her” because “I know what she’s going to be doing and that’s really not my thing.”

It’s honestly weird knowing that we won’t be able to experience any of that signature snark via clips from past episodes of The Wendy Williams Show. I suppose fans do still have the memories, at the very least, and those could tide them over until the star is ready to return to the media landscape. 

Once upon a time, talk show host Wendy Williams and reality star NeNe Leakes were actually pretty good friends. They would even make appearances on each other’s shows – i.e. Williams’ now-defunct namesake on daytime TV and Leakes’ former broadcast home, The Real Housewives of Atlanta. However, the two have very different career situations nowadays, and that’s not the only thing that’s changed. Their friendship also happens to be over, thanks to a pretty wild falling out. According to Leakes, the beef supposedly saw her lose an entire TV series that was once in the works, too.

Why Wendy Williams And NeNe Leakes' Friendship Supposedly Ended

The bad blood between the two celebs seemingly dates back to an incident in 2014 concerning a pricey Birkin bag. NeNe Leakes famously jumped on the growing trend to “deface” the purse (meaning, to basically graffiti on it). The final result is still live on her Instagram, and one of the scrawled-on phrases seemingly was a pointed shot fired at Wendy Williams. More on that in a second. Take a look at the post here:

Per reporting by Page Six at the time, the host made a shady remark on her talk show that her supposed friend couldn’t afford to deface such an expensive item. The Real Housewives star then hit back later on that she was the “lowest of the low” for “spewing hate.” She also interestingly noted that the talk on the streets that she had allegedly “slept with” Williams’ then-husband perhaps played into the host’s commentary (the bag makes mention of closing one’s legs to “married men”), but the reality star was definite about the affair rumors being untrue. 

To make matters worse, though, the 54-year-old NeNe Leakes brought up how she was in early talks with Debmar-Mercury, the production company behind The Wendy Williams Show, to headline her own talk show alongside Tom Arnold. Namely, she'd written about Williams: “you’re scared I will take your place (I know you have heard! Ummhmm win wink) BE SCARED!”

NeNe Leakes Sheds Light On How She Lost Out On TV Gig

The perceived gloating was believed to be the real reason that the NeNe Leakes-led show never materialized. After all, with Wendy Williams being Debmar-Mercury’s biggest moneymaker for years, throwing darts at her didn’t seem wise. Yet Leakes is under the impression that it was one of her more innocent Birkin bag comebacks from the past that was the final nail in the coffin to her potential project. She told Page Six recently:

For his part, Tom Arnold attested to the outlet that Debmar-Mercury wanted his and NeNe Leakes’ endeavor to air in the time slot right after The Wendy Williams Show. But in the wake of the purse debacle, the plans suddenly went up in smoke. Arnold, a former star on Roseanne, supposedly spoke to a Debmar-Mercury producer about the rationale behind the decision, who allegedly said to him:

He continued that RHOA alum was “unrepentant” for her side of the situation but also thought that Wendy Williams was possibly feeling “competitive” with her former bosom buddy. Tom Arnold thinks it's somewhat understandable that the show got axed as a result because “the best way to get rid of your competition is to fire them.” Nevertheless, Arnold is “absolutely” still down to do the original TV show idea with his former collaborator if given the chance again.

What Are The Latest Controversies For Wendy Williams And NeNe Leakes?

Irony of ironies, Wendy Williams has obviously lost her own TV show in the intervening years since this reported feud first took place. Debmar-Mercury pulled the plug on The Wendy Williams Show back in February after months of guest hosts filling in for the namesake while she battled ongoing health issues. The company also decided to replace the 57-year-old with Sherri Shepherd in the same time slot for her own self-titled talk show (slated for release later this year on the 2022 TV schedule). The changing of the guard, to include only featuring Williams in the finale episode via tribute video, was viewed as bad form by her now-ex-husband.

The other irony at play here is that NeNe Leakes is still having controversial beef with her ex-friend and networks to this day. After the the former host appeared on Watch What Happens Live back in 2020, where she again shaded Leakes’ finances, the ex-Real Housewives star had her own words but mainly accused the Bravo network and Cohen himself of being racist. The drama seemed to die down for a time, with Leakes making hints that she was interested in returning to RHOA for another season. But in another sudden turn of events, she decided to file a lawsuit against Bravo and others in April over alleged discriminatory practices during her time on the reality series. (To boot, she herself is facing more accusations of affairs with married men -- this time in a lawsuit coming from her current boyfriend's wife.)

The Bravo lawsuit might be seeing a resolution sooner rather than later by some reports. However, it’s not looking like the feud between NeNe Leakes and Wendy Williams will be similarly repaired so easily or so soon.

Wendy Williams is officially off the TV circuit… for now. After 13 years on the air, her eponymous talk show signed off, without her being present for the final episode. Williams had been absent from the show since last fall amid a flurry of reports regarding her health and financial standing. Now, with the show over, her timeslot will be taken over by Sherri Shepherd, who had been filling in on the OG series (alongside a plethora of other guest hosts). There’s been much speculation about what Williams will do next, and it now appears that she’s devised a new plan for her career moving forward. 

Don’t worry, Wendy Williams is still going to be chatting, throwing shade and spilling tea. She just won’t be doing it on TV. The media personality is reportedly set to enter the world of podcasting. Her manager, Will Selby, shared the details with TMZ, saying that Williams currently has no interest in working in the television sphere full time. Selby will apparently serve as executive producer on the podcast, which Williams mostly hopes to use to highlight her favorite celebrities from the music industry. 

And it would seem that the host has already taken steps to line up some top-tier talent for the podcast. Per TMZ, Snoop Dogg and Fat Joe are among the stars that the former talk show staple has reached out to. The Kardashians and an unnamed member of the Trump family have also received invitations to appear. Based on this lineup, it’s clear that she’s looking to set up some spicy convos. 

This does seem like the perfect platform for a public figure like Wendy Williams. The market is a bit saturated at this time, as a number of celebrities have launched podcasts over the past several years. However, Williams’ unique voice and devoted fanbase do put her in a prime position to succeed. Add in some quality guests, and you’ve got entertainment gold. 

The career move is a bit surprising, though, given what’s been reported over the last few months. It was suggested, on multiple occasions, that the host was interested in returning to television. In March, she claimed that she’d be ready to return to her small-screen gig in “about three months.” Shortly after, a source alleged that she was “ready to work” and in “good form” after her reported medical and financial struggles. With all of that said, it’s totally possible the star simply changed her mind about the next steps in her professional life after some brainstorming and advice from her business partners. 

Despite this new development, I still wouldn’t throw out the idea of Wendy Williams making a return to TV. She’s still a widely popular pundit and, if she ever changes her mind down the line and seeks out another talk show, a studio could come knocking on her door. 

But whatever happens for her career-wise, it’s just good to hear that Wendy Williams is improving after what’s seemingly been a turbulent time in her life. A start date for the podcast has yet to be announced, though it’s probably a safe bet that when that first episode drops, her loyal fans will be listening in for that first “How you doin?”

Following a year of health concerns and financial issues for the namesake host and temporary guests filling in the interim, the decision was made to ultimately cancel The Wendy Williams Show after Season 13. There was some talk that Williams herself might return one last time on the show for the finale, but that was not to be. The final episode was instead handled with only a montage tribute video to the 57-year-old. And her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, shared some brutally honest thoughts on her absence.

The syndicated talk show has long been produced and distributed by the company of Debmar-Mercury, which presumably opted not to have Wendy Williams return for a last bow. Or so Kevin Hunter claimed in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. Hunter was a co-creator and former executive producer on the series until his ouster by the company in 2019 after the couple’s divorce. As he tells it, his ex-wife might’ve wanted to be part of the finale, saying:

He claimed that the production company had shown a “lack of professionalism” behind the scenes toward his former spouse and to the process of phasing her out from her show. The ex continued that the higher-ups didn’t support her “health-wise” during this time. (The host has reportedly been struggling with her flare ups related to Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism of late.) Furthermore, in his view, they didn’t respect that their “personal relationship” had suffered for the sake of The Wendy Williams Show. He said:

Wendy Williams’ ex-husband filed a lawsuit against Debmar-Mercury this year for wrongful termination. He alleged in the court documents that his firing was illegal in the state of New York since it was based on marital status. And he stipulated that he wanted at least $7 million in the suit, along with “punitive damages, lost wages, commissions,” as well as compensation for his legal fees.

It isn’t clear if the lawsuit has been settled in court yet. However, Kevin Hunter maintained his side of things to the outlet, saying his firing was due to the divorce, not his “job performance.” He also stated that the company attempted to “divide and conquer” in their relationship so they would have total “access” to the fan-favorite host. In addition, he accuses them of “deplorable” practices over the years and alleged that the real reason for the show’s cancellation would “come out very soon.”

Whatever the case may really be, the June 17 episode did celebrate the TV personality, just not with her present. Per Deadline, along with the tribute video, The Wendy Williams Show brought back the first-ever guest on the show, Vanessa Williams, for the final lap. Williams commended how “real” the former host was over the years, adding that she would “miss her presence.”

Wendy Williams’ replacement in her time slot, Sherri Shepherd, echoed those same sentiments. She called her the “Queen of all Media” and proposed that Williams changed the face of daytime talk shows forever with her “unique” approach. Shepherd has stated in recent months that she is not actually friends with Williams but, in the finale, she gave her props again for being an “icon” and continued that she was still “loved by so many.” The show ended with the crew delivering Williams’ notorious “How you doin’?” line all together.

The new series, Sherri, is expected to take over sometime in the fall. Be on the look out for the official premiere date and everything else that's slated for release on the 2022 TV schedule.

The end of The Wendy Williams Show is officially upon us, as the popular daytime talk show will come to a close after a successful run that endeared audiences to the titular host's no-nonsense opinions and unapologetic personality. The final season has been clouded by rumors and concerns about the health and financial well-being of its star, who did not appear on any of the Season 13 episodes. We now have official word on how the show will wrap its impressive run, and how it will pay tribute to Williams in the final episode.

Wendy Williams did not return for the Season 13 premiere of her talk show in October 2021. The host was said to be struggling amid a breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis early last fall and complications that arose from her many other on-going health issues, including Graves’ disease. A number of guest hosts came in to fill her chair, including Sherri Shepherd, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Michael Rapaport and Terrence J, and the series will conclude without a final appearance from Williams, a spokesperson for the series confirmed to Deadline:  

There had been some questions about whether or not the media personality would make one last appearance on the show before she officially passed the torch to Sherri Shepherd, who Debmar-Mercury tapped to take over the time slot permanently with her own talk show, Sherri. The show’s staff — most of whom will reportedly continue working on Shepherd’s show — apparently had mixed feelings about how the former host should be included in the final episode. Some people apparently wanted her to come back, while others were ready to put the past behind them and focus on the new lead.

When Sherri Shepherd does return with her own show, Wendy Williams has said she will not be watching, and despite the former The View co-host saying she’s thankful for the opportunity Williams provided her, the two don't appear to be close, as Shepherd has clarified that they are not friends.

Wendy Williams seems hopeful about returning to television herself someday soon, and her more frequent public appearances are a promising sign that she really is feeling like “her old self” again. However, after Wells Fargo appointed her a full-time financial guardian, it appears she’s still got some battles to fight. 

She has “strenuously” denied claims of being “of unsound mind,” after troubling reports that the former talk show host could no longer dress or feed herself prompted Wells Fargo to cut off her access to her finances and bank statements. After an investigation by the bank, a guardian was put in charge of her money — a decision her lawyer has said she “definitely isn’t going to accept.”

As she continues to fight to regain full control of her finances and make a return to television, we can at least see how The Wendy Williams Show pays tribute to its host in its finale. The talk show’s final episode will air Friday, June 17, so check your local listings to for the time and channel in your area. Also be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what shows are premiering and returning soon.

There’s a lot that’s been going on with Wendy Williams over the last several months, both on the financial and health-related fronts. Due to health issues, Williams has been off her daytime show for the whole season, and now the show will be moving on with Sherri Shepherd heading it up. Meanwhile, there have also been issues with her gaining access to her bank statements with Wells Fargo, with the latest update being that the former daytime host was appointed a financial guardian by a judge. Now, her lawyer is opening up about how she feels about everything that has gone down. 

When last this case came up, Wendy Williams had first been appointed a temporary guardian that had been in place since March but, hoping for access to her financial records, she had an attorney file an emergency petition with the hope of keeping the bank from continuing to deny her access to her funds. Instead, a full-time financial guardian was put into place, and according to Williams’ lawyer, that was not her wish at all. Speaking to THR, attorney La’Shawn Thomas openly stated: 

Well, that doesn't beat around the bush in regards to the star's feelings on the matter. Regardless, this whole situation with Williams' relationship with Wells Fargo and what's going on with her finances has been opaque for months, with Williams previously stating she feels the situation is "unfair." She also accused her former manager of taking over her credit card and appropriating $10,000 in funds in order to get the guardianship put into place. 

Regardless, first a temporary and now a more long-term financial guardian has been appointed by the court, though La’Shawn Thomas noted that she and her client feel there are irregularities behind why the guardianship was put into place. For months, Williams has “strenuously denie[d]” any rumors or allegations that she is mentally incompetent. Now, her lawyer is even claiming the bank may be attempting to “hide something.”   

While this has been going on, Williams had allegedly been dealing with health issues in the midst of taking what was then seen as an extended break from her daytime talk show. Meanwhile, reports about Wendy Williams have conflicted in recent months, with some saying she’d be fine to work and others citing concerns about her health. Obviously, the show is moving on without her, but the rest of what's going on is still very much in flux. 

We'll let you know if there are any more updates, but for now, the bank has not commented when contacted by The Hollywood Reporter. Wells Fargo had previously claimed Williams is an "incapacitated person" while working to get the guardianship in place. 

Season 13 of The Wendy Williams Show has been a strange one. The eponymous host has not appeared on her show this season, with guest hosts — including Sherri Shepherd — filling in as Wendy Williams reportedly battled health issues. Even as Williams denied some scary rumors and insisted that she was on the mend, the decision was made to officially end The Wendy Williams Show and replace it permanently with Sherri. As Debmar-Mercury, Shepherd, the crew, and everyone else involved continue turning over this new leaf, is there a chance Williams could make an appearance in her show’s series finale? 

Wendy Williams really does seem to be in better health these days, and she says she’s gearing up for a return to television after she regains control of her finances. Is there a chance, though, that she could get some closure on her current show before its last episode, which is reportedly slated to air June 17? According to Page Six, some staffers on The Wendy Williams Show are angling for her to return one last time, with an insider saying that many feel there should be a tribute to the host or a farewell: 

It certainly seems like a long shot, since Wendy Williams hasn’t been on the show all season, and she’s even thrown some shade in the direction of guest host Sherri Shepherd ahead of the official takeover. There seems to be no love lost for the new host, however, as Shepherd recently pointed out that she and Williams aren’t friends. Regardless of the relationship between the former and incoming hosts, another source told Page Six that the crew has no interest in looking back:

Sherri Shepherd will reportedly inherit most of Wendy Williams’ staff for Sherri. A third source seemed to agree that an appearance by the beloved entertainer is unlikely:

While it may be wishful thinking, it would make sense for The Wendy Williams Show to pay tribute to the woman whose name the show still carries. Even if this last season was a chaotic one for all involved, you don’t get to Season 13 by accident, and the show owes a lot to Wendy Williams, regardless of who is hosting its final episodes.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that the star wasn’t always “functioning” like she used to and needed “help eating, getting out of bed and getting dressed.” Around the same time, Williams’ bank, Wells Fargo, reportedly suggested that she needed guardianship when it came to financial matters. The former talk show host voiced frustrations with her bank, which she said had denied her access to her accounts. She also accused her ex-manager of spending $10,000 on one of her credit cards without permission. 

Within the past few weeks, the celebrity gossip maven publicly stated that she’d be ready to make her television return in a matter of months, after getting her financial affairs in order. In April, a source claimed that she was working with Wells Fargo to get access to her accounts again and that she’s ready to get back to work. 

We’re excited to see what’s next for Wendy Williams, whether that means a farewell appearance on her talk show or a new project altogether. While we wait for updates on that, check out our 2022 TV schedule to see what shows are premiering soon.

Wendy Williams has been at the center of a plethora of rumors over the past several months. Much has been said about the alleged health issues that have apparently kept her away from her eponymous talk show. And in February, it was first reported that the media personality was facing financial problems related to her bank as well. Williams has been speaking out as of late, though and, this past week, she revealed just how dire her money situation is. She also threw some shade at Sherri Shepherd, who’s taking over her timeslot now that her own show has been cancelled. 

Earlier this year, a report claimed that the longtime host was unfit to return to her duties at The Wendy Williams Show because she was not “functioning” as she once did. Others alleged that Williams had even developed Alzheimer’s disease, which was apparently keeping her from performing basic tasks. She opted not to discuss her health while appearing on TrueExclusives with Fat Joe. However, she didn’t hold back on her finances and state that she only has a few dollars to her name:

Wells Fargo, the TV staple’s bank, expressed concern about her personal situation and suggested that there be a guardianship component to her finances. The star’s former financial advisor, Lori Schiller, would eventually declare her to be “of unsound mind,” leading the bank to cut her off from her accounts. The gossip queen eventually called out both the bank and Schiller in a social media post, in which she called out an ex-manager for allegedly charging $10K to her credit card for legal services. In her interview with Fat Joe, the star went on to say that at this time, she has friends who provide her with cash for “essential things.” She says that this applies to restaurant visits or get-togethers with friends like Madonna.

Of course, the other part of Wendy Williams’ new reality is the aforementioned cancellation of her long-running show. Sherri Shepherd appears set to change things up a bit, and Williams is aware of this. When asked about Shepherd, Williams said that she does like her successor but doesn’t have any plans to watch her in action: 

After getting the new gig, Sherri Shepherd shared thoughts on her predecessor as well. Shepherd expressed how “thankful” she is to the former host for paving the way for her, though she also clarified that they’re not actually friends. While Wendy Williams threw the shade at Shepherd, she seems to enjoy the other hosts who’ve guest-hosted her show as of late, including Fat Joe:

It would appear that Wendy Williams has mostly moved on from her old talk show, which makes sense, as she’s reportedly looking to land a new TV project. Sources claim that she’s ready to get back to work and, based on her recent public appearances, she seems healthy. Of course, as it’s been alleged as of late, her small-screen return will apparently only happen if she's able to work out those lingering financial issues.

It’s been an unfortunate past few months for Wendy Williams. Reports suggested that her ongoing health problems (i.e. the reason behind guest hosts filling in on her daytime talk show) were in fact turning into serious financial woes. Her reps and legal team fervently denied any serious health decline in the matter but, ultimately, The Wendy Williams Show was cancelled after 13 seasons on the air. Still, it wouldn’t be long before Williams herself announced that she would be ready for a TV return in only three months. And it might just be the case after all, given the latest intel hinting that she is possibly prepping to get back to work.

Page Six spotted the TV personality out on the town in New York City earlier this week, and she seemed in relatively good spirits by the looks of her smiles for the cameras. She reportedly had dinner at the Fresco by Scotto restaurant with her niece, her niece’s boyfriend and Baruch Shemtov. According to onlookers who spoke to the outlet, the meal was both business and pleasure by all appearances. Supposedly, Wendy Williams was overheard saying that she was looking to make a “big comeback.” The subject of her financial beef with her bank Wells Fargo (which froze her accounts last that was heard) seemingly came up. A source revealed:

If true, it’s a promising sign for the media personality's future on television. Getting her finances back in order is one thing, but it’s another thing entirely if she is quite well enough to chat up her old connections. Baruch Shemtov is known as somewhat of a prodigy in certain high fashion circles, and he used that momentum to build an extensive resume as a journalist in recent years – working everywhere from CNN to the Huffington Post to Extra. Perhaps he might get the word out (or already is) about the ex-talk show host’s plans.

Along with the recent dinner sighting, Wendy Williams has been showing off her health recovery likewise on Instagram. Some have even hinted that she’s truly getting back to her “old self.” Page Six’s source alleges the same, that the transformation is apparent to those closest to the star. They said:

Unfortunately, though, it’s not exactly the best climate for ousted talk show hosts looking to start up something new. Several other longtime shows are coming to an end in 2022, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Maury. Not to mention, following the cancellation of Nick Cannon’s namesake talk show after a one-season arc, too, another daytime talk show in The Real is getting the axe as well after eight seasons on the air.

From all appearances, a newer, younger vanguard of hosts are taking up the mantle of daytime TV. Kelly Clarkson is replacing Ellen DeGeneres. The upcoming Jennifer Hudson Show is coming in hot in the wake of The Real’s cancellation. And Drew Barrymore’s relatively new talk show is charming the pants off viewers all the time. And of course, Wendy Williams herself is being succeeded by Sherri Shepherd. All of this may not bode well for Williams’ apparent prep work.

Nevertheless, the 57-year-old had joked in her return-to-TV announcement that she has “the mind and body of a 25-year-old.” So she clearly won’t be discounted just yet. We’ll see if things pan out and she is able to develop a new show that can be added to the 2022 TV schedule.

The entire daytime talk show climate seems to be in upheaval mode, as longtime staples including The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Wendy Williams Show and Maury are all coming to an end in 2022, as well as Nick Cannon, which was canceled after just one season. Now you can add one more name to that list, as The Real will also be ending its run after eight seasons. 

Warner Bros. decided to end The Real — which featured a format similar to The View that targeted a younger audience — after Fox declined to pick up the show for a ninth season, Variety reported. It's stated that the decision to pull the plug was reportedly unrelated to the upcoming launch of The Jennifer Hudson Show. Co-host Loni Love posted about the cancellation on her Instagram page, ultimately blaming the pandemic for the show’s fate:

It sounds like the co-hosts, who also included Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Garcelle Beauvais, were aware of the financial strain being put on the show and really went to lengths to try to continue in the difficult circumstances. And by all means, they were certainly justified in their attempts. In its eight seasons, The Real won three Daytime Emmy Awards and two NAACP Image Awards. 

Garcelle Beauvais also took to social media following the announcement, lauding the work of the cast and crew:

The Real’s cancellation comes amid a slew of other moves on the daytime talk show scene. The Jennifer Hudson Show is set to make its premiere this fall, which will replace The Ellen Degeneres Show as Warner Bros.’ flagship daytime talk show. Meanwhile, Hudson’s fellow American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson will take over Degeneres’ time slot when the Finding Dory star’s show comes to an end after 19 seasons.

Another veteran host, Maury Povich, will drop the mic on his 31-year talk show career later this year. New episodes of Maury will run through September before the 83-year-old host begins retirement. 

Wendy Williams had her talk show canceled after 13 seasons amid ongoing questions regarding her health. A series of guest hosts filled in for Williams on the final season of The Wendy Williams Show, as the host battled COVID, Graves disease and other issues. Eventually the decision was made to permanently replace Williams with Sherri Shepherd, who is set to debut Sherri this fall.

Nick Cannon was also caught up in the daytime TV shakeup, with his self-titled talk show getting the ax after just one season. The show seemed to provide an emotional outlet for the actor, as he dealt with some pretty heavy life events in that single season. Most notably the host had raw and honest conversations about the death of his infant son Zen to brain cancer.

The chance of The Real's cancellation being reversed in the near future isn't entirely negligible, since stranger things have happened in the world of TV. But it's probably best not to get anyone's hopes up just yet. 

With so much up in the air in the world of daytime TV, it’ll be interesting to see which personalities rule the lineup this fall. Stay up to date on what’s premiering and when by checking out our 2022 TV Schedule.

Over the last few months, reports have continuously circulated that Wendy Williams was suffering from severe mental and physical decline. Guest hosts temporarily filled in on her daytime talk show in the last season, but there were no appearances made by the namesake host herself. Eventually, the decision was made by Debmar-Mercury to cancel The Wendy Williams Show and replace her with Sherri Shepherd in the time slot. But Williams is not down-and-out just yet. After talk of a potential TV return, she has since stepped out in public to show off her recovery.

The 57-year-old in fact promised at one point that her TV comeback would only take three months’ time. (June, in other words.) As for her supposed deteriorating health, she flat-out denied all the rumors and quipped that she has the “mind and body of a 25-year-old.” And it would seem to be the case – if social media appearances are any indication. In a new Instagram post, Wendy Williams was up and about and smiling for the camera. She also, interestingly, captioned the post by only saying “Ready” with a big grin emoji. See the pic here:

But the question remains: ready for what, Wendy Williams? Is she hinting how she is “ready” to prove all the naysayers and critics wrong with a new gig lined up? There’s been no confirmation yet of such of an occurrence, so the Hot Topics talker is more than likely just ready to get on with her day in what looks like a full-on cheetah print ensemble.

Despite her apparent fast recovery of late, Wendy Williams is known to struggle with the autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism, which were the reasonings for her original hiatus. But with this latest snap, perhaps the tide of her illness is truly turning after all, and she is returning to her “old self” as has been suggested. However, the former talk show host has other problems still to contend with.

Legal and financial problems, that is. After The Wendy Williams Show was officially cancelled, Williams’ ex-husband decided to sue the show for wrongful termination on her behalf. Furthermore, the star herself has lately proceeded with legal action against the publicist behind certain statements to the press about her situation. And, to top it off, Williams also publicly accused her ex-manager of charging up one of her credit cards and attempting to keep her assets under a guardianship, outside of her control.

There may be a lot of issues still to be worked out before Wendy Williams can actually commit to another TV stint again. For the month of April, Sherri Shepherd and Michael Rapaport will trade off as guest hosts on the soon-to-be shuttered Wendy Williams Show, with it seemingly ending for good sometime by September 2022 when the replacement talk show hits the airwaves.

Sherri Shepherd is keeping it cordial in the meantime with, evidently, not-close-friend Wendy Williams. Fans catch future episodes of the final days of The Wendy Williams Show proper, 10 a.m. EST weekly on Fox, as part of the ongoing 2022 TV schedule!

Wendy Williams has been MIA on her own show through the entirety of the 2021-2022 TV season,  and more recently we learned she won’t be back on her namesake series at all. In fact, Sherri Shepherd will take over the slot as the next TV season hits the schedule. For now, The Wendy Williams Show has expanded with a few more guest stints, but when is the series actually ending so the transition can happen? 

This week, the show revealed that both Sherri Shepherd and Michael Rapaport have been signed on to work Wendy Williams’ show during the month of April. Both have served as guest hosts in the past, though it will be late in the month before these new stints begin. The Wendy Williams Show has a spring hiatus planned, following which Shepherd will host April 19-25. Rapaport’s stint will come at the end of the month. 

All of this is good and well, but it also begs the question: When will The Wendy Williams Show be ending? For that, we need to do a little 2022 TV schedule sleuthing or maybe even look back at last year. In fact, Williams was still on board the series last summer, taping her final Season 12 episode during July of 2021. 

One thing we do know for certain is that Sherri, which is what Shepherd has called the new show, is expected to hit the schedule in September of 2022. This is per a report at TMZ, but it would gel with the typical fall starts in primetime and daytime on the fall TV schedule. So sometime between now and then, the lights will dim, the curtain will close and the rotating guest hosts announcements will slow, to make room for some spring cleaning and the start of something brand new. 

Since Sherri will include staff currently working on The Wendy Williams Show, including David Perler, the showrunner for 12 of 13 seasons on the original show, it only makes sense that one series will transition into the other. A release from Debmar Mercury indicates the show will continue to sport Wendy’s name for the “remainder of this season” though gives no clear date at this point. A separate report at The Hill mentions the original series running until “this fall,” though given a lot of shows hiatus in late summer, that’s where I’d be putting my money on the last episode of The Wendy Williams Show airing, at least if I were a betting woman. 

Wendy Williams had been open in the past about suffering from Graves Disease and had separately taken breaks on her series previously before the events during Season 13. She also previously had mentioned a battle with Covid-19 and lived in a sober house for a while, among other health issues. She’s been dealing with personal life troubles as well, as issues coming to light in recent weeks have included back-and-forth with her bank, as well as Williams accusing an ex-representative of misusing her credit card. 

For her part though, Sherri Shepherd has only had nice things to say about Wendy Williams and her show, though Shepherd's noted they aren't "friends." The producers of the series have also wished Wendy “a speedy and full recovery.”

Even amid reports that Wendy Williams is returning to “her old self” health-wise, the former daytime talk show host is still fighting legal battles over her finances. She recently called out a former manager and Wells Fargo financial advisor on social media, saying that $10,000 was charged to her credit card without her consent to purchase the services of an attorney to pursue guardianship over her.

In the weeks since The Wendy Williams Show was officially canceled and it was announced that Sherri Shepherd would take over the time slot with her own show, Sherri, Williams has continued to defend herself against rumors regarding her mental health and maintained that she is on the road to returning to television. Her finances continue to be a struggle, since former financial advisor Lori Schiller claimed to Wells Fargo in February that Williams was “of unsound mind,” causing the bank to remove Williams’ access to her accounts. The media personality went on Instagram to express her frustration regarding the situation:

Not only did Wendy Williams say that Wells Fargo started this guardianship without her consent and amid her consistent denials regarding rumors about her mental health, she also accused her former manager of using her credit card to retain the services of an attorney. 

The former host accused Bernie Young of spending $10,000 of her money, per The Sun, to try to take over guardianship of her bank accounts. She addressed her former manager’s actions in her post:

The star fired Bernie Young as her manager earlier this year, and although she reportedly wanted “nothing to do with him,” Wells Fargo believed he was acting in the former host’s best interests. While The Sun verified the transaction that Williams said took place on her credit card, there was no proof that the payment shown in the statement was unauthorized or improper. Check out Wendy Williams' full post below:

The media personality did not appear on The Wendy Williams Show this season, as she reportedly battled health problems, including COVID and Graves disease. Her condition was reported to be deteriorating, with sources claiming in January that she couldn’t dress herself, get out of bed without assistance or recognize those close to her. A number of guest hosts took over for her, including Leah Remini, Michael Rapaport and Sherri Shepherd. 

When Debmar-Mercury made the decision to cancel the show, they left the door open for Wendy Williams’ possible return to television if and when she was able to. With this being an ongoing situation, it's likely that more updates with arrive sooner rather than later.

After 13 seasons, The Wendy Williams Show has officially been cancelled, with Sherri Shepherd stepping into the timeslot as the daytime host replacement. The news came on the heels of several concerning reports, however, that Williams was in deteriorating health and possibly being taken advantage of financially. And the problems seem to persist still, as the 57-year-old has lately pursued legal action against a publicist in the wake of the cancellation.

Wendy Williams Legal Team Makes Big Statement Against Ex Employee

The now-former talk show host’s legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to Howard Bragman, per documents obtained by The Sun. He has technically been speaking on Wendy Williams’ behalf as her representative, even downplaying rumors to one outlet in February that she wasn’t returning to her namesake show. Bragman made some other statements more recently as well, which we’ll get into further down, but the main gist is that, evidently, Williams hasn’t approved for such statements to be made by Bragman. Her attorney, LaShawn Thomas, wrote in the cease-and-desist:

The Sun’s sources allege that the publicist in question and the rest of her management team were actually fired last month. Additionally, the TV personality's son and ex-husband are reportedly taking point as the sources of authority now. Her ex has even lately taken to suing the production company behind her eponymous show for wrongful termination of the star.

Insta Post Prompts Wendy Williams Publicist To Say Something

Just a week prior to the cease-and-desist letter coming out, there was a confusing exchange of she said, he said leading to it. On Wendy Williams’ official Instagram account, per People, there was a message posted on her stories (in first person, mind you). She claimed to appreciate Howard Bragman’s previous concerns expressed about her but also firmly stated that she did not authorize him to comment about her status with the production company behind her cancelled show. In response, Bragman told the outlet:

The publicist’s implication seemed to be that the TV personality was being influenced or not in control of her social media accounts. In the wake of the in-house legal drama, though, all other narratives suggest the tide is now turning for the actress. Anonymous sources claim that her health and “old self” are in fact renewed. Likewise, more recently, the words came straight from the talk show host’s mouth as she discussed her next return to TV after the cancellation.

Nevertheless, if it isn’t clear by now, those in Wendy Williams 'camp don't want to hear about problems – and they’ll apparently use legal force if necessary. With this situation still ongoing, further updates could arrive sooner rather than later.

Wendy Williams may be returning to daytime television sooner rather than later. The talk show host took an extended hiatus from her talk show gig to deal with personal matters and health struggles, but she recently claimed that she’ll be back on stage to continue her talk show legacy in relatively no time at all. 

In an audio interview with Good Morning America, Wendy Williams discussed the way her mental health has been a source of rumors, as well as addressing her potential return to television after the cancellation of The Wendy Williams Show. Despite rumors that she has been struggling with her mental stability on top of excess stresses, Williams stated that she feels better than ever. When asked if she was of sound mind, she said: 

Wendy Williams did not clarify what her ‘appointments’ were for, but she reaffirmed her current well-being and even attested that she feels ‘comfortable’ with the idea of returning to her former position as a talk show host. She even announced a tentative window for when she'd be ready for her daytime TV homecoming, however that may come: 

Wendy Williams originally took a break from her hosting duties in 2021 to deal with health complications from Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism. While her return was expected for months, things eventually reached the point when it made more sense for studio execs to go in a different direction moving forward.

While Wendy Williams has been settling her personal matters, the final season of The Wendy Williams Show has been hosted by Sherri Shepherd. The guest host will take over the program’s slot this fall with her own new talk show, Sherri. It’s thought that Wendy Williams would either reboot her own show or create a new series, but nothing has been confirmed by her team or the network. Fans will just have to wait the allotted three months to find out whether or not Wendy Williams will be back on the air. 

Williams has also been battling the financial institution Wells Fargo, which took steps to freeze her bank accounts a few months ago amidst allegations that she was suffering from mental health troubles. The bank named Wendy Williams a ‘victim of undue influence’ and filed to place her under a financial conservatorship.  Wendy Williams was unsure of Wells Fargo’s motivations, but she claims she’s been unable to access her own funds and is in the process of appealing the bank’s decision. Depending on how quickly she pulls together a new talk show, she could be making big bank again by the summer. 

The fourteenth and final season of The Wendy Williams Show is currently airing in syndication, so check your local listings to see when and where it's playing in your area. It is currently unknown when or if Wendy Williams will return to daytime television, but our 2022 TV premiere schedule will quickly clue you in on everything that is definitely heading ot the small screen soon.

Rumors continue to swirl in regards to former talk show host Wendy Williams after The Wendy Williams Show was officially canceled. Sherri Shepherd is slated to take over the timeslot with her own program after filling in as a guest host on Williams’ series this season. While Shepherd is grateful for the opportunity filling in for the lovingly unpredictable host has provided, the former co-host of The View said she has not spoken to Williams, and clarified that they are "not friends." 

Wendy Williams did not return to her eponymous show when Season 14 premiered in January, as she was diagnosed with COVID and had complications from other medical issues. Sherri Shepherd was only one of the many guest hosts who stepped in amid Williams’ absence, like Michael Rapaport, Jerry Springer, Leah Remini and others. In an Instagram post, Williams claimed she was looking forward to returning to work, before the decision was made to keep Shepherd in that spot permanently with a new project. Shepherd told Deadline that she has Williams to thank for being given this opportunity:

The media personality said hosting her own talk show has been a lifelong dream for her, and she recognized that she has Wendy Williams to thank. She even said she’d invite Williams on as a guest. When asked if she’d been in touch with the former host, however, the Mr. Iglesias alum clarified that she and Williams are not close:

Sherri Shepherd said she hasn’t spoken with her predecessor personally, which isn’t altogether surprising, given the fact that they don’t seem to have a relationship beyond their TV dealings. Also, the news of her show being canceled couldn’t have been easy for the former host to hear.

The rumors surrounding Wendy Williams’ condition haven’t let up since that announcement was made. Friends are reportedly worried about her well-being, since she’s reportedly been missing medical appointments. There’s been no new activity on the Instagram account she set up. Among the posts that have been shared is a video of Williams saying she was “on the mend” and excited to return to New York, where her show is filmed. However, some of the things she said in the video — including incorrectly referring to her own age — have led some to believe it was old footage.

The media mogul is also fighting a legal battle with her bank, Wells Fargo. The establishment refused her access to her accounts and banking information due to a report from a former financial advisor that said she was “of unsound mind” and the “victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.” The star has since denied those allegations.

Even though they Wendy Williams and Sherri Shepherd don’t have a personal relationship, Shepherd clearly knows has played a part in opening the door for her new gig. And she — like all of us — is wishing the best for Williams.

Of all the problems, rumors, and controversies that The Wendy Williams Show has seen in Season 13, there has probably been little thought given by producers to at least one formerly important aspect of the series: Kevin Hunter, the ex-husband of Wendy Williams. He had been a major part of the show, and her career, behind the scenes, since the beginning, until he was fired in early 2019. Now, with The Wendy Williams Show ending after the current season, Hunter is suing the program.

Why Is Kevin Hunter Suing The Wendy Williams Show?

According to The Shade Room, which obtained copies of the court documents filed in the lawsuit, Kevin Hunter is suing Debmar-Mercury, the production company behind The Wendy Williams Show, for wrongful termination. Hunter alleges that his firing was “on the basis of his marital status which is barred by the New York City Human Rights Law,” and noted that he “has suffered an economic loss, which will be determined by trial, in the range of seven to ten million dollars.”

As you may recall, Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter became hot topics of gossip themselves, when word began to circulate that Hunter had not only been having an affair, but had fathered a child with the other woman. Williams filed for divorce in early April of 2019, and about a week later, the announcement was made that Hunter, who’d been an executive producer on her show, was no longer with the series.

In Hunter’s filing, he says that after Williams filed for divorce he received a letter from Debmar-Mercury making him aware that he was fired, with it noting, in part, that his termination was “effective immediately” and that “your professional relationship with Debmar-Mercury is also concluded.”

Hunter goes on to claim in the lawsuit that he “used his business knowledge and street smarts to negotiate a significant financial increase from the initial contract being offered to Williams” and alleges that he helped in “the creation of the show’s brand and the look and feel of the show; helping conceptualize the wildly popular, ‘Hot Topics,’ ‘Shoe Cam,’ and ‘Hot Seat,’ segments of the show,” with the filing also claiming that many of the segments he assisted in the creation of will be a part of the show which will take its place in the fall, Sherri.

The lawsuit also states that Hunter began as an executive producer on The Wendy Williams Show “from on or about November of 2007,” and claims that “the show never recovered from his firing” because the “defendants underestimated Plaintiff’s value to the show.”

What Does Kevin Hunter Want From His Lawsuit?

The filing also claims that Hunter was contractually obligated to 10% of “commission on revenues” from The Wendy Williams Show. He’s hoping to receive “not less than $7,000,000″ along with “punitive damages, lost wages, commissions,” while also asking the court for “the costs and fees of this proceeding, including legal fees.”

Wendy Williams is already embroiled in a legal battle with her bank, which is seeking a conservatorship for her and has cut Williams off from her finances. So, luckily, Kevin Hunter’s suit is only against Debmar-Mercury and hopefully won’t impact Williams, her already troubling financial situation, or the talk show maven’s legacy going forward. 

After nearly a full television season of The Wendy Williams Show which has been filled with rumors about the famed host’s health as guests filled her purple chair and led hot topic discussions, last week saw the announcement that the daytime series will be officially cancelled after the current season ends. While we know that one of Williams’ guest hosts, Sherri Shepherd, will take over the timeslot with her own show, there are still a lot of conflicting rumors about Wendy Williams and her health going around.

One Report Claims That Friends Are Concerned About Wendy Williams’ Health

The rumor that Wendy Williams’ health has deteriorated is nothing new. The host has sat out the entirety of her show this season because of her breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis early last fall, and complications that arose from her many other on-going health issues, including Graves’ disease. But, there are still questions about her health, as a new report from Page Six now claims that Williams’ friends are worried, with one saying:

After about six months with no word from Williams herself on how she’s actually feeling, she posted a video to her Instagram just a few days before her show’s cancellation where she talks about being in Florida to rest, rejuvenate and regain her health. But, with Williams talking in the video about her mother (who died in late 2020) in the present tense and referring to her own age as 56 (Williams turned 57 in July of 2021), many fans believe the video is old.

Without much word from Williams about the current state of her many health concerns, rumors have been spinning out of control for months. Reports have alleged that the talk show maven now has regular trouble dressing herself, feeding herself, and even has difficulty recognizing long-time friends and colleagues and holding normal conversations. Whether the video Williams posted is old or brand new, it’s clear that she at least wants us to believe that she really is “on the mend,” as one of her reps noted a couple of weeks ago.

A Conflicting Report Claims That Wendy Williams Is Well Enough To Be Working On A New Show

While some are saying that Williams isn’t caring for her health as necessary so that she can regain that spark which led to her becoming one of our most outspoken, fearless and wildly unpredictable daytime hosts, there’s yet another report which claims that she’s actually well enough to already be working on her next gig.

According to Fox Soul’s Tea-G-I-F, Williams is said to be in the process of putting together “a multi-million dollar podcast deal,” though nothing has been confirmed by either Williams or her representatives right now.

Williams is also currently fighting a legal battle with her bank, Wells Fargo, after they refused her access to her accounts and banking information due to a report from her former financial advisor, Lori Schiller, who told officials at the bank that she was “of unsound mind” and the “victim of undue influence and financial exploitation,” allegations that Williams has denied while filing court papers to stop the bank from seeking a conservatorship for her.

There will likely be more reports coming out about Wendy Williams in the near future, but all fans can hope for is that everything turns out in Williams’ best interest. 

The Wendy Williams Show had not really been The Wendy Williams Show for some time when a decision came down to cancel her longtime daytime talk show. It will be replaced, as had been rumored previously, with a talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd, a TV personality and actress known for projects like Mr. Iglesias and The View. In the time since, both Williams and Shepherd have spoken out, but now the latter is speaking out about her predecessor’s legacy. 

During a recent appearance opposite Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, the longtime nighttime TV host offered his congrats and then offered a nice compliment, telling the new Sherri host she’s consistently been one of his funniest guests. She has a lot of experience with talks shows, of course; as noted prior, she was on The View’s panel for a whopping eight years. 

She doesn’t take her upcoming hosting duties lightly, however, thanking Wendy Williams for letting her “fill in” during the uncertain period in which the talk show host was missing in action of the last several months. When Cohen asked what Sherri Shepherd admired about Williams, she was really candid with her answer.

Not only does Sherri Shepherd have nice things to say about Wendy Williams, she also kind of gives a little bit of a hint about how her own show may pay homage to what came before her. Shepherd said on WWHL that “she’s up there with the greats” in regards to her predecessor. 

Insofar as The Wendy Williams Show goes, the show had been running since 2008, but Wendy Williams hadn’t appeared in an episode of the series since last TV season. She left in July of 2021 for what we thought was a standard summer TV break, but she never came back and delays kept being announced through the fall and winter. We’ve seen health updates from her son and she’s spoken through representatives, but a lot of what’s been going on with the talk host has been shrouded in mystery. 

Wendy Williams’ Statement After News Her Show Was Ending Broke

Williams did reach out through her legal team after Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury – the producers behind her series – made the decision to go in a different direction for the 2022-2023 TV season, reportedly without working with Wendy Williams. The statement read that she basically “understands” why this had to happen, though it’s still unclear what all is going on behind-the-scenes Williams’ personal life. 

Meanwhile, reports have broken that Wendy Williams’ bank is fighting to have her marked as an “incapacitated person” so that “her affairs are properly handled” moving forward. For her part, Sherri Shepherd will finish out the year as the host of The Wendy Williams Show before embarking on her own journey moving forward. We wish them both only positive things to come. 

After months of silence, Wendy Williams finally addressed fans amid concerns about her health and rampant rumors regarding the media personality’s future on The Wendy Williams Show. However, despite Williams saying she wanted to return to New York and get back to her popular show, it was officially announced that Sherri Shepherd, who has been successfully guest-hosting on Williams’ show this season, will take over the time slot permanently with her own show, to be titled Sherri. 

The Wendy Williams Show will run through the end of its current season, Deadline reports, with a rotating slate of guest hosts, including Sherri Shepherd, before Sherri takes over the time slot in syndication this fall. While this is certainly upsetting news for Wendy Williams, who is reportedly “on the mend,” Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, the producer-distributor of The Wendy Williams Show, left the door open for Williams’ possible return if and when she is able and willing to do so. 

In a statement, Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said: 

This news comes just days after Wendy Williams addressed her fans via a video posted to her new Instagram account — the first update from Williams herself in more than six months — in which she was seemingly looking to dispute the troublesome claims that have been made about her health. In the video, shot on a windy Florida beach by her son Kevin, Williams talks about coming back “stronger” and said she was looking forward to returning to New York, where her show is filmed. 

It really sounded like Wendy Williams was focused on getting back to her show, and I can only imagine that this news must have been pretty hard for her to hear. It’s unclear exactly when the video in question was taken, as the host states her age at 56 (she turned 57 last July) and she refers to her mother in the present tense (her mother died in late 2020), but a publicist told Page Six the video was taken February 16, and that Williams was referring to her mother being buried in Florida. You can see the full 5-minute video below:

Wendy Williams herself has been off of the air since July 2021, with the current season of The Wendy Williams Show being fronted by a series of guest hosts. Last month, a new report claimed that not only was Williams’ “spark” gone, but that she was having trouble dressing and eating on her own. This same report also claimed that she had been “having a hard time holding a conversation” and was frequently unable to recognize people she’d known for quite some time. Williams also recently took legal action against her bank, Wells Fargo, for denying her access to her financial accounts, including information about them.

This is disappointing news for Wendy Williams and fans of her as a brutally honest, unpredictable talk show host. Hopefully she will continue to get healthy and we will see her on TV again one day. While waiting to see how things shake out, check out our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what else is on the way.

Over the last few years, Wendy Williams has regularly taken breaks from her namesake talk show. She shared that her hiatus in 2019 was because she was dealing with drug addiction struggles. Amid this newest season, though, she has been missing entirely reportedly because of her Graves’ disease and thyroid issues, while guest hosts fill in. Rumors continue to circulate that the 57-year-old’s health is in decline, especially after alleged financial troubles have come to light. Now, Williams’ legal team is stepping in to address the speculation.

Official court documents revealed that Wendy Williams’ bank at Wells Fargo was “concerned” about the state of her finances. Specifically, the bank was calling for guardianship over Williams’ account after her former financial advisor made certain claims, leading to a freeze on the talk show host’s access to her money. Her legal team filed an emergency petition in response but, as of yet, there’s been no public announcement from the judge in the case. In the meantime, one of her lawyers, LaShawn Thomas, debunked rumors about her mental capacity while speaking to Entertainment Tonight, saying that “she is of sound mind.” She continued in their statement:

The legal team also alleged that Wendy Williams went to Wells Fargo herself to address things directly. Apparently, the suspicions about her potentially being exploited didn’t come about until Williams expressed wanting to take her banking elsewhere in the wake of past complaints. The lawyer would clarify as well that the recent financial debacle is more than likely the fault of one person in particular, who remained unnamed. They said:

The lawyer also confirmed that the TV personality has “employed holistic health professionals” amidst her ongoing problems with her thyroid and Graves’ disease. They reiterated that “she is fine.”

Before the bank trouble, it was suggested that Wendy Williams was in such bad shape that she couldn’t even dress herself or converse as she normally would. This was apparently why guests like Remy Ma, Michael Rappaport and more have been taking over hosting duties on the show. Yet, her rep Howard Bragman refuted the speculation at the time as “inaccurate.”

Despite her lawyers and reps both firmly denying any serious concerns with the star, The Wendy Williams Show itself is reportedly moving in a different direction. New reports indicate that the network is planning to have Sherri Shepherd take over permanently for the foreseeable future. But when it comes to Williams herself, the public will just have to wait for more updates.

Daytime viewers who are fans of Wendy Williams and her talk show have now spent months wondering what’s going on with both the host and the future of her show. Currently in Season 13, The Wendy Williams Show has been without its namesake host all season, with Williams suffering complications from a number of health issues. Guest hosts have filled in the entire time, and there’s word that the producers are looking to name one permanent guest host and potentially replace Williams completely. Now, another detail behind her absence appears to be breaking, with troublesome reports claiming that Williams isn’t even involved with her show anymore.

What’s Going On With Wendy Williams And Her Talk Show Behind The Scenes?

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that, after almost a full season of guest hosts claiming Wendy Williams' spot on her show, the producers were in the process of finalizing a deal to set Sherri Shepherd as the permanent guest host of The Wendy Williams Show. Shepherd, a comedian and actress who co-hosted The View from 2007 through 2014, has guest hosted the daytime show several times, and been a regular in Season 13, with her quickly becoming a fan favorite. 

However, a report from The Wrap, is now saying that even though Williams had been intimately involved in her show (and had, in the past, helped choose who would step in to guest host when she needed to be away), the producers are working out plans for the series’ future without any assistance from Williams. The outlet’s source noted that “she’s currently not involved with the show in any way,” and added that Williams will not return to the air during the remainder of this season. The source, apparently, didn't say how long the producers had been working without Williams' input. 

What Does This Mean For Wendy Williams And The Future Of Her Show?

Honestly, it’s hard to know for sure, because there have been so many conflicting reports about everything from the actual state of Williams health to her plans for the show and the plans the producers have. 

After months of hearing nothing official (with only a photo of her eating being posted by her son), Williams’ representative, Howard Bragman, came out just a few days ago and said that allegations that her condition had deteriorated to the point where she could barely hold normal conversations, eat or dress on her own on a regular basis were “inaccurate.” Bragman also said that talk of Williams not returning to her show was simple “speculation,” and should be treated as such.

But, if it’s true that the producers of The Wendy Williams Show feel they see the writing on the wall where it comes to Williams and her potentially never being well enough to return, to the point where they are planning the show’s future without consulting her, then it is entirely possible that neither Williams nor any of her representatives would truly know what’s going on. Which would fit with another report that claimed her allies have abandoned her.

It’s worth noting that Williams is listed as the creator of The Wendy Williams Show, as well as being one of the executive producers. If her fellow producers really are making plans to replace her permanently with Shepherd without discussing it with her, there will likely be some financial and / or legal wrangling involved to make that happen. 

As was reported earlier, the current plan is supposedly to finish the season with guest hosts, take the standard summer hiatus and see whether or not Wendy Williams’ is healthy enough and has enough of her old spark back to return. If not, producers are said to want to start Season 14 with Sherri Shepherd set as permanent guest host, with it being possible that they will simply change the name of the show to reflect her being the new permanent host as early as September. 

We’ll probably be hearing more about this in the coming weeks, but for more to watch until then, be sure to check out the 2022 TV premiere dates.

This season of The Wendy Williams Show has likely been one that was completely unexpected by not only those involved behind the scenes, but by the many fans who tune in daily. Williams herself signed off as host last July for what was to be a standard summer hiatus, only to be beset by health issues which delayed the talk show’s return, then led to guest hosts starting the new season for her. Unfortunately, Williams still has yet to return to her post, and now it seems like she may be done with the show, as reports are stating that a permanent replacement might be next, in the form of comedian and actress Sherri Shepherd.

How Will Replacing Wendy Williams On Her Show Work?

As Wendy Williams has continued to recuperate, a series of guest hosts have taken the stage to lead her beloved series. These have included stars like Whitney Cummings, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Leah Remini, Michael Rapaport, Bevy Smith, the aforementioned Sherri Shepherd, and several others, with many hosts returning for repeat appearances as the Williams break continued.

According to TMZ, though, the producers are close to being done with a revolving door of guest hosts, and are now in the process of setting up Shepherd as a permanent guest host, with an option for her to take over the show as the new host, should Williams not be well enough to return.

The outlet’s source notes that Shepherd would be placed as the permanent guest host for the show’s next season, which is currently set to begin in September of this year. Her deal for the new position is said to be nearly done, with it probably being fully closed before much longer.

Obviously, the question for Williams’ fans is still, “What about Wendy?” Apparently, the idea would be for the producers of The Wendy Williams Show to keep a close eye on her health through September. If she appears to be basically back to her old fun, wild, and sometimes delightfully unpredictable self, then viewers will see her declare “How you doin!” at the start of the next season. If, however, she is still unable to return, they will change the name of the show as early as September. 

Those at the Fox Station Group, which carries the talker on stations it owns and operates, are said to be aware of the plan and on board with it. But, there’s currently no official word on any of this from the producers of the show.

How Is Wendy Williams’ Health Struggle Now?

The short answer to that question right now is that few outside of Williams' immediate circle truly know. The host already had well-documented struggles with Graves' disease and several other health concerns, which were then impacted by a breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis shortly before she was due to return to her purple chair. Aside from a message to fans a bit over six months ago, we’ve heard very little official word on how Williams’ health problems are actually healing. 

This has led to a number of shocking allegations about the state of Williams’ condition, including that she has trouble carrying on normal conversations, spent the holidays alone because her behavior had run off all of her friends, and that she even has several periods where she can’t dress herself without help. While her son posted a photo of her eating about a month ago, it wasn’t until a few days ago that Williams’ representative, Howard Bragman, responded to the rumors about her health and the idea that she wouldn’t return to her show and simply noted that word about her current health was “inaccurate,” while talk of her being out of her daytime show was “speculation.”

All we can hope for right now is that Wendy Williams is actually able to feel more like herself at some point. Whether or not she returns to her show, or Sherri Shepherd takes over the hosting gig, will be revealed before much longer. The Wendy Williams Show airs every weekday, so check local listings for times, but for more to watch, check out the 2022 TV schedule.

While many viewers of The Wendy Williams Show have continued to watch the daytime series in Season 13 as a number of guest hosts have held down the gossip-friendly fort erected by the outspoken Williams, there are millions who still hope for her return, sooner rather than (even) later. Unfortunately, those fans got another blow when the show announced more guest hosts for February, as the show moves toward a full season without its namesake. 

Who Will Be Guest Hosting The Wendy Williams Show In February?

As The Wendy Williams Show went into its standard summer hiatus last year, I’m sure few of those behind the show could have predicted the turmoil that would befall them as the new season was about to start up. They pushed the premiere from September to early October because of Williams’ breakthrough COVID diagnosis, but then had to proceed without her as several other health issues became her priority. Recently, the show announced on its Instagram page that previous guest hosts Remy Ma, Sherrie Shepherd, Fat Joe, Michael Rapaport, Terrence J, and Bevy Smith will all return for hosting duties in February.

According to Page Six, which spoke to a representative from The Wendy Williams Show, these hosts will also take the show through Friday, March 4. But, when the rep was asked about the possibility that this could mean that Williams won’t return by the end of the season, they responded by saying, “Don’t overreach.”

What Does This Next Round Of Guest Hosts Mean For Wendy Williams And Her Show?

The short answer to that question right now is that we don’t know, and aren’t quite sure who does know. It’s clear, though, that those still running things at the daytime talker at least want everyone to keep the hope alive that Wendy Williams will come back to reclaim her famous purple chair before we’ve said goodbye to the current season. 

I’m sure that Williams herself has the same hope, as anyone who watched her work her sometimes odd magic while hosting could see that she thoroughly enjoyed doing it. But, we have yet to hear any updated specifics from either the producers of the show, or Williams herself, on how she’s actually feeling right now, and whether or not the end of her health sabbatical is actually in sight. All we’ve gotten since her message to fans as the season was ramping up is a photo of her eating, which was posted by her son earlier this month.

With about six months of no official word on how Williams is doing in her battle with complications from Graves’ disease and several other health problems, rumors have run rampant. We’ve heard reports that say Williams has run off all of her allies, to the point where she spent the holidays lonely, and claims that she’s having trouble doing previously simple things like holding conversations and dressing herself.

There are a lot of fans who’ve pointed to her controversial / disrespectful behavior on the show in the recent past, and have publicly hoped that one of the guest hosts will simply take over her slot permanently. Right now, though, there’s no telling if we’ll watch Wendy Williams return to her show before Season 13 wraps for summer hiatus this year, so fans will just have to wait and see.

Check your local listings to see when / where The Wendy Williams Show airs in your area, but if you need more to watch, take a look at our 2022 TV schedule.

Ever since it was revealed late last year that Wendy Williams wouldn’t be able to return to her popular daytime talk show because of a host of health issues, fans have been wondering about two things: when the host would finally grace her purple chair again, and how she was healing up. Now, viewers still want to know if they’ll see Williams return to TV, but a new report just sounds like more bad news for Wendy Williams, and her many fans.

What’s Being Said About Wendy Williams’ Health Now

The Wendy Williams Show has been rolling along since the fall with a number of guest hosts leading the proceedings. While many viewers have enjoyed watching them, that doesn’t mean that they don’t want Williams back at her post, but an anonymous source for The U.S. Sun is reporting that such a thing is unlikely to happen any time soon, considering the current state of her health. According to the source: 

The last official statement we’ve supposedly gotten from Williams was posted to Instagram back on November 8, as Season 13 of her daytime talk show was moving along without her. She noted that she was “making progress” but had to listen to her doctors and take the time needed to deal with her health problems, which were said to be due to COVID, Graves’ disease, and hyperthyroidism.

Will Wendy Williams Return To TV?

Part of what’s making the wait difficult for fans, is likely the fact that we haven’t heard anything from Williams directly, and even official news from the show hasn’t given us any information on how she’s doing or if / when she might return. Earlier this month, Williams' son, Kevin Hunter, Jr., shared a photo of his mom eating on his Instagram Stories, which did give many some hope. But, if the situation is even half as bad as the source claims, there’s no telling whether or not that picture is really a sign that the host is getting better.

While Williams has always been relatively controversial, the past few years have seen her behavior on her show come under fire several times for how she handled very sensitive topics, while also getting into a few public feuds with other celebrities. A report right after the holidays also suggested that her off-screen behavior had led to her being mostly alone for Christmas because her “friends have all left.” 

For now, The Wendy Williams Show is continuing with its round of guest hosts through the end of January. Hopefully, even if Wendy Williams doesn’t return by the end of the season, she will find herself feeling more like she used to before much longer.

Wendy Williams has been through quite a lot in the past several years. Aside from much drama surrounding her marriage, the talk show host has seen her health go through many ups and downs, and last fall saw her need to take an extended break from The Wendy Williams Show as she dealt with yet more setbacks to her physical well being. As fans wonder when she’ll return, Williams’ son has now shared an update on the star’s health, and she seems to be on the mend.

Fans of The Wendy Williams Show were surprised and saddened when they found out that the long-time host wouldn’t be able to return to her daytime talker for the beginning of Season 13. After having the start date delayed a couple of times, things finally went ahead with a string of guest hosts filling in for Williams, as she continued to battle a number of on-going health concerns and a COVID diagnosis. However, a few days ago, Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter, Jr., took to his Instagram Stories (via Yahoo! News) to share an update. 

How Is Wendy Williams Doing Now?

Luckily, from what could be seen in the short clip that Hunter shared, Williams appears to be doing pretty well amid all of her health issues and this longer-than-expected hiatus from her show. The outspoken host was seen resting in bed in Miami, Florida, while drinking a carrot-colored beverage garnished with a chunk of pineapple and enjoying a lovely looking salad. There was no caption on Hunter’s post, but he did include audio from Drake’s song, “Do Not Disturb,” from his 2017 release More Life.

While it’s good to see some proof that Williams is doing OK, fans will likely still have a lot of questions about what’s been going on with her. After fainting live on television during the taping of a Halloween episode in 2017, Williams began to open up about her hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease, which led to the scary incident. In 2019, she spoke about relapsing in recovery for drug abuse and how she had to live in a sober house, and then took a break from her show.

She had to take another hiatus, starting in May of 2020, when Grave’s disease led to some issues that needed immediate and extended attention, and had seemed to be healing up until health concerns took over again while her talk show was on summer hiatus last year. And, things have reportedly been rough for her while trying to heal, as it was recently alleged that she was starting to lose allies because of her behavior, and had spent the holidays alone.

One thing we still don’t know is whether or not Williams can return to her beloved purple chair before Season 13 is over. Her show has been doing pretty well with a lineup of guest hosts, and some viewers are even calling for someone else to lead the charge now, with comedian / actress Sherri Shepherd being the main fan contender. 

Hopefully, this post from Kevin Hunter, Jr. is a good sign that Williams is truly getting back to good health, and her fans at least won’t have to wonder about what a potential Season 14 of The Wendy Williams Show holds for the host.

The Wendy Williams Show has faced an uphill battle regarding its recent return without its namesake host to steer the ship. The battle started even before Season 13 premiered, as it was delayed a few times due to Wendy Williams’ ongoing health issues. Despite Williams’ personal setbacks, the producers decided to start things off without her often chaotic and messy energy. It was certainly unclear how the premiere week would fare in her absence, but those numbers are now in, and they present some interesting results, for better or worse. 

The long-running daytime series moved forward with its Oct. 18 premiere date in syndication, and it appears The Wendy Williams Show saw a relatively huge increase from the previous week. According to The Wrap, the chatfest’s key demo ratings jumped up by 33% compared to the previous week's installments. To be sure, that audience increase appears to be partly because the new episodes are being compared to the repeats that aired in the weeks leading up to the premiere. But considering no guarantees were set for how well anything would do without Williams, that's a victory for the producers.   

While the ratings did jump up from week-to-week, the overall numbers were slightly down from the same period in 2020. The daytime talk show achieved a demo rating of 0.8 during its premiere week, which was a decline from the 0.9 stat the gossip fest earned during the same week last year. It’s unknown if the decline was due to Wendy Williams’ absence or if the general decline of year-to-year viewership, or some other factor. 

On the upside, those numbers allowed The Wendy Williams Show to move from eighth place to fifth amongst the daytime talk show rankings. It ranked behind other daytime staples like Dr. Phil, Live With Kelly and Ryan, the soon-to-be-ending The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the karaoke-filled The Kelly Clarkson Show.

While the ratings did see a slight dip, daily viewers appear to be very receptive to the various hosts taking on hot topics. They have continued to watch the chatfest in Wendy Williams’ absence, with Leah Remini anchoring the first week of Wendy-less episodes. Sherri Shepard and Whitney Cummings have also served as fill-in hosts. But having the guest hosts thrive might not sit well with the talk show host given her reported stance from her previous hiatus. The last time Williams’ health issues led to a long hiatus, stars like Nick Cannon and The Talk’s Jerry O’Connell stepped up to carry the show in her absence, and rumors of her exit were sparked. 

While the ratings and audience reception have remained fairly stable, the show might be experiencing some troubles behind the scenes. The Wendy Williams Shows has allegedly been paying viewers to fill the in-studio audience without Williams around. So, viewers might want to see Wendy Williams in the flesh instead of coming to see a bunch of substitute hosts, regardless of who they are. Unfortunately, there have been no signs of Williams’ return to her namesake show. 

Until the talk show host’s return is announced, viewers will need to tune in on weekdays in syndication to see who will guest host next. Check your local listings to see when and where it airs in your area. 

The Wendy Williams Show is in the middle of a bit of turmoil as of late, as Season 13 had to be pushed back a couple of times due to both the famed host’s COVID diagnosis, as well as her other health issues being exacerbated before the latest set of episodes could begin. While the popular daytime talk show returned to the airwaves on October 18, viewers will be treated to guest hosts until Williams can take over live duties again, but it would seem that the show is having trouble getting folks into the crowd, because it’s now paying people to fill those co-host positions.

Wendy Williams loves her studio audience members, and has called them her “co-hosts” for as long as she’s reigned from her perch in the purple chair on her eponymous show. With her having been away since the daytime talker went on summer hiatus, and The Wendy Williams Show now in its second week of guest hosts, there was a casting notice posted from OnSet Productions, which noted that those who signed up to be in the studio audience for this week’s shows would be paid $75 for their time, the day of, which appears to be paid out after about three hours.

Generally, for something like a talk show, while fans need a ticket of some sort, they get in free, and are also not paid for appearing in the audience. It’s usually thought that simply getting the opportunity to see a show you love live and in person, plus being able to possibly have your face on TV and maybe even talk to your favorite host, is payment enough. So, it seems that Williams’ absence from her namesake show may have led to a lack of interest from fans.

And, that does make a lot of sense. If you’re a fan of Wendy Williams who’s willing to stand in line in increasingly chilly and / or inclement weather to see her show, you’d want the full Wendy experience, and get to watch her unpredictable, unfiltered nature live. Her viewers would be far less likely to sign up to see actress and J. Lo’s best buddy, Leah Remini (who guest hosted most of the first week), this week’s guest host, comedian Whitney Cummings, or upcoming host, actress / comedian Sherri Shepherd.

Of course, this is not the first time that Williams has had to take a break from her show, as she did the same thing back in May 2020 because of complications she was suffering from Graves' Disease and hyperthyroidism. She also had to step back from the series in early 2019 for the same condition, and even passed out while live on the air in 2017. So, it’s very good to know that the show is taking her need to recover seriously whenever it’s required.

As of this writing, the move seemed to have worked, too, because all of the Cummings hosted shows have been sold out for the week. While there’s no casting notice up for Shepherd’s time just yet, I can only imagine that the producers of The Wendy Williams Show will take this as a positive sign, and continue to pay for audience members if they feel they need to.

Wendy Williams has been MIA from the television airwaves since her talk show went on summer hiatus. While Williams was active early in the summer, things took a dramatic turn when it was announced that Williams had contracted COVID-19. This spelled trouble for The Wendy Williams Show as the show was forced to push back its premiere date from Sept. 20 to Oct. 4. It seemed the talk show host was on the mend as the date drew closer. But now, devoted viewers will have to wait a bit longer for Williams’ return to television as further delays were announced.

The announcement came courtesy of the talk show’s official Instagram account. The post gave viewers some insight into Wendy Williams’ current health status:

At least the show is putting Wendy Williams’ health as a top priority. If the face of the show is out of commission and not 100% recovered, there are no guarantees that the quality of the broadcast and wellness of the host would be the best possible. Putting on a daily talk show should come second to someone’s health. So, the show undoubtedly made the right decision. Hopefully, Williams’ COVID battle didn’t have any lasting effects on her health. Of course, the talk show host has been dealt multiple medical blows over the years.

Wendy Williams’ current health battle is just the latest in a series of health issues she has experienced in recent years. Wendy Williams made headlines a few years ago after fainting during a Halloween episode. The incident was tied to her battle with Grave’s disease and hyperthyroidism. A few months later, Williams revealed she was living in a sober house for drug abuse after being in recovery for a decade. She took an extended hiatus from the show. 

Wendy Williams took some time off again in May 2020 to address developments related to Grave’s disease. Most recently, Williams had to cancel some public appearances over her current health ordeals. So, the television personality needed time off to take care of herself and her health. Take a look at the Instagram post announcing the latest delay:

Now, viewers will have to wait two extra weeks to see Wendy Williams in the purple chair once more. Hopefully, Williams will make a speedy recovery before the new premiere date. Right now, The Wendy Williams Show is set to premiere on Oct. 18. While you wait for the return of Williams, check out our Fall premiere guide for more exciting television returns.