Sherri Shepherd may sleep comfortably for quite a while after Fox Television Stations announced it would renew her show for two more years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Chicago actress and comedian fell into the role of talk show host almost by accident after her predecessor Wendy Williams took several hiatuses from her long-running talk show The Wendy Williams Show.
After severing as a temporary fill-in host while Williams was gone, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced that Shepherd would become the show’s permanent host. They would rename the show Sherri.
Her show was an instant hit among daytime audiences and was recently named the No.1 new nationally syndicated talk show.
“In success, the hour leading out of AM news can act as a springboard for a station’s entire daytime, and it’s not easy to find the right fit,” Frank Cicha, the executive VP of programming for Fox TV Stations said in a statement. “Sherri’s mix of professionalism and competitive strength has been a great fit for us, so we’re happy to be bringing her program back.”
On Wednesday, the 55-year-old thanked her fans and backers who believed in her when odds seemed to be against her.
“I launched this show with the mission to give daytime viewers a ‘good time,’ just like my theme song says,” she said. “I am so appreciative that Fox and Debmar-Mercury have partnered with me to continue bringing more laughter, joy and inspiration to my audience.”
Meanwhile, Williams, who dominated television airwaves for 13 seasons, announced recently that she is back and ready for work. In a rare clip posted online, the popular TV and radio host said she’s “just happy to be here” after a short-term stay at a wellness facility last year.
“Happy holidays!” the New Jersey star said on her podcast’s Instagram page. “Tis the season for the winter. Listen, don’t forget to check out your favorite Wendy Experience merchandise. I don’t know what else you’re doing. I’m just happy to be here…and well…happy to be here.”
Williams’ team has been promoting her upcoming podcast, The Wendy Williams Experience, since it was announced that her run as host of The Wendy Williams Show was coming to an end in 2022 due to health issues.
