The current second season of NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution’s The Meredith Vieira Show will be its last. After wrapping production on the daytime talk show, Vieira will segue to work on NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympics games in Rio de Janeiro.
‘Meredith Vieira’ Poised For Cancellation
Sources tell Page Six that NBCUniversal will yank the The Meredith Vieira Show early next year. A TV insider says the low-rated syndicated talker has been telling reps of celebrity guests that it will be canceled, and the plug will be pulled in March.
Meredith Vieira’s daily syndicated talk show will switch to a live format for its second season. It will also feature rotating guest panelists including Lance Bass.
The new syndicated talk show launched Monday to a 1.7 household rating and a 5 share.
Having a well-known host does not guarantee a new talk show’s survival. Just ask Katie Couric and Arsenio Hall, two of the highest-profile talk show hosts to debut in syndication over the past few years. Both their efforts failed. This week another new batch of shows premieres, and they hope to survive until a second season against very tall odds.
The interview will kick off the new syndicated talker from NBCUniversal Domestic TV Distribution on Monday, Sept. 8. Other premiere week guests include Seth Rogen, Jessica Alba, America’s Got Talent judges Mel B and Howie Mandel, and Olympian Amy Van Dyken-Rouen.
Exclusives
Vieira Looks To Connect With Viewers
Speaking to reporters on Monday at the summer TV critics’ gathering, Meredith Vieira said she hopes to bring “authenticity” to her new syndicated talk show that premieres Sept. 8.
Promoting The ‘Meredith’ Mix Of Fun & Inspirational
Everett Bradley, who tours with the E Street Band, tapped for bandleader. Jon Harris to serve as the new daytime show’s announcer. Geoff Rosen and Matthew Strauss named co-executive producers; Benita Alexander, Angela LaGreca and Leslie Peirez join as supervising producers.
The veteran daytime producer and showrunner comes on board NBCU Domestic TV Distribution’s fall talker as its clearances pass 90% of U.S. homes.
