Jennifer Hudson just received some very good news regarding her popular daytime talk show, as it was just announced that the show has been renewed for a fifth season.
Amid the recent cancellations and official endings of Sherri Shepherd and Kelly Clarkson’s rival talk shows, Jennifer Hudson will continue her successful talk show that also became a viral sensation due to her dance-filled Spirit Tunnel.
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Jennifer Hudson’s Talk Show Renewed for Fifth Season Amid Troubled Daytime Landscape
According to Deadline, on Thursday, February 19, it was announced that “The Jennifer Hudson Show” will continue with a fifth season scheduled to premiere in the fall.
“Jennifer Hudson is a powerful force across all platforms and works incredibly well with all of our stations. We are thrilled to have her back for a fifth year,” Frank Cicha, executive vice president of programming for Fox Television Stations, said in a statement.
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” is “the #1 daytime talk show on TikTok and Threads, and the second most followed daytime talk show on social media,” according to the outlet. Additionally, the show’s most popular element, the addictive Spirit Tunnel, has surpassed over 6 billion views across social media platforms.
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‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ Renewal Follows End of Shows Led by Sherri Shepherd and Kelly Clarkson
On Tuesday, February 3, per Variety, it was confirmed that “Sherri” had been canceled after four seasons and that production would officially end in the fall. Debmar-Mercury, which distributes the series through producer Lionsgate, released a statement confirming the news.
“This decision is driven by the changing daytime television landscape and does not reflect the strength of the series, its production – which has found strong creative momentum this season – or the incredible talent of Sherri Shepherd,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus said in a joint statement.
“We believe in this show and in Sherri and intend to explore alternatives on other platforms,” the statement continued.
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“Sherri” premiered in fall 2022, initially taking over the time slot of the long-running “Wendy Williams Show.”
“This has not been an easy decision, but this season will be my last hosting of ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show.’ Stepping away from my daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my children, which I feel is necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives,” she said in a statement.
The “American Idol” winner concluded her statement by thanking her fans: “I want to thank you so much for allowing our show to be a part of your lives, for believing in us and for sticking with us for seven incredible years.”
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The daytime talk show landscape is currently suffering from changes in viewing habits
Although “The View” continues to maintain its long-standing number one ranking, daytime talk show ratings overall have continued to decline sharply over the years, despite the talk shows being led by big names such as Jennifer Hudson, Drew Barrymore and Tamron Hall.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “the market for daytime talk shows (and frankly, television talk shows in general) has deteriorated in recent years due to the decline of pay TV, a tough advertising environment and fierce competition from video podcasts on platforms like YouTube.”
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Hudson was recently recognized at the American Black Film Festival Honors
On Monday, February 16, Jennifer Hudson was among the highly decorated honorees at the 10th annual American Black Film Festival Honors, which also recognized multi-time Oscar nominee Ryan Coogler and fellow nominee Angela Bassett.
During her acceptance speech at the Renaissance Award reception, Hudson spoke about learning from the legends who came before her.
“I’m a dreamer, very curious and always a student. So I get to sit down and learn every day from everyone, and that’s a gift. And even when we fail, sometimes it’s not a negative thing, because when we do, it’s a lesson, and learning a lesson is positive. It will only help you grow,” she said, according to Forbes.
EGOT Winner Joins Broadway Production of ‘Dreamgirls’
Jennifer Hudson is returning to her roots, as it was recently announced that she has signed on to produce a Broadway revival of “Dreamgirls,” according to Rolling Stone.
This year marks 20 years since she made her film debut and won an Oscar for her role as Effie White in the film adaptation “Dreamgirls.”
“This fall, ‘Dreamgirls’ returns to Broadway for the very first time since its premiere 45 years ago in 1981,” Hudson said in announcing the project. “Now it’s being reimagined for a whole new generation, which I’m so excited about.”
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“Now I can finally tell you that I am a team producer for the revival of this iconic musical! There will be so much more to share as time goes on, but I have had so much fun working with this incredible team, and I can’t wait to share the incredible production this fall,” Hudson added.