We just discovered that comedian and radio host Steve Harvey has just landed a deal that would see him launch a new day-time talk show for syndication! Our sources told us that this show idea had been in the works for several months and was planned to launch sometime late this year or at the beginning of next year.
We also heard that when The Mo’Nique Show was recently cancelled on BET that the folks at Harvey’s camp briefly discussed the thought of having him throw his hat in the late night arena, but quickly changed their minds since Harvey does radio every morning and that the late night gig might be too strenuous.
Anyway, The Hollywood Reporter article states that the show will arrive next year. Here is the article;
Steve Harvey is throwing his hat in the talk show ring.
The actor-comedian-author is developing what is being described as a “comedy show with talk show elements” with Endemol USA that would be distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution.
The show, intended for a fall 2012 launch in syndication, will be inspired by Harvey’s best-selling books, including Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, and syndicated radio program, Steve Harvey Morning Show.
Harvey, who also will executive produce with Rushion McDonald, is aiming to bring his comedic sensibility to the show, which will focus on relationship topics, including parenting, workplace, body issues, co-workers and more.
“Steve Harvey is a multi-talented entertainer, a best-selling author, host of a No. 1-rated radio program and a huge TV personality — Steve is a proven ratings winner in the day part, ” said Barry Wallach, president of NBCUniversal Domestic TV Distribution. “We are excited to work with Steve Harvey and the Endemol production team on this new talk show.”
Harvey is no stranger to daytime, having hosted Family Feud since the fall. The show has seen its ratings increase since he took over, including a 55 percent boost among women 25-54. (Feud is distributed by Debmar-Mercury and produced by FremantleMedia North America.)
Meanwhile, Act Like a Lady is being adapted for the big screen by Screen Gems and is slated for a 2012 release.
Harvey isn’t the only one who has thrown their hat in the ring for a daytime talker targeted for fall 2012: Jeff Probst recently signed a deal with CBS TV Distribution, Katie Couric has a deal with ABC, and Ricki Lake has a pact with Twentieth TV. And Bethenny Frankel is working with Ellen DeGeneres on a Telepictures-produced project.
