Today the Hollywood Reporter-and other websites- reported that Steve Harvey is about to kick off his nationally syndicated talk show in 2012. As we reported several months ago, Harvey is planning the talk show to take over day time talk.
We also hear that in the very near future that there may be a major announcement that Harvey may drop his nationally syndicated radio show! So far, that’s a rumor, but there have been talks among Harvey’s people to make this as a reality because it will be too much for Harvey to do. As we heard today from an unnamed staffer, “there is not enough time in the day for Steve to physically be able to do both. That’s the reason why we are grooming several other comedians who may be interested in taking over the show.”
Anyway, here is the article from The Hollywood Reporter;
Ten NBC owned TV stations have picked up comedian and game show host Steve Harvey’s new syndicated talk show for a fall 2012 launch, it was announced Thursday by Barry Wallach, president of NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution.
Winning a daytime slot on the NBC stations is expected to ensure the show will get a national launch.
The one hour daily show, Steve Harvey, is being produced by Endemol USA. It is expected to focus on relationship themes, with Harvey bringing his comedy and common sense to such topics as romance, marriage, parenting, friendship and the workplace.
Harvey is an executive producer along with Rushion McDonald. The show is distributed in broadcast syndication by NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution.
“Steve Harvey is a phenomenal broadcaster who will deliver his unique comedic approach to daytime talk,“ said Wallach. “Steve appeals to a wide cross section of daytime viewers making him a great fit for the day part.”
“Steve Harvey has consistently entertained viewers and attracted audiences,” said Valari Staab, President of the NBC Owned Television Stations. “As part of the investment we’re making in our 10 stations, we’re working hard to offer our viewers the strongest daytime lineup possible.”
“Steve is a huge talent who brings a unique voice and perspective to all audiences,” said David Goldberg, Chairman of Endemol North America.
The 10 NBC stations include WNBC New York, KNBC Los Angeles, WMAQ Chicago, WCAU Philadelphia, KNTV San Francisco, KXAS Dallas Fort-Worth, WRC Washington DC, WTVJ Miami, KNSD San Diego and WVIT Hartford.
Harvey has hosted the syndicated game show Family Feud for the past year. According to NBC, during that time the show has increased by over one million viewers a day, including a 47% jump in women 18-49 and 55% increase in women 25-54. He has continued growing the audience this season, up another 63% among women18 to 54, according to NBC.
Harvey also has been host of a daily syndicated radio show since 2000, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which NBC said has over 7 million weekly listeners and is the #1 nationally syndicated morning show in the top 25 markets among key demos. He has also written two books for Harper Collins that have sold over 3 million copies worldwide, both of which debuted on the New York Times best seller list. His book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is being developed by Sony’s Screen Gems for a feature with a projected 2012 release date.
