Fox Stations Renew ‘The Real’ Through 2018

The Fox-owned TV stations have given The Real a real vote of confidence, agreeing to renew the syndicated talk show for two seasons after this one — 2016-17 and 2017-18.

The two-season renewal was announced Thursday by Ken Werner, president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution — which syndicates The Real — and Frank Cicha, senior vice president of programming for Fox Television Stations.

The announcement cited ratings growth so far this season — the series’ second — as the reason for the renewal. The show is up 14% percent nationally in its primary demo, women 25-54, compared to last season, the companies said.

On the Fox stations, the show is averaging a 0.9 rating among women 25-54, the same as last season, the companies pointed out. The Real has also proven to be a compatible companion show to Wendy Williams. The Real is paired with Williams in 16 of the top 25 local people meter markets, retaining “100%” of its lead-in share in its target demos this season, the companies said.

“The Real has been an important piece in building our growing daytime lineup,” Cicha said. “In fact, in our universe, it often beats or ties The View.  That alone is worth two more years in my book.”  

“The Real in its second season has expanded on its promise of connecting with the diverse daytime television viewers and is delivering substantial ratings growth in the process,” Werner said. “The series did not invent this genre of television program, nor are they the only talk panel on television, but what The Real has done is differentiate itself from the others, quickly becoming an original, distinct and entertaining hour that has giving viewers a reason to make an appointment each and every day.”