Sherri will return for a third season.
The talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd has been cleared in more than 95 percent of the U.S. The nationally syndicated daytime weekday show airs on the Fox Television Stations, as well as the Nexstar, Sinclair, Hearst, Gray and Scripps broadcast groups.
Sherri ranks second this season among all syndicated talkers among women 25-54, up from third place in its freshman year. It has already garnered four Daytime Emmy nominations (Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host among them), as well as five NAACP Image Awards and a People’s Choice Award nod.
“I’m so excited to continue bringing joy, laughter and inspiration to our viewers,” said Shepherd in a statement. “I don’t take it for granted that people welcome me into their homes daily and that’s why I greet them with, ‘Hey Family!’ Thank you to Debmar Mercury, the Fox Television Stations...
The talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd has been cleared in more than 95 percent of the U.S. The nationally syndicated daytime weekday show airs on the Fox Television Stations, as well as the Nexstar, Sinclair, Hearst, Gray and Scripps broadcast groups.
Sherri ranks second this season among all syndicated talkers among women 25-54, up from third place in its freshman year. It has already garnered four Daytime Emmy nominations (Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host among them), as well as five NAACP Image Awards and a People’s Choice Award nod.
“I’m so excited to continue bringing joy, laughter and inspiration to our viewers,” said Shepherd in a statement. “I don’t take it for granted that people welcome me into their homes daily and that’s why I greet them with, ‘Hey Family!’ Thank you to Debmar Mercury, the Fox Television Stations...
- 4/2/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Wendy Williams was the voice of her iconic talk show The Wendy Williams Show for 13 years. But after her medical and substance abuse issues, many wondered if the New York native might’ve been stable enough for TV.
‘The Wendy Williams Show’ would’ve gotten canned if it wasn’t for the show’s success Wendy Williams | Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Williams has been battling substance abuse issues for a long time. In her early years, climbing up the ladder as a radio host, she succumbed to cocaine addiction. It started out as a means to help her cope with the long working hours of her career. But it soon turned into a secret habit that she found hard to kick.
“I was a functioning addict. I’d work from 3 in the afternoon until 7 at night, get off and party until 7 in the morning — then sleep until 2, go to the...
‘The Wendy Williams Show’ would’ve gotten canned if it wasn’t for the show’s success Wendy Williams | Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Williams has been battling substance abuse issues for a long time. In her early years, climbing up the ladder as a radio host, she succumbed to cocaine addiction. It started out as a means to help her cope with the long working hours of her career. But it soon turned into a secret habit that she found hard to kick.
“I was a functioning addict. I’d work from 3 in the afternoon until 7 at night, get off and party until 7 in the morning — then sleep until 2, go to the...
- 3/1/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Producer Tom Werner and the team behind ABC sitcom “The Conners” have reason to smile.
The series independently produced by Werner Entertainment has been sold in syndication by distributor Debmar-Mecury to TV station groups representating 85% of U.S. TV households. Starting in the fall reruns of the show’s first five seasons will begin airing in late afternoon and early evening time slots on stations around the country. “The Conners” began its strike-delayed sixth season on Feb. 7.
“The Conners” is one of the few new comedies in recent years to make it into traditional syndication deals with local stations around the country. Traditional multi-camera comedies in the vein of “The Conners” have become few and far between in the past decade as streaming options proliferated and the creative community leaned toward single-camera comedies and other formats that aren’t as syndication-friendly as a traditional sitcom.
The sale of rerun rights...
The series independently produced by Werner Entertainment has been sold in syndication by distributor Debmar-Mecury to TV station groups representating 85% of U.S. TV households. Starting in the fall reruns of the show’s first five seasons will begin airing in late afternoon and early evening time slots on stations around the country. “The Conners” began its strike-delayed sixth season on Feb. 7.
“The Conners” is one of the few new comedies in recent years to make it into traditional syndication deals with local stations around the country. Traditional multi-camera comedies in the vein of “The Conners” have become few and far between in the past decade as streaming options proliferated and the creative community leaned toward single-camera comedies and other formats that aren’t as syndication-friendly as a traditional sitcom.
The sale of rerun rights...
- 2/15/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
In March, The Conners will be airing its 100th episode, the traditional threshold for a series to be able to enter off-network syndication. And in September, the spinoff series will follow the mothership Roseanne into broadcast syndication.
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has cleared the Werner Entertainment-produced The Conners in more than 85% of the U.S. with multi-year deals that will make the series, starring Sara Gilbert, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf and Lecy Goranson, available in access and early fringe time periods (3 Pm – 8 Pm) on the CBS Television Stations and stations owned by Gray, Nexstar, Lockwood, Scripps and Weigel.
Werner Entertainment in August enlisted Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and company-owned distribution company Debmar-Mercury, with the Worldwide Television Distribution Group handing global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, and Debmar-Mercury shepherding domestic syndication.
Lionsgate recently made an unusual deal with the CW for Conners repeats to...
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has cleared the Werner Entertainment-produced The Conners in more than 85% of the U.S. with multi-year deals that will make the series, starring Sara Gilbert, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf and Lecy Goranson, available in access and early fringe time periods (3 Pm – 8 Pm) on the CBS Television Stations and stations owned by Gray, Nexstar, Lockwood, Scripps and Weigel.
Werner Entertainment in August enlisted Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and company-owned distribution company Debmar-Mercury, with the Worldwide Television Distribution Group handing global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, and Debmar-Mercury shepherding domestic syndication.
Lionsgate recently made an unusual deal with the CW for Conners repeats to...
- 2/15/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ken Jeong is a man of many talents. He’s an actor, comedian, and doctor. If that’s not enough to impress you, he’ll soon be the host of a syndicated talk show. Jeong is teaming up with Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, the company associated with Sherri Shepherd and Wendy Williams’ respective talk shows. In addition to developing the show, Jeong is executive producing alongside Jim Bierderman (The Kids in the Hall). Jeong’s talk show project is hitting the airwaves sometime in 2024, operating under SAG-AFTRA’s Network Code, a contract that oversees talk shows, variety shows, and unscripted entertainment.
Jeong is famous for his roles in the Hangover films, Community, and various stand-up comedy specials. He’s been a judge on Fox‘s The Masked Singer since 2019 and hosts the game show I Can See Your Voice. His movie credits extend well beyond the Hangover film series with parts in Crazy Rich Asians,...
Jeong is famous for his roles in the Hangover films, Community, and various stand-up comedy specials. He’s been a judge on Fox‘s The Masked Singer since 2019 and hosts the game show I Can See Your Voice. His movie credits extend well beyond the Hangover film series with parts in Crazy Rich Asians,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
“Kensday” may soon be everyday. “Community” star and “The Masked Singer” panelist Ken Jeong is eyeing a daytime talk strip for 2024, to be developed and produced by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury shingle. Jeong will executive produce with Jim Biederman (“The Kids in the Hall,” “The Howard Stern Radio Show.”
“Ken is one of a handful of people in the world who has what it takes to succeed as a talk show host and we are excited to be in business with him,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “”Audiences connect with Ken on many levels – not only because is he so talented, entertaining and unapologetically hilarious but their sense that he is sincere, compassionate, fearless, friendly, just genuinely nice – all essential ingredients that make for long-term success as a talk show host. He is also a talent capable of conquering any time period with his mix of comedy,...
“Ken is one of a handful of people in the world who has what it takes to succeed as a talk show host and we are excited to be in business with him,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “”Audiences connect with Ken on many levels – not only because is he so talented, entertaining and unapologetically hilarious but their sense that he is sincere, compassionate, fearless, friendly, just genuinely nice – all essential ingredients that make for long-term success as a talk show host. He is also a talent capable of conquering any time period with his mix of comedy,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Ken Jeong is setting his sights on daytime television.
The actor, comedian and Masked Singer panelist is developing a syndicated talk show with Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury (Sherri), with an eye toward a 2024 premiere. Jeong will also executive produce alongside Jim Biederman, a veteran producer of talk and sketch comedy shows (The Howard Stern Radio Show, Kids in the Hall and others).
The show will be produced under SAG-AFTRA’s so-called Network Code, a different contract than the one that actors are currently striking. The Network Code governs talk shows, variety shows and other unscripted programs.
“Ken is one of a handful of people in the world who has what it takes to succeed as a talk show host and we are excited to be in business with him,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a statement. “Audiences connect with Ken on many levels — not only because is he so talented,...
The actor, comedian and Masked Singer panelist is developing a syndicated talk show with Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury (Sherri), with an eye toward a 2024 premiere. Jeong will also executive produce alongside Jim Biederman, a veteran producer of talk and sketch comedy shows (The Howard Stern Radio Show, Kids in the Hall and others).
The show will be produced under SAG-AFTRA’s so-called Network Code, a different contract than the one that actors are currently striking. The Network Code governs talk shows, variety shows and other unscripted programs.
“Ken is one of a handful of people in the world who has what it takes to succeed as a talk show host and we are excited to be in business with him,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a statement. “Audiences connect with Ken on many levels — not only because is he so talented,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ken Jeong is looking to get into daytime.
The Masked Singer judge is developing a talk show with Debmar-Mercury with a view for a 2024 launch. He is taping a test show in New York today.
The show is being developed and produced under the SAG Network Code, which allows actors and hosts to work on certain types of shows, including daytime talk shows during the actors strikes.
Jim Biederman, who produced The Kids in the Hall, is serving as showrunner, writer and director and is exec producing alongside Jeong.
Jeong first broke through for his role in The Hangover movies and Knocked Up and has been a judge on The Masked Singer since 2019. He also hosts and exec produces I Can See Your Voice. He also stars in season two of Apple’s The Afterparty.
The deal was packaged by Iag.
He becomes the latest high-profile star to move into daytime,...
The Masked Singer judge is developing a talk show with Debmar-Mercury with a view for a 2024 launch. He is taping a test show in New York today.
The show is being developed and produced under the SAG Network Code, which allows actors and hosts to work on certain types of shows, including daytime talk shows during the actors strikes.
Jim Biederman, who produced The Kids in the Hall, is serving as showrunner, writer and director and is exec producing alongside Jeong.
Jeong first broke through for his role in The Hangover movies and Knocked Up and has been a judge on The Masked Singer since 2019. He also hosts and exec produces I Can See Your Voice. He also stars in season two of Apple’s The Afterparty.
The deal was packaged by Iag.
He becomes the latest high-profile star to move into daytime,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
People Puzzler is heading into the syndication broadcast fold this fall as Debmar-Mercury clears the Game Show Network series hosted by Leah Remini in more than 90 percent of the U.S. The game show will make its debut across the country starting Monday, September 11 across Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair, and other networks. The pop culture-focused game is based on iconic People crosswords. The format features 325 episodes from the first three seasons, which aired successfully on the Game Show Network; it is one of its top-rated original series. (Credit: Courtesy of Debmar-Mercury) “This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein in a statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.” The show...
- 8/22/2023
- TV Insider
People Puzzler, Game Show Network’s pop culture game show hosted by Leah Remini, has been cleared in more than 90% of the country with premiere on track for fall, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced Tuesday.
Based on the crosswords in People, the show will debut September 11 on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others, with Fox’s Wwor New York slotting it at 6 p.m. weeknights.
The format, comprised of 325 episodes from the first three seasons, has performed strongly on Game Show Network and is one of its top-rated original series.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
A...
Based on the crosswords in People, the show will debut September 11 on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others, with Fox’s Wwor New York slotting it at 6 p.m. weeknights.
The format, comprised of 325 episodes from the first three seasons, has performed strongly on Game Show Network and is one of its top-rated original series.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
A...
- 8/22/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Leah Remini-hosted Game Show Network series “People Puzzler” is set for off-network syndication on stations this fall. The gamer has now been cleared by Lionsgate-owned syndication distributor Debmar-Mercury in more than 90% of the country, including Fox-owned stations in the three top markets: Wwor New York, Kcop Los Angeles and Wfld Chicago.
“People Puzzler,” which premieres in syndication on Sept. 11, has been sold to station groups including Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others. The library includes 325 episodes from the first three seasons of “People Puzzler” on Game Show Network.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, ‘People Puzzler’ has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
‘People Puzzler...
“People Puzzler,” which premieres in syndication on Sept. 11, has been sold to station groups including Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others. The library includes 325 episodes from the first three seasons of “People Puzzler” on Game Show Network.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, ‘People Puzzler’ has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
‘People Puzzler...
- 8/22/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“People Puzzler,” the Leah Remini-hosted game show from the Game Show Network, has scored a syndication deal across over 90% of the U.S., Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced Tuesday.
The competition series, inspired by People’s pop culture-centric crossword puzzles, will debut this fall on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray and Sinclair, among others. Premiering on Monday, Sept. 11, Fox’s Wwor New York has slotted “People Puzzler” for 6 p.m. Et on weeknights.
Combining pop culture with fun facts, “People Puzzler” challenges three contestants to put their smarts to the test in a three-round battle, before the contestant with the highest score has the opportunity to win a cash prize in the “Fast Puzzle Bonus Round.”
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes. Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host,...
The competition series, inspired by People’s pop culture-centric crossword puzzles, will debut this fall on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray and Sinclair, among others. Premiering on Monday, Sept. 11, Fox’s Wwor New York has slotted “People Puzzler” for 6 p.m. Et on weeknights.
Combining pop culture with fun facts, “People Puzzler” challenges three contestants to put their smarts to the test in a three-round battle, before the contestant with the highest score has the opportunity to win a cash prize in the “Fast Puzzle Bonus Round.”
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes. Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
The Conners is headed to streaming and syndication.
Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury are teaming with the ABC comedy’s producer, Werner Entertainment, for a licensing deal. The former will handle streaming — including SVOD, AVOD and Fast outlets — and basic cable distribution, while Debmar-Mercury will take on broadcast syndication in the United States.
The deal covers the show’s five existing seasons — a library of 93 episodes — and also includes rights to future seasons. ABC has renewed The Conners for a sixth season, which will ramp up after writers and actors strikes are resolved.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” said Jim Packer, president worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and...
Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury are teaming with the ABC comedy’s producer, Werner Entertainment, for a licensing deal. The former will handle streaming — including SVOD, AVOD and Fast outlets — and basic cable distribution, while Debmar-Mercury will take on broadcast syndication in the United States.
The deal covers the show’s five existing seasons — a library of 93 episodes — and also includes rights to future seasons. ABC has renewed The Conners for a sixth season, which will ramp up after writers and actors strikes are resolved.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” said Jim Packer, president worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and...
- 8/8/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Conners” is making its way to off-net syndication, as Tom Werner’s Werner Entertainment has stuck a deal with both Lionsgate Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury to distribute the sitcom’s first five seasons (and future seasons as well). “The Conners” will be sold for a fall 2024 launch in domestic syndication.
Under the deal, Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group will oversee international distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lionsgate) will handle domestic syndication.
“The Conners,” which launched in 2018 as the successor series to “Roseanne”, was recently renewed for a sixth season on ABC. The show is ABC’s most-watched comedy, and has already hit 93 episodes — making it a rare new sitcom entrant in the off-network syndication world.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to...
Under the deal, Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group will oversee international distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lionsgate) will handle domestic syndication.
“The Conners,” which launched in 2018 as the successor series to “Roseanne”, was recently renewed for a sixth season on ABC. The show is ABC’s most-watched comedy, and has already hit 93 episodes — making it a rare new sitcom entrant in the off-network syndication world.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to...
- 8/8/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and distribution company Debmar-Mercury have partnered on a multiyear global licensing deal with Werner Entertainment for the ABC hit sitcom “The Conners.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury will handle domestic syndication. The deal covers all five seasons of the series as well as rights to future seasons following first airing on ABC.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” Jim Packer, Lionsgate president of Worldwide Television Distribution, said in a statement. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and prowess of our global distribution with Debmar-Mercury’s unparalleled syndication expertise in support of a remarkable brand and series.
Under the terms of the deal, the Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury will handle domestic syndication. The deal covers all five seasons of the series as well as rights to future seasons following first airing on ABC.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” Jim Packer, Lionsgate president of Worldwide Television Distribution, said in a statement. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and prowess of our global distribution with Debmar-Mercury’s unparalleled syndication expertise in support of a remarkable brand and series.
- 8/8/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
‘The Conners’: Lionsgate & Debmar-Mercury To Distribute ABC Sitcom In Deal With Werner Entertainment
Tom Werner’s Werner Entertainment, the production company behind ABC’s popular comedy series The Conners, has signed a global licensing deal with Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury to make past seasons of the sitcom available on streaming and in syndication. .
Under the agreement, Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury will shepherd domestic syndication for the Roseanne spinoff. The deal covers all five seasons of the series as well as rights to future seasons following ABC’s first window.
Roseanne, as well as the rest of the Carsey-Werner library, is being distributed by Carsey-Werner TV Distribution, which originally was set to also handle The Conners. Looking for a global footprint, Werner opted to partner with Lionsgate before the show had been taken out.
“Lionsgate’s global reach and success across all...
Under the agreement, Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury will shepherd domestic syndication for the Roseanne spinoff. The deal covers all five seasons of the series as well as rights to future seasons following ABC’s first window.
Roseanne, as well as the rest of the Carsey-Werner library, is being distributed by Carsey-Werner TV Distribution, which originally was set to also handle The Conners. Looking for a global footprint, Werner opted to partner with Lionsgate before the show had been taken out.
“Lionsgate’s global reach and success across all...
- 8/8/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
BET has announced a new documentary film, “Black + Iconic: Style Gods,” starring Billy Porter and produced by Stanley Nelson and Firelight Films. The documentary is part of the new four-part “Black + Iconic” series that will showcase the legacy and cultural impact of Black icons across music, film, fashion and dance.
Porter will narrate, host and executive produce the first documentary in the series, with Lynne Robinson directing. Connie Orlando and Jason Samuels developed the series with supervising producer Steven Ramey.
“We’re thrilled to be working with BET again after the success of our first project together, ‘Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama,’” said Nelson, who is also a Firelight Films co-founder, in a statement. “I couldn’t think of a better home for this series celebrating Black icons via the numerous mediums through which Black creatives have made an indelible mark on the culture.”
The two-hour first...
Porter will narrate, host and executive produce the first documentary in the series, with Lynne Robinson directing. Connie Orlando and Jason Samuels developed the series with supervising producer Steven Ramey.
“We’re thrilled to be working with BET again after the success of our first project together, ‘Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama,’” said Nelson, who is also a Firelight Films co-founder, in a statement. “I couldn’t think of a better home for this series celebrating Black icons via the numerous mediums through which Black creatives have made an indelible mark on the culture.”
The two-hour first...
- 2/2/2023
- by Julia MacCary and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has renewed hit game show Family Feud through the 2025-26 season, taking the Fremantle-produced show into its landmark 50th year on television. Leading station groups Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps and Tegna have signed multi-year renewals for the nationally syndicated ratings juggernaut, hosted by Steve Harvey.
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story Debmar-Mercury Takes Gsn's Leah Remini-Hosted 'People Puzzler' To Syndication Related Story Comedian Steve Harvey Comments On Will Smith Oscar Slap Calling His Actions A "Punk Move"
Now in its fifth consecutive season as television’s No. 1 first-run syndicated show in women 25-54, Family Feud is posting a 1.5 rating season-to-date in the key demo, according to Nielsen.
“Demand for a proven demo and household ratings winner like Family Feud has been intense,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “We are extremely pleased...
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story Debmar-Mercury Takes Gsn's Leah Remini-Hosted 'People Puzzler' To Syndication Related Story Comedian Steve Harvey Comments On Will Smith Oscar Slap Calling His Actions A "Punk Move"
Now in its fifth consecutive season as television’s No. 1 first-run syndicated show in women 25-54, Family Feud is posting a 1.5 rating season-to-date in the key demo, according to Nielsen.
“Demand for a proven demo and household ratings winner like Family Feud has been intense,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “We are extremely pleased...
- 2/1/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox television stations has renewed the freshman talk show from comedian Sherri Shepherd, “Sherri,” through the 2024-25 season.
The decision behind the long-term extension from its anchor station group was based on the show’s first-season success. As it stands, “Sherri” is the No. 1 new nationally syndicated daytime talker from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury.
“I am so thrilled that Sherri has been renewed for two more years,” said Shepherd. “I launched this show with the mission to give daytime viewers a ‘good time,’ just like my theme song says. I am so appreciative that Fox and Debmar-Mercury have partnered with me to continue bringing more laughter, joy and inspiration to my audience.”
Shepherd leads a daytime audience “with her warm, relatable and engaging personality” as she takes viewers through the day’s entertainment news, pop culture and trending topics. “As America’s favorite girl next door, her comedy-driven show features celebrity interviews,...
The decision behind the long-term extension from its anchor station group was based on the show’s first-season success. As it stands, “Sherri” is the No. 1 new nationally syndicated daytime talker from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury.
“I am so thrilled that Sherri has been renewed for two more years,” said Shepherd. “I launched this show with the mission to give daytime viewers a ‘good time,’ just like my theme song says. I am so appreciative that Fox and Debmar-Mercury have partnered with me to continue bringing more laughter, joy and inspiration to my audience.”
Shepherd leads a daytime audience “with her warm, relatable and engaging personality” as she takes viewers through the day’s entertainment news, pop culture and trending topics. “As America’s favorite girl next door, her comedy-driven show features celebrity interviews,...
- 1/11/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Sherri Shepherd’s eponymous talk show will live on.
Fox Television Stations announced Wednesday that they’d be renewing Sherri for two more years, taking the series from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury through the 2024-25 season.
Shepherd’s path to this place was hardly ordinary, with the actress, comedian, and former View co-host initially asked to step in as a temporary fill-in during predecessor Wendy Williams’ prolonged absence. Proving an instant hit with the daytime audience, Shepherd kept being invited back — until it became clear that Williams would not be returning to her long-running show, and Shepherd was formally tapped to succeed her.
Shepherd’s iteration, retitled Sherri, launched earlier this fall, and quickly became an asset for its distributor. In fact, Sherri is being trumpeted as the No. 1 new nationally syndicated daytime talk show.
“In success, the hour leading out of Am news can act as a springboard for a station’s entire daytime,...
Fox Television Stations announced Wednesday that they’d be renewing Sherri for two more years, taking the series from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury through the 2024-25 season.
Shepherd’s path to this place was hardly ordinary, with the actress, comedian, and former View co-host initially asked to step in as a temporary fill-in during predecessor Wendy Williams’ prolonged absence. Proving an instant hit with the daytime audience, Shepherd kept being invited back — until it became clear that Williams would not be returning to her long-running show, and Shepherd was formally tapped to succeed her.
Shepherd’s iteration, retitled Sherri, launched earlier this fall, and quickly became an asset for its distributor. In fact, Sherri is being trumpeted as the No. 1 new nationally syndicated daytime talk show.
“In success, the hour leading out of Am news can act as a springboard for a station’s entire daytime,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has picked up for distribution Game Show Network’s People Puzzler, hosted by Leah Remini, with the goal to launch the game show in broadcast syndication in fall 2023.
Debmar-Mercury is shopping 325 episodes of People Puzzler, which combines pop culture with fun facts, as a back-to-back Monday-Friday strip. It will be sold on an all-barter basis, with the syndicator splitting the national advertising time with stations. The 325 episodes include all of Seasons 1 and 2, as well the current third season.
This marks a rare broadcast syndication offering for fall 2023 in a tight marketplace with no known first-run shows targeted for next fall yet.
Based on the crossword puzzles in People, People Puzzler, which returned for its third season in August, has been a solid performer for Gsn. It is produced by Game Show Enterprises, Start Entertainment and People’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith. Remini also executive produces with Rane Laymance,...
Debmar-Mercury is shopping 325 episodes of People Puzzler, which combines pop culture with fun facts, as a back-to-back Monday-Friday strip. It will be sold on an all-barter basis, with the syndicator splitting the national advertising time with stations. The 325 episodes include all of Seasons 1 and 2, as well the current third season.
This marks a rare broadcast syndication offering for fall 2023 in a tight marketplace with no known first-run shows targeted for next fall yet.
Based on the crossword puzzles in People, People Puzzler, which returned for its third season in August, has been a solid performer for Gsn. It is produced by Game Show Enterprises, Start Entertainment and People’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith. Remini also executive produces with Rane Laymance,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
On the morning of Sept. 30, 2021, two television executives made their way to Wendy Williams’ apartment in downtown Manhattan. As the longtime producers of The Wendy Williams Show, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein were trying to assuage the fears of the talk show’s 100-person staff, who they knew were reading about Williams’ health struggles in the press.
Already, the promotional tour that she had scheduled for the 13th season had been scuttled and its official Sept. 20 start date was pushed back. The plan was to have Williams piped in, via Zoom, to the show’s studio in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. “Because the staff had questions,” says her then-manager Bernie Young, whose job had morphed into liaising Williams’ tests and doctor visits. “So the idea was, ‘Look, they haven’t seen you or spoken to you, so let’s...
On the morning of Sept. 30, 2021, two television executives made their way to Wendy Williams’ apartment in downtown Manhattan. As the longtime producers of The Wendy Williams Show, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein were trying to assuage the fears of the talk show’s 100-person staff, who they knew were reading about Williams’ health struggles in the press.
Already, the promotional tour that she had scheduled for the 13th season had been scuttled and its official Sept. 20 start date was pushed back. The plan was to have Williams piped in, via Zoom, to the show’s studio in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. “Because the staff had questions,” says her then-manager Bernie Young, whose job had morphed into liaising Williams’ tests and doctor visits. “So the idea was, ‘Look, they haven’t seen you or spoken to you, so let’s...
- 10/4/2022
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Sherri Shepherd was only supposed to fill in for a few days.
It was fall 2021, and Wendy Williams, the host of her own eponymous talk show, had not been in her famous purple chair for weeks. According to multiple sources, she was in and out of hospitals as medical professionals tried to figure out what, exactly, was causing symptoms like nonlinear speech, memory loss and even hallucinations. Meanwhile, the producers of her 10 a.m. TV show, which was entering its 13th season, had delayed as long as they could, and now they were relying on a string of guest hosts. Shepherd was tapped to fill in on week three, though she’d be brought back for several more.
Related Stories TV Inside the Final Days of 'The Wendy Williams Show' Movie News Netflix Reveals Release Date for 'Knives Out' Sequel 'Glass Onion'
“She blew us away,...
Sherri Shepherd was only supposed to fill in for a few days.
It was fall 2021, and Wendy Williams, the host of her own eponymous talk show, had not been in her famous purple chair for weeks. According to multiple sources, she was in and out of hospitals as medical professionals tried to figure out what, exactly, was causing symptoms like nonlinear speech, memory loss and even hallucinations. Meanwhile, the producers of her 10 a.m. TV show, which was entering its 13th season, had delayed as long as they could, and now they were relying on a string of guest hosts. Shepherd was tapped to fill in on week three, though she’d be brought back for several more.
Related Stories TV Inside the Final Days of 'The Wendy Williams Show' Movie News Netflix Reveals Release Date for 'Knives Out' Sequel 'Glass Onion'
“She blew us away,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More details about the end of “The Wendy Williams Show” are coming to light. In The Hollywood Reporter‘s latest cover story, the outlet details the final days of the long-running talk show, which came amid a series of health issues of its eponymous host. Et has reached out to Williams’ rep for comment on THR‘s story.
Once the decision was made in February 2022 to cancel “The Wendy Williams Show”, on which the host herself did not appear during the final season, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein tell the outlet that they received a series of phone calls from Williams questioning the end of her show.
Those calls, Marcus and Bernstein claim, came after months of silence from Williams, during which time she was unreachable.
“I said, ‘We haven’t heard from you, and we had to make a decision.’ We should have made one in November,...
Once the decision was made in February 2022 to cancel “The Wendy Williams Show”, on which the host herself did not appear during the final season, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein tell the outlet that they received a series of phone calls from Williams questioning the end of her show.
Those calls, Marcus and Bernstein claim, came after months of silence from Williams, during which time she was unreachable.
“I said, ‘We haven’t heard from you, and we had to make a decision.’ We should have made one in November,...
- 8/18/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Wendy Williams had to be reminded several times that The Wendy Williams Show was canceled in the months following her last appearance in February. A new report from The Hollywood Reporter published Wednesday, detailed what led to the demise of the daytime TV staple — and how Williams’ struggles with addiction and chronic illness took a toll on her and her show.
According to the report, Williams reached out to executives multiple times asking why her show had been canceled, acting as if the conversations were happening for the first time each time she called.
According to the report, Williams reached out to executives multiple times asking why her show had been canceled, acting as if the conversations were happening for the first time each time she called.
- 8/17/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
The official internet presence of “The Wendy Williams Show” seems to be no more. The series’ YouTube channel, as well as the official websites for Wendy Williams Productions and the program, are no longer accessible.
Searches for the channel through YouTube and various search engines yield no results, potentially making hundreds of hours of clips and features from the series unavailable to view.
Meanwhile, .com domains such as “wendywilliamsproductions” and “wendyshow,” which had previously hosted official resources for the production company and the talk show, respectively, no longer direct to their previous pages. “Wendywilliamsproductions” is listed as available under a Go Daddy auction, while “wendyshow” pulls up a Dns error.
The revelation comes two weeks after “The Wendy Williams Show” aired the final episode of its 13-season run. The daytime talk show had been producing its most recent 2021-2022 season without its host due to Williams’ health-related issues.
The series...
Searches for the channel through YouTube and various search engines yield no results, potentially making hundreds of hours of clips and features from the series unavailable to view.
Meanwhile, .com domains such as “wendywilliamsproductions” and “wendyshow,” which had previously hosted official resources for the production company and the talk show, respectively, no longer direct to their previous pages. “Wendywilliamsproductions” is listed as available under a Go Daddy auction, while “wendyshow” pulls up a Dns error.
The revelation comes two weeks after “The Wendy Williams Show” aired the final episode of its 13-season run. The daytime talk show had been producing its most recent 2021-2022 season without its host due to Williams’ health-related issues.
The series...
- 7/5/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The Wendy Williams Show will leave the air for good this week.
Months after it was announced that Williams would not be returning to the purple seat, we have a series finale date.
Deadline is reporting that Friday, June 17, will mark the conclusion of the popular daytime talk show.
Unfortunately, Williams is not expected to be present for the finale, but there is a silver lining.
The episode will feature a video montage to commemorate Williams and her impressive run on daytime TV.
“The final original episode of The Wendy Williams Show will air on Friday, June 17th, with a video tribute to the iconic host," a show spokesperson told the outlet.
"The series comes to an end after 13 successful years in syndication."
Williams stepped away from her hosting duties back in October 2021 amid an ongoing health crisis.
The star had "serious complications" from Graves Disease and an aggravated thyroid condition.
Months after it was announced that Williams would not be returning to the purple seat, we have a series finale date.
Deadline is reporting that Friday, June 17, will mark the conclusion of the popular daytime talk show.
Unfortunately, Williams is not expected to be present for the finale, but there is a silver lining.
The episode will feature a video montage to commemorate Williams and her impressive run on daytime TV.
“The final original episode of The Wendy Williams Show will air on Friday, June 17th, with a video tribute to the iconic host," a show spokesperson told the outlet.
"The series comes to an end after 13 successful years in syndication."
Williams stepped away from her hosting duties back in October 2021 amid an ongoing health crisis.
The star had "serious complications" from Graves Disease and an aggravated thyroid condition.
- 6/14/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
After 13 seasons, “The Wendy Williams Show” will officially come to an end this Friday, Variety has learned exclusively.
The daytime talk show has been airing all season without its host, Wendy Williams, who will not be present for the final episode, which will include a video montage celebrating her groundbreaking television run.
“The final original episode of ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ will air on Friday, June 17th with a video tribute to the iconic host. The series comes to an end after 13 successful years in syndication,” a spokesperson for the show says in a statement to Variety.
Williams has been absent from her show all throughout the 2021-2022 season, due to health-related issues. Without Williams in her purple chair, the show has been airing with a slew of guest hosts and panelists, including Sherri Shepherd, who is hosting this final week and the final episode.
This fall, Shepherd will be...
The daytime talk show has been airing all season without its host, Wendy Williams, who will not be present for the final episode, which will include a video montage celebrating her groundbreaking television run.
“The final original episode of ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ will air on Friday, June 17th with a video tribute to the iconic host. The series comes to an end after 13 successful years in syndication,” a spokesperson for the show says in a statement to Variety.
Williams has been absent from her show all throughout the 2021-2022 season, due to health-related issues. Without Williams in her purple chair, the show has been airing with a slew of guest hosts and panelists, including Sherri Shepherd, who is hosting this final week and the final episode.
This fall, Shepherd will be...
- 6/14/2022
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
It’s a new day in daytime TV. On Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres left the syndicated talk-show airwaves after 19 years — and that leaves Kelly Clarkson on the starting block, poised to make a run for first place against longtime leaders “Dr. Phil” and “Live With Kelly & Ryan.”
Clarkson will take the “Ellen” slot this fall. Her show, like “Ellen” and “Maury,” averages a 0.4 rating among women 25-54 this season, the key demo for ad sales on syndicated daytime talk shows. “Wendy Williams,” which was guest-hosted this season by a stable of fill-ins including Sherri Shepherd (who gets her own show this fall), also averaged a 0.4 rating.
That means they all tie for third place in daytime’s syndicated talk space, but three of those four aired their series finales. Clarkson’s show is the only one continuing this fall, much to the delight of Tracie Wilson, the executive VP of NBCUniversal...
Clarkson will take the “Ellen” slot this fall. Her show, like “Ellen” and “Maury,” averages a 0.4 rating among women 25-54 this season, the key demo for ad sales on syndicated daytime talk shows. “Wendy Williams,” which was guest-hosted this season by a stable of fill-ins including Sherri Shepherd (who gets her own show this fall), also averaged a 0.4 rating.
That means they all tie for third place in daytime’s syndicated talk space, but three of those four aired their series finales. Clarkson’s show is the only one continuing this fall, much to the delight of Tracie Wilson, the executive VP of NBCUniversal...
- 5/26/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Image Source: Getty / Santiago Felipe
After 14 seasons on the air, "The Wendy Williams Show" is coming to an end. Wendy Williams will not return for the remainder of the season, which is still in production. Instead, the talk show will continue to air live shows with rotating guest hosts - who include Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Kym Whitley, Finesse Mitchell, Carson Kressley, and Vivica A. Fox - all of whom will trade off their hosting duties from March 7 through April 1. Sherri Shepherd, who is replacing Williams's time slot this fall with her own talk show titled "Sherri," will also continue as a guest show of the talk show.
"Omg! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show Sherri in the fall," Shepherd said in a statement. "I can't wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love . . . pop culture,...
After 14 seasons on the air, "The Wendy Williams Show" is coming to an end. Wendy Williams will not return for the remainder of the season, which is still in production. Instead, the talk show will continue to air live shows with rotating guest hosts - who include Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Kym Whitley, Finesse Mitchell, Carson Kressley, and Vivica A. Fox - all of whom will trade off their hosting duties from March 7 through April 1. Sherri Shepherd, who is replacing Williams's time slot this fall with her own talk show titled "Sherri," will also continue as a guest show of the talk show.
"Omg! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show Sherri in the fall," Shepherd said in a statement. "I can't wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love . . . pop culture,...
- 3/19/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Nick Cannon's jam-packed schedule is getting slimmed. After less than a year, The Nick Cannon Show will be coming to an end, with co-presidents of the talk show's producer-distributor, Lionsgate's Debmar-Mercury, Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein telling E! News in a statement, "It's never easy to cancel a production with clear potential but, after a great deal of deliberation and examining various options, we have made the difficult business decision to end production on Nick Cannon." Good thing he still helms several other TV shows, a radio show, has new music and a thriving acting career. Plus, Marcus and Bernstein said they intend "to offer viewers original episodes...
- 3/10/2022
- E! Online
The cancellations are coming in thick and fast this week as three unscripted series have been given the chop, two of them after just one season on the air. First up is Nick Cannon‘s self-titled syndicated daytime talk show, which launched on September 28, 2021, and is still in the middle of airing its first season. But, according to Deadline, the show’s producer-distributor, Lionsate’s Debmar-Mercury, is set to inform the crew that the two episodes filming later today will be the last. “It’s never easy to cancel a production with clear potential, but, after a great deal of deliberation and examining various options, we have made the difficult business decision to end production on Nick Cannon,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a statement (via Deadline). “We plan to offer viewers original episodes of the daytime talk show through the remainder of this season.” Fellow...
- 3/10/2022
- TV Insider
It’s one and done for Nick Cannon.
Cannon’s eponymous daytime talk show has been cancelled after one low-rated season. According to our sister pub Variety, staffers were informed of the decision on Thursday, ahead of a previously planned five-week production hiatus so Cannon could fulfill his duties on Fox’s The Masked Singer and VH1’s Wild ‘N Out.
More from TVLineNick Cannon Reveals 5-Month-Old Son Died of Brain Cancer -- Watch VideoNick Cannon Returning as Wild 'n Out Host After Apologizing for Anti-Semitic Comments That Got Him FiredMasked Singer Season 5: Niecy Nash to Serve as Temporary...
Cannon’s eponymous daytime talk show has been cancelled after one low-rated season. According to our sister pub Variety, staffers were informed of the decision on Thursday, ahead of a previously planned five-week production hiatus so Cannon could fulfill his duties on Fox’s The Masked Singer and VH1’s Wild ‘N Out.
More from TVLineNick Cannon Reveals 5-Month-Old Son Died of Brain Cancer -- Watch VideoNick Cannon Returning as Wild 'n Out Host After Apologizing for Anti-Semitic Comments That Got Him FiredMasked Singer Season 5: Niecy Nash to Serve as Temporary...
- 3/10/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Nick Cannon is getting a second chance to launch a syndicated daytime talk show.
Debmar-Mercury and Fox Television Stations have committed to a fall launch of the daytime strip fronted by “The Masked Singer” host, an ambitious production that was originally set to premiere last September. But in July Debmar-Mercury postponed the rollout of “Nick Cannon” after comments he made on a podcast about the ancient history of Black people and Jews surfaced and were widely condemned as anti-Semitic.
“It’s been a longtime dream of mine to host my own daytime talk show and that I’m able to do this in New York City, bringing daytime television back to the place that has fostered generations of talent, is very special to me,” Cannon said in a statement. “With this show, we’ll be uniting all aspects of entertainment in a unique way in the very place where a...
Debmar-Mercury and Fox Television Stations have committed to a fall launch of the daytime strip fronted by “The Masked Singer” host, an ambitious production that was originally set to premiere last September. But in July Debmar-Mercury postponed the rollout of “Nick Cannon” after comments he made on a podcast about the ancient history of Black people and Jews surfaced and were widely condemned as anti-Semitic.
“It’s been a longtime dream of mine to host my own daytime talk show and that I’m able to do this in New York City, bringing daytime television back to the place that has fostered generations of talent, is very special to me,” Cannon said in a statement. “With this show, we’ll be uniting all aspects of entertainment in a unique way in the very place where a...
- 1/28/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury will launch nationally syndicated daytime talk show Nick Cannon this fall, with the Fox Television Stations as the anchor group for the New York-based weekday talker, produced and distributed by the company.
The Fox stations also were the original core group for the show when it was originally slated for a fall 2020 launch. The talker was already in production, cleared in 90% in the country for an Oct. 5, 2020 rollout when it was put on hold last July in a fallout from the anti-Semitic remarks the actor-comedian had made on his podcast.
“We are standing by Nick in our hope that by fall 2021 he will be able to use his extraordinary talent and platform to entertain, enlighten & unite his audience on the Nick Cannon talk show,” Lionsgate and its division Debmar-Mercury said at the time.
The fall 2021 is now a go for the talker, described as an exciting, fun...
The Fox stations also were the original core group for the show when it was originally slated for a fall 2020 launch. The talker was already in production, cleared in 90% in the country for an Oct. 5, 2020 rollout when it was put on hold last July in a fallout from the anti-Semitic remarks the actor-comedian had made on his podcast.
“We are standing by Nick in our hope that by fall 2021 he will be able to use his extraordinary talent and platform to entertain, enlighten & unite his audience on the Nick Cannon talk show,” Lionsgate and its division Debmar-Mercury said at the time.
The fall 2021 is now a go for the talker, described as an exciting, fun...
- 1/28/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury said Tuesday that Schitt’s Creek, which pulled off an unprecedented sweep of the comedy categories at Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards, will launch in U.S. broadcast syndication beginning September 28. The date comes after the recently ended Pop TV comedy set an October 2 launch for Comedy Central, a ViacomCBS sibling.
The CBC-commissioned sitcom, which first premiered on Pop TV in January 2015 and wrapped its sixth and final season in April, is also is available on Netflix. The streamer is launching the fifth season on October 7.
The U.S. broadcast syndication rights deal was made in May 2018. In October 2019, it sold to Fox stations. It is now cleared in more than 95% of the country on stations groups including Sinclair, CBS and CW Plus. In Los Angeles, it will air on Kcop on Saturdays at 11 p.m., 11:30 p.m. and midnight, on Sundays at 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.
The CBC-commissioned sitcom, which first premiered on Pop TV in January 2015 and wrapped its sixth and final season in April, is also is available on Netflix. The streamer is launching the fifth season on October 7.
The U.S. broadcast syndication rights deal was made in May 2018. In October 2019, it sold to Fox stations. It is now cleared in more than 95% of the country on stations groups including Sinclair, CBS and CW Plus. In Los Angeles, it will air on Kcop on Saturdays at 11 p.m., 11:30 p.m. and midnight, on Sundays at 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.
- 9/22/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Schitt’s” sweep keeps on coming, with the fan-favorite comedy now airing pretty much everywhere, following the cult comedy’s Emmys domination this past weekend.
“Schitt’s Creek” will launch into national syndication across U.S. broadcast markets starting on Sept. 28, Variety has learned. Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury owns the domestic broadcast rights to the series.
The syndication deal was first announced last fall, but the timing of the syndicated launch could not be more fitting, given “Schitt’s Creek’s” performance at the Primetime Emmy Awards, winning all of the top comedy awards and making history as the first series — comedy or drama — to win all categories in its field, including outstanding comedy. The show also broke the record for the most wins for a comedy show in one given year.
“What begins as a fish-out-of-water story quickly develops into a nuanced love letter to family, delivered with warmth, humanity and perfect comedic timing.
“Schitt’s Creek” will launch into national syndication across U.S. broadcast markets starting on Sept. 28, Variety has learned. Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury owns the domestic broadcast rights to the series.
The syndication deal was first announced last fall, but the timing of the syndicated launch could not be more fitting, given “Schitt’s Creek’s” performance at the Primetime Emmy Awards, winning all of the top comedy awards and making history as the first series — comedy or drama — to win all categories in its field, including outstanding comedy. The show also broke the record for the most wins for a comedy show in one given year.
“What begins as a fish-out-of-water story quickly develops into a nuanced love letter to family, delivered with warmth, humanity and perfect comedic timing.
- 9/22/2020
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Cannon knew exactly where he wanted to be.
On Feb. 19, the multi-hyphenate comedian, TV and radio host, rapper, producer, entrepreneur and activist gathered with a small group of Debmar-Mercury executives in New York to discuss plans for the daytime syndicated talk show that Cannon will launch in September with the Lionsgate-owned distributor.
The setting was a conference room at Lionsgate’s offices on Fifth Avenue near Times Square. But the focus of the nearly two-hour meeting centered largely on a location about 60 blocks north at an iconic intersection in Harlem: 106th Street and Park Avenue.
“Harlem feels so right,” Cannon told the roomful of executives that included Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, who sat at opposite ends of a long rectangular table. Cannon pressed the executives to commit to having “Nick Cannon” originate from the studio that was once home to BET’s long-running hip-hop variety show “106 & Park.
On Feb. 19, the multi-hyphenate comedian, TV and radio host, rapper, producer, entrepreneur and activist gathered with a small group of Debmar-Mercury executives in New York to discuss plans for the daytime syndicated talk show that Cannon will launch in September with the Lionsgate-owned distributor.
The setting was a conference room at Lionsgate’s offices on Fifth Avenue near Times Square. But the focus of the nearly two-hour meeting centered largely on a location about 60 blocks north at an iconic intersection in Harlem: 106th Street and Park Avenue.
“Harlem feels so right,” Cannon told the roomful of executives that included Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, who sat at opposite ends of a long rectangular table. Cannon pressed the executives to commit to having “Nick Cannon” originate from the studio that was once home to BET’s long-running hip-hop variety show “106 & Park.
- 6/16/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Cannon’s upcoming daytime talk show is set for a Sept. 21 premiere, distributor Debmar-Mercury confirmed Monday.
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has teamed with Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment to produce the comedic talk show featuring interviews with celebrities and pop culture coverage. The nationally-syndicated show, “Nick Cannon,” is cleared to launch on TV stations covering more than 90% of U.S. TV households. Debmar-Mercury’s announcement Monday is an indication of confidence that the show will be able to go into production over the summer for the planned fall debut.
“It’s been thrilling going through this process, and to see the widespread support that the show has received and the milestones we’ve achieved is mind-blowing,” said Cannon in a statement. “We’re gearing up to deliver a must-see show and I’m looking forward to coming to you on your TV this fall.”
In light of his guest appearances on “The Wendy Williams Show,...
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has teamed with Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment to produce the comedic talk show featuring interviews with celebrities and pop culture coverage. The nationally-syndicated show, “Nick Cannon,” is cleared to launch on TV stations covering more than 90% of U.S. TV households. Debmar-Mercury’s announcement Monday is an indication of confidence that the show will be able to go into production over the summer for the planned fall debut.
“It’s been thrilling going through this process, and to see the widespread support that the show has received and the milestones we’ve achieved is mind-blowing,” said Cannon in a statement. “We’re gearing up to deliver a must-see show and I’m looking forward to coming to you on your TV this fall.”
In light of his guest appearances on “The Wendy Williams Show,...
- 4/6/2020
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has set Monday, September 21 for the premiere of Nick Cannon, the new nationally syndicated daytime talker headlined by the actor-comedian, in more than 90% of the U.S.
So far the show is cleared on Fox, CBS, Sinclair, Hearst, Nexstar, Mission, Cox, Sunbeam, Capitol, Meredith, Tegna, Lockwood, Gray & CW Plus stations across the country.
More from DeadlineLionsgate Layoffs Include Distribution & Marketing Departments'Military Wives' Heads Online Early In UK; Noah Media Boards Aussie Rules Doc; U.S. Releaser Artsploitation Buys Two Devilworks Titles - Global BriefsMarket Falls At Open Despite New Fed Move As Media Stocks Hit With Downgrades
Cannon’s production company, Ncredible Entertainment, and Debmar-Mercury will co-produce the talker featuring his take on the latest in trending pop culture stories and celebrity interviews.
Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, co-presidents of Debmar-Mercury, said, “Clearances are climbing because our great station partners are hungry for a rising, versatile and dynamic talent like Nick.
So far the show is cleared on Fox, CBS, Sinclair, Hearst, Nexstar, Mission, Cox, Sunbeam, Capitol, Meredith, Tegna, Lockwood, Gray & CW Plus stations across the country.
More from DeadlineLionsgate Layoffs Include Distribution & Marketing Departments'Military Wives' Heads Online Early In UK; Noah Media Boards Aussie Rules Doc; U.S. Releaser Artsploitation Buys Two Devilworks Titles - Global BriefsMarket Falls At Open Despite New Fed Move As Media Stocks Hit With Downgrades
Cannon’s production company, Ncredible Entertainment, and Debmar-Mercury will co-produce the talker featuring his take on the latest in trending pop culture stories and celebrity interviews.
Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, co-presidents of Debmar-Mercury, said, “Clearances are climbing because our great station partners are hungry for a rising, versatile and dynamic talent like Nick.
- 4/6/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart declared that he plans to become a media mogul. Richard Plepler promised that the premium subscription TV business is not a zero-sum game. Dana Walden explained why she took the big TV gig at Disney. Dawn Ostroff spoke about the humbling process of learning how to produce for digital platforms after a long career in TV.
Conversations with those industry A-listers and dozens more have been featured on “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcast that is marking its 100th installment with a retrospective episode featuring highlights from the past two years. The interview-driven podcast that debuted on April 3, 2018, is hosted by Variety business editor Cynthia Littleton and Variety co-editor-in-chief Andrew Wallenstein.
“Strictly Business” casts a wide net across media and entertainment, sitting down with power players and specialists who can provide insights about seismic shifts in the marketplace amid the haze of disruption and consolidation.
Interview subjects have...
Conversations with those industry A-listers and dozens more have been featured on “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcast that is marking its 100th installment with a retrospective episode featuring highlights from the past two years. The interview-driven podcast that debuted on April 3, 2018, is hosted by Variety business editor Cynthia Littleton and Variety co-editor-in-chief Andrew Wallenstein.
“Strictly Business” casts a wide net across media and entertainment, sitting down with power players and specialists who can provide insights about seismic shifts in the marketplace amid the haze of disruption and consolidation.
Interview subjects have...
- 3/4/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
They put their homes up as collateral to finance the business in its infancy more than 15 years ago. Today, Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein are getting ready to launch not one, but two new first-run series in the fall, adding to a roster that includes “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Family Feud.”
On the latest episode of Variety podcast “Strictly Business,” Marcus and Bernstein discuss the growth of Debmar-Mercury, which is now majority owned by Lionsgate and serves as the studio’s syndication arm. The two offer a seller’s analysis of the state of the traditional linear TV marketplace.
Marcus points to the 20 million-plus U.S. households that now receive linear broadcast TV only through digital antennas. That has the effect of increasing the value of local and national broadcast outlets as they can count on broader distribution than linear cable outlets, which are losing reach as MVPDs lose subscribers.
On the latest episode of Variety podcast “Strictly Business,” Marcus and Bernstein discuss the growth of Debmar-Mercury, which is now majority owned by Lionsgate and serves as the studio’s syndication arm. The two offer a seller’s analysis of the state of the traditional linear TV marketplace.
Marcus points to the 20 million-plus U.S. households that now receive linear broadcast TV only through digital antennas. That has the effect of increasing the value of local and national broadcast outlets as they can count on broader distribution than linear cable outlets, which are losing reach as MVPDs lose subscribers.
- 2/26/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The 57th annual Natpe conference — the 10th edition held in Miami — will unfold January 21 to 23 with the syndication business experiencing an upswing.
While ratings are not what they used to be, renewals of major 2019 talk debuts for Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall have restored confidence in the sector’s core business model. Newcomers like Drew Barrymore and Nick Cannon are leading a new wave of hopefuls, giving a new shot of energy to Natpe, which some had given up for dead a decade ago. The hangover from expensive wipeouts by Harry Connick Jr., Katie Couric and Arsenio Hall is finally receding.
“After several years of drought, the river is flowing again for syndicators,” Hearst Svp of programming Emerson Coleman told Deadline. “Recently, we would walk the show floor and there wasn’t anything to buy, but this will be a more transactional year at the conference for stations.”
Negotiating timeslots...
While ratings are not what they used to be, renewals of major 2019 talk debuts for Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall have restored confidence in the sector’s core business model. Newcomers like Drew Barrymore and Nick Cannon are leading a new wave of hopefuls, giving a new shot of energy to Natpe, which some had given up for dead a decade ago. The hangover from expensive wipeouts by Harry Connick Jr., Katie Couric and Arsenio Hall is finally receding.
“After several years of drought, the river is flowing again for syndicators,” Hearst Svp of programming Emerson Coleman told Deadline. “Recently, we would walk the show floor and there wasn’t anything to buy, but this will be a more transactional year at the conference for stations.”
Negotiating timeslots...
- 1/20/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox Television Stations has ordered the weekly entertainment news magazine “Central Ave,” which hails from prolific film and TV producer Will Packer and Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury.
Debmar-Mercury and Will Packer Media will produce two half-hour shows per week of “Central Ave,” which tackles pop culture and other topics from a “socially conscious and diverse lens,” per Debmar. The show is hosted by former Bet personality Julissa Bermudez and Olympic track star Sanya Richards-Ross.
“Central Ave” had a test run in November as a half-hour strip. The partners liked what they saw enough to try for a national launch in a weekly format starting in September.
“With our consensus being shows like this rarely come along, and with an unusually crowded weekday market this fall, we looked toward the weekends,” said Debmar chiefs Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus. “We believe ‘Central Ave’ has a good chance to thrive airing in strong...
Debmar-Mercury and Will Packer Media will produce two half-hour shows per week of “Central Ave,” which tackles pop culture and other topics from a “socially conscious and diverse lens,” per Debmar. The show is hosted by former Bet personality Julissa Bermudez and Olympic track star Sanya Richards-Ross.
“Central Ave” had a test run in November as a half-hour strip. The partners liked what they saw enough to try for a national launch in a weekly format starting in September.
“With our consensus being shows like this rarely come along, and with an unusually crowded weekday market this fall, we looked toward the weekends,” said Debmar chiefs Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus. “We believe ‘Central Ave’ has a good chance to thrive airing in strong...
- 1/20/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Fox Corp.’s TV station division is bringing back Central Ave, a show from Debmar-Mercury and Will Packer, the film and TV producer known for hits like Girls Trip, saying it fared well in a test last November.
The Atlanta-based show aims to deliver entertainment and pop culture news through a provocative, socially conscious and diverse lens. Beginning in September, it will air weekly, with two half-hour episodes that stations will be able to air together as a full hour on the weekends. The test run positioned Central Ave as a weekday strip, but the new plan is to give it more room to stand out on the weekend.
The announcement came on the eve of Natpe in Miami, which runs January 21 to 23.
“We knew from the minute Central Ave debuted that it is a winner and our partners at Fox agreed,” Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus said.
The Atlanta-based show aims to deliver entertainment and pop culture news through a provocative, socially conscious and diverse lens. Beginning in September, it will air weekly, with two half-hour episodes that stations will be able to air together as a full hour on the weekends. The test run positioned Central Ave as a weekday strip, but the new plan is to give it more room to stand out on the weekend.
The announcement came on the eve of Natpe in Miami, which runs January 21 to 23.
“We knew from the minute Central Ave debuted that it is a winner and our partners at Fox agreed,” Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus said.
- 1/20/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
A little momentum goes a long way in daytime.
After a long slump, the first-run syndication market has come back to life this year with several high-profile new talk shows headed for this year’s Natpe conference in Miami, which runs Jan. 21-23.
Nick Cannon is extending his multimedia endeavors into daytime. So is actor-entrepreneur Drew Barrymore. Judge Lauren Lake of MGM’s “Paternity Court” will come out from behind the bench to host a half-hour show that is a throwback to the classic conflict-resolution format employed by Phil Donahue, Sally Jessy Raphael and yack pack stalwarts of a different era.
The spring in the syndie biz’s step comes from a better-than-expected performance this fall of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” a big bet by NBCUniversal Domestic TV on a talk-variety vehicle hosted by the pop superstar and coach on NBC’s “The Voice.” Since its debut in September, “Kelly...
After a long slump, the first-run syndication market has come back to life this year with several high-profile new talk shows headed for this year’s Natpe conference in Miami, which runs Jan. 21-23.
Nick Cannon is extending his multimedia endeavors into daytime. So is actor-entrepreneur Drew Barrymore. Judge Lauren Lake of MGM’s “Paternity Court” will come out from behind the bench to host a half-hour show that is a throwback to the classic conflict-resolution format employed by Phil Donahue, Sally Jessy Raphael and yack pack stalwarts of a different era.
The spring in the syndie biz’s step comes from a better-than-expected performance this fall of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” a big bet by NBCUniversal Domestic TV on a talk-variety vehicle hosted by the pop superstar and coach on NBC’s “The Voice.” Since its debut in September, “Kelly...
- 1/17/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Cannon has cleared the runway for the launch of a daytime talk show next year now that the show from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has been picked up in crucial major markets by Fox Television Stations.
The clearance pact gives “Nick Cannon” guaranteed double runs on Fox-owned outlets in 17 major markets, including nine of the top 10. The carriage on Fox outlets virtually assures that the show will launch next fall. Fox’s local stations were the logical choice for the talker that was unveiled in September, given Cannon’s presence in primetime on the Fox network as the host of “The Masked Singer” and the upcoming clip series “Nick Cannon’s Hit Viral Videos.”
The daytime strip is described as revolving around Cannon’s “take on the latest in trending pop culture stories and other watercooler topics, celebrity interviews and other surprises,” per Debmar-Mercury.
“We need to take big swings,...
The clearance pact gives “Nick Cannon” guaranteed double runs on Fox-owned outlets in 17 major markets, including nine of the top 10. The carriage on Fox outlets virtually assures that the show will launch next fall. Fox’s local stations were the logical choice for the talker that was unveiled in September, given Cannon’s presence in primetime on the Fox network as the host of “The Masked Singer” and the upcoming clip series “Nick Cannon’s Hit Viral Videos.”
The daytime strip is described as revolving around Cannon’s “take on the latest in trending pop culture stories and other watercooler topics, celebrity interviews and other surprises,” per Debmar-Mercury.
“We need to take big swings,...
- 11/18/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Fox Television Stations has signed on to serve as the launch group for Nick Cannon, the recently announced daily, nationally syndicated daytime talk show headlined by the actor-comedian. The program, from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, is set to premiere in September 2020 and originate from New York.
Fox will carry double runs of Cannon’s eponymous, live-to-tape daily daytime talk show in many of the top markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The pickup is a synergetic move as the biggest primetime hit on the Fox network is The Masked Singer, hosted by Cannon.
“We need to take big swings, and Nick Cannon should be a natural fit with our lineups,” said Frank Cicha, Evp of programming for Fox Television Stations. “Plus, he can help me a lot in our Masked Singer office pool.”
Nick Cannon joins Debmar-Mercury’s other daytime syndicated talker show, The Wendy Williams Show,...
Fox will carry double runs of Cannon’s eponymous, live-to-tape daily daytime talk show in many of the top markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The pickup is a synergetic move as the biggest primetime hit on the Fox network is The Masked Singer, hosted by Cannon.
“We need to take big swings, and Nick Cannon should be a natural fit with our lineups,” said Frank Cicha, Evp of programming for Fox Television Stations. “Plus, he can help me a lot in our Masked Singer office pool.”
Nick Cannon joins Debmar-Mercury’s other daytime syndicated talker show, The Wendy Williams Show,...
- 11/18/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Just days after Wendy Williams learned she’d be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the talk show host was in true form imagining how this honor would elevate her already storied career.
“I’m already in the Smithsonian, so now I’ll be immortalized-immortalized,” Williams says.
In addition to preparing for her star ceremony, which takes place Oct. 17, Williams has been hard at work at her self-titled talker, “The Wendy Williams Show.” The Emmy-nominated series, which is broadcast in more than 50 countries, has been in production since summer 2008. It kicked off with a six-week trial, marking the first of Fox’s test-run strategy. Now, it is renewed through 2022. Williams has carved a clear and boundary-defying path in the difficult syndicated space, which has seen far more failures than successes over the past decade.
“Wendy has had to push against the tide her entire career,” says David Perler,...
“I’m already in the Smithsonian, so now I’ll be immortalized-immortalized,” Williams says.
In addition to preparing for her star ceremony, which takes place Oct. 17, Williams has been hard at work at her self-titled talker, “The Wendy Williams Show.” The Emmy-nominated series, which is broadcast in more than 50 countries, has been in production since summer 2008. It kicked off with a six-week trial, marking the first of Fox’s test-run strategy. Now, it is renewed through 2022. Williams has carved a clear and boundary-defying path in the difficult syndicated space, which has seen far more failures than successes over the past decade.
“Wendy has had to push against the tide her entire career,” says David Perler,...
- 10/17/2019
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Fox Television Stations has acquired the syndication rights to the acclaimed Pop TV comedy series “Schitt’s Creek.”
All seasons of the half-hour comedy, which is set to air its sixth and final outing on Pop and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Jan. 2020, will begin airing in U.S. broadcast markets starting in fall 2020. The deal was announced by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, who previously bought the domestic broadcast rights to the series from international distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment.
The two-year deal with Fox comes off the back of four Emmy nominations for the series created by Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy.
“’Schitt’s Creek’ will enter syndication on Fox and other television stations throughout the country next fall with one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases on television,” commented Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus. “It is so rare to have a show like this that appeals equally to viewers,...
All seasons of the half-hour comedy, which is set to air its sixth and final outing on Pop and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Jan. 2020, will begin airing in U.S. broadcast markets starting in fall 2020. The deal was announced by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, who previously bought the domestic broadcast rights to the series from international distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment.
The two-year deal with Fox comes off the back of four Emmy nominations for the series created by Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy.
“’Schitt’s Creek’ will enter syndication on Fox and other television stations throughout the country next fall with one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases on television,” commented Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus. “It is so rare to have a show like this that appeals equally to viewers,...
- 10/3/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.