Roku uses Jennifer Hudson to test the daytime talk show space

Roku is entering the daytime talk show space – sort of. Starting December 1, the Roku Channel will air full episodes of "The Jennifer Hudson Show," a syndicated series from Warner Bros. and Telepictures, the day after they aired on linear television. The deal makes Roku the exclusive broadcaster of the EGOT winner's new talk series; all previously aired episodes of the show are now available to stream for free on The Roku Channel.

Hudson's talk show, a mix of celebrity interviews, current affairs, community heroes, viral sensations and, yes, music, was a pretty strong freshman performer. Of the six new syndicated strips in their first run, "The Jennifer Hudson Show" is just behind "Sherri," with an average household rating of 0.6 to Sherri Shepherd's 0.7, according to Nielsen data. Shepherd, a "The View" alum, essentially took over from Wendy Williams last season and launched her own new show this fall. (Beyond Hudson and Shepherd are: "Pictionary", "iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas", "Karamo" and "We The People" with Judge Lauren Lake.)

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“The authentic spirit that Jennifer Hudson brings to every episode of the series has already won the hearts of audiences across the country, and we look forward to expanding her audience potential to the millions of streamers reached by The Roku. Channel," Rob Holmes, vice president of programming for Roku, said in a statement. "It's exciting for us to bring a premier new series with top talent like 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' to audiences for free to enjoy. We are committed to finding quality entertainment options that are representative of what our audience wants to watch."

“The Jennifer Hudson Show” has energized daytime talk show audiences and continues to reach new heights in creative and viewership. Just three months speaks volumes about Jennifer's ability to connect with audiences," added David Decker, Head of Content Licensing for Warner Bros. Discovery. "The addition of J.Hud to the Roku Channel provides fans a whole new way to connect with her, which is what we're all about."

Produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Telepictures and distributed in national syndication by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, "The Jennifer Hudson Show" is produced by Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner, Corey Palent, Jennifer Hudson, Lisa Kasteler Calio, Graehme Morphy and Walter Williams III, with Shani Black serving as co-executive producer. "The Jennifer Hudson Show" is recorded in Los Angeles.

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