{{Short description|American syndicated talk show (2008–2022)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2026}} {{Infobox television | alt_name = {{Plainlist| * ''The Wendy Show'' * ''Wendy'' }} | image = Wendy Williams Show logo.svg | genre = Talk show | creator = Wendy Williams | developer = | presenter = Wendy Williams<br />Guest hosts | theme_music_composer = David Vanacore | open_theme = {{Plainlist| * "Shout It Out" by Nikko Lowe<br />(seasons 1–4) * "Shout It Out" (Dance Remix) by Nikko Lowe<br />(seasons 5–9) * "Feel It" (Shout It Out Remix) by Fergie<br />(seasons 10–13) }} | end_theme = {{Plainlist| * "Shout It Out" by Nikko Lowe<br />(seasons 1–4) * "Shout It Out" (Dance Remix) by Nikko Lowe<br />(seasons 5–9) * "Feel It" (Shout It Out Remix) by Fergie<br />(seasons 10–13) }} | country = United States | location = Chelsea Studios, New York City | language = English | num_seasons = 13 | num_episodes = 1500+ | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * Rob Dauber (seasons 1–2) * David Perler (seasons 3–13) * Wendy Williams-Hunter * Kevin Williams * Suzanne Bass * Joelle Dawson-Calia }} | camera = Multi-camera | runtime = 43 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * Talk WW Productions, Inc.<br />(seasons 2–13) * Wendy Williams Productions<br />(seasons 5–11) * Just Wendy<br />(seasons 11–13) * Perler Productions<br />(seasons 7–13) * Debmar-Mercury<br />(with ad-sales by 20th Television (seasons 3–10)) }} | network = Syndication | first_aired = {{Start date|2008|07|14}} | last_aired = {{End date|2022|06|17}} }}
'''''The Wendy Williams Show''''' (often shortened to '''''Wendy''''') is<!--Do NOT change to "was" per MOS:TVNOW--> an American syndicated talk show created and hosted by Wendy Williams, and produced by Wendy Williams Productions, along with Perler Productions. The show was distributed by Debmar-Mercury and aired nationally, with Fox's owned-and-operated stations serving as its primary affiliate base.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 13, 2011 |title='Wendy Williams Show' Picked Up by 70% of U.S. Market |url=http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2011/01/wendy-williams-show-picked-up.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125154746/https://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2011/01/wendy-williams-show-picked-up.php |archive-date=January 25, 2011 |access-date=November 26, 2012 |website=TVWeek |publisher=Dexter Canfield Media Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Debmar-Mercury: The Wendy Williams Show |url=https://debmarmercury.com/show/details/wendy-williams |access-date=February 5, 2021 |website=debmarmercury.com |language=en}}</ref> The talk show first aired on July 14, 2008, in select major American markets and later expanded nationwide on July 13, 2009, due to loyal viewership which proved highly profitable.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryzik |first1=Melena |date=July 1, 2009 |title=She's Ready for Millions of Her Closest Friends (Published 2009) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/arts/television/05ryzi.html |access-date=February 7, 2021 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fries |first1=Laura |date=January 23, 2009 |title=Wendy Williams goes national |url=https://variety.com/2009/tv/features/wendy-williams-goes-national-1117998889/ |access-date=February 7, 2021 |work=Variety}}</ref> It aired its final episode on June 17, 2022, with reruns continuing on most TV stations until September 9, 2022.
''Wendy'' was broadcast live in front of a studio audience at Chelsea Studios in New York City on Mondays through Thursdays.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tickets & Showtimes |url=https://www.wendyshow.com/the-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211174534/https://www.wendyshow.com/the-show/ |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |website=The Wendy Williams Show |language=en}}</ref> The Friday shows were either a first-run episode originally taped after the Thursday for broadcast the next day, or a repeat of a previous episode. The show regularly competed with ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' as the top-ranked syndicated talk show and averaged more than 1.6 million viewers per day including 440,000 in the target demo of women 25–54.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=September 16, 2019 |title='The Wendy Williams Show' Renewed For Two More Seasons Through 2021–22 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-wendy-williams-show-renewed-for-two-more-seasons-through-2021-22-1202734346/ |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=March 2019 |first1=Paige Albiniak 19 |title=Syndication Ratings: 'Wendy Williams' Jumps With Host's Return |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/syndication-ratings-wendy-williams-jumps-with-hosts-return |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209172603/https://www.nexttv.com/news/syndication-ratings-wendy-williams-jumps-with-hosts-return |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=Broadcasting Cable |language=en}}</ref>
In 2021, Williams took an indefinite leave of absence from the show due to various medical issues, with the show regularly hosted by a variety of guest hosts since the beginning of its 13th season in October 2021 (which itself was delayed from September due to a COVID-19 infection). In February 2022, Debmar-Mercury announced that Sherri Shepherd would host a successor to ''The Wendy Williams Show'', ''Sherri'', beginning in the 2022–2023 season.
==Format== {{original research|section|date = February 2022}} [[File:Outside Wendy Studios.jpg|thumb|233x233px|The show's former studio on 53rd Street in Manhattan, used until season 3 of the show.]] The program is formatted as an entertainment-based talk show, focusing largely on celebrity news and gossip as well as lifestyle features.
Each episode begins with "Hot Topics", an opening segment — usually running 18 to 21 minutes (originally lasting 10 to 12 minutes until the third season), depending on the number of stories featured — in which Williams mainly discusses tabloid headlines and celebrity news, provides her opinions, often addressing the celebrities directly and giving them advice to the camera. Williams also shares other stories about her life.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Don |date=January 25, 2015 |title=Wendy Williams set to celebrate 1,000 episodes of her talk show: 'This show is perfect for me' |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/wendy-williams-celebrating-1-000-episodes-article-1.2088231 |access-date=June 24, 2015 |newspaper=New York Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=August 21, 2012 |title='The Wendy Williams Show' Getting New Studio, Enhanced Set for Season 4 (Exclusive) |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wendy-williams-show-fourth-season-premiere-364174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627093426/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wendy-williams-show-fourth-season-premiere-364174 |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |access-date=June 24, 2015 |periodical=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> The segment incorporates a heavier emphasis on stories about reality stars and African-American entertainers (particularly hip-hop, rap and R&B artists) than are covered on traditional entertainment newsmagazine programs. Occasionally, the topics incorporated into the segment may involve current issues and offbeat news items not related to the entertainment industry; Williams periodically deviates from the topic to elaborate on a particular aspect of it that relates to her own life. The studio audience (who are affectionately termed by Williams as her "co-hosts") have some active participation in the segment, with Williams often surveying them through applause about a particular point of the story being discussed.
Periodic segments-within-a-segment are featured during "Hot Topics" including "Wendy's Got You Covered" (detailing cover stories from current issues of entertainment, fashion and lifestyle magazines), the "Hot Shot of the Day" (showcasing a particular celebrity photo), the "Clip of the Day" (usually featuring clips or promos from upcoming television programs) and "Celebrity Shout-Out" (detailing a celebrity-related story highlighting a particular milestone or accomplishment).<ref>{{cite news |date=August 21, 2012 |title='The Wendy Williams Show' Getting New Studio, Enhanced Set for Season 4 (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wendy-williams-show-fourth-season-premiere-364174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211170607/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wendy-williams-show-fourth-season-premiere-364174 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
In addition to "Hot Topics", the program included other in-depth topical segments incorporating guest contributors including the: * "Inside Scoop" (regularly featuring during the Monday show), featuring a contributor who rotates each week (most of whom are correspondents/hosts of entertainment-related newsmagazine programs or magazines) providing detailed analysis of a selection of celebrity-related stories. * "Hot Talk Panel" (regularly featured during the Thursday or Friday editions) in which Williams and a panel of four journalists discuss news items and current issues ranging from social and political issues to tabloid headlines; * "What's Trending Now", an occasional segment that showcases viral videos, and details the latest fashion and beauty trends and offbeat stories trending on social media; and * After award shows, Williams will have a "Fashion Squad" panel to discuss the fashion at the award show's red carpet.
On the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday editions, Williams interviews a single featured celebrity guest; musical performances are featured occasionally. On Mondays, the show regularly features product giveaways, usually as part of "Trendy@Wendy", a weekly segment showcasing fashion/beauty products and electronics that are given to studio audience members, with at-home viewers being able to purchase the featured items through the show's website at a discount from their estimated retail price.
The remainder of the program heavily incorporates feature segments (many of which are featured in the show's "B"-block) including: * "Ask Wendy", a segment in which Williams gives audience members advice on how to deal with their work, family or relationship problems * "Celebrity Fan-Out", featuring photographs submitted by viewers of their celebrity encounters * "Celebrity Lookalikes", featuring photographs of viewers stating their resemblance to a particular celebrity, with Williams and the studio audience judging the closeness in their resemblance * "Hot Topics Sound-Off" in which up to four audience members give their opinion to Williams about the stories discussed in "Hot Topics" or other topical segments mentioned in that day's episode * "Street Talk" (a man-on-the-street segment in which viewers in public areas in U.S. cities provide their opinions of hypothetical celebrity-related questions, with humorous cutout animations added).
==Series history== ===Early years (2008–16)=== On April 21, 2008, Fox Television Stations ordered a test run of the show for the group's Fox owned-and-operated stations to air after their local weekday morning newscasts. ''The Wendy Williams Show'' premiered on July 14, 2008, as a six-week trial run on four Fox-owned outlets: WNYW/New York City, KTTV/Los Angeles, WJBK/Detroit and KDFW/Dallas-Fort Worth.<ref>{{cite web |last=Albiniak |first=Paige |date=April 21, 2008 |title=Fox O&Os to Bring The Wendy Williams Show to TV |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/fox-oos-bring-wendy-williams-show-tv/32182 |access-date=June 24, 2015 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=Cahners Business Information}}</ref>
After the test run concluded,<ref>{{cite web |last=Stelter |first=Brian |date=August 18, 2008 |title=Wendy Williams Passes the Talk-Show Test |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/wendy-williams-passes-the-talk-show-test/ |access-date=June 24, 2015 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 19, 2008 |title=How You Doin'? – Wendy Williams Show Picked Up For 2009 Run |url=http://singersroom.com/content/2008-08-19/How-You-Doin---Wendy-Williams-Show-Picked-Up-For-2009-Run/ |access-date=November 26, 2012 |work=Singersroom}}</ref> Debmar-Mercury picked up the program for a full nationwide launch, and through additional station group pickups (including stations owned by CBS Television Stations, NBC Owned Television Stations, Tribune Broadcasting, LIN TV Corporation, Cox Media Group, Local TV LLC, Raycom Media, New Vision Television and the Meredith Corporation), gained carriage on stations covering more than 95% of the country including all of the 20 largest media markets and 45 of the top 50 markets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Albiniak |first=Paige |date=January 12, 2009 |title='Wendy Williams' Certain For Summer |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/syndication-and-distribution/%E2%80%98wendy-williams%E2%80%99-certain-summer/50761 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924183819/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/syndication-and-distribution/%E2%80%98wendy-williams%E2%80%99-certain-summer/50761 |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |access-date=June 24, 2015 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=Cahners Business Information}}</ref>
On June 4, 2009, BET acquired the cable syndication rights to the show, airing it as part of the cable channel's late night schedule.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tanklefsky |first=David |date=June 4, 2009 |title=BET Acquires Cable Run Of 'Wendy Williams Show' |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/bet-acquires-cable-run-%E2%80%98wendy-williams-show%E2%80%99/34898 |access-date=August 12, 2012 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=Cahners Business Information}}</ref> ''The Wendy Williams Show'' entered into national syndication on broadcast stations and on BET from July 13, 2009. The show debuted outside the United States on BET International in July 2010 in Africa and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 6, 2010 |title=BET Networks Secures International Channels Rights |url=http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=1433005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210222417/http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=1433005 |archive-date=December 10, 2012 |access-date=August 12, 2012 |work=Viacom}}</ref>
''The Wendy Williams Show'' went on a 17-city "Say It Like You Mean It" promotional tour across the United States in the summer of 2011, presenting mini-versions of the show at local malls.<ref>{{cite web |last=Albiniak |first=Paige |date=July 18, 2011 |title=What Wendy Williams Plans to Do on Her Summer Vacation Boost Viewership |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/what-wendy-williams-plans-do-her-summer-vacation-boost-viewership/112257 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |work=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> On May 4, 2013, Fox Television Stations announced a deal with Debmar-Mercury to renew the show through the 2016–17 television season.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 4, 2013 |title=Debmar-Mercury Renews Fast-Rising "The Wendy Williams Show" Through 2016–17 on FOX Television Stations |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/06/04/debmar-mercury-renews-fast-rising-the-wendy-williams-show-through-2016-17-on-fox-television-stations-847211/20130604debmar01/ |work=The Futon Critic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=June 4, 2013 |title='The Wendy Williams Show' Renewed Through the 2016–2017 Season |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/06/04/the-wendy-williams-show-renewed-through-the-2016-2017-season/185853/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608010048/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/06/04/the-wendy-williams-show-renewed-through-the-2016-2017-season/185853/ |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |work=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2It (Tribune Media)}}</ref>
===Health struggles (2017–19)=== On October 31, 2017, Williams, dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume on the Halloween episode, unexpectedly fainted during the live telecast when she was about to announce the winners of the show's Halloween contest. The episode then went into an extended commercial break. Williams resumed stating, "That was not a stunt. I overheated and did pass out, but I'm a champ and I'm back." Williams and her spokesperson cited heat exhaustion from her costume as the cause.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8021989/wendy-williams-faints-falls-down-halloween-episode "Wendy Williams Passes Out, Falls Down After Getting 'Overheated' During Halloween Episode"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429180305/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8021989/wendy-williams-faints-falls-down-halloween-episode |date=April 29, 2018 }} from Billboard (October 31, 2017)</ref>
In February 2018, Williams canceled three shows due to illness. On February 21, Williams announced that she was taking a three-week hiatus, due to health issues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hautman |first=Nicholas |date=February 21, 2018 |title=Wendy Williams to Take Three-Week Hiatus From Talk Show Due to Graves' Disease and Thyroid Issues |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/wendy-williams-to-take-three-week-hiatus-due-to-thyroid-issues/ |access-date=May 1, 2018 |website=Us Weekly}}</ref> In March, actor Jerry O'Connell served as guest host for a week during her absence, despite Williams insisting in previous years her show would never utilize a guest host. Williams returned on March 19, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pasquini |first=Maria |date=March 6, 2018 |title=Wendy Williams Announces When She'll Return to TV Following Hiatus to Focus on Her Health |url=http://people.com/tv/wendy-williams-return-health-hiatus/ |access-date=May 1, 2018 |website=People}}</ref> That summer, Williams went on a 10-city tour to celebrate the tenth season of the show.
Following further speculation on her health in late 2018, Williams went on an indefinite hiatus in January and February 2019 after a shoulder injury and worsening complications from Graves' disease and other personal issues. This time around, several guest hosts such as Jerry O'Connell, Nick Cannon, Keke Palmer, Michael Rapaport, Sherri Shepherd, and Jason Biggs filled the slot until Williams returned on March 4, 2019.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/wendy-williams-taking-extended-break-211440893.html Wendy Williams Taking Extended Break From Talk Show Due to Health Issues] from TVLine (January 18, 2019)</ref> Williams noted on the March 19 episode of her show that she had also begun treatment for a decades-old cocaine addiction and was living in a sober house when not hosting her show.<ref>[https://people.com/tv/wendy-williams-living-sober-house-cocaine/ Wendy Williams Has Been 'Living in a Sober House' Due to 'Struggle with Cocaine in the Past']. ''People''. Retrieved March 19, 2019.</ref> In April 2019, Debmar-Mercury began distributing with CBS Television Studios, following 20th Century Fox being bought by Disney. On September 16, 2019, Williams announced on the eleventh-season premiere that the series had been renewed through 2022, bringing the series to its thirteenth season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Wendy Williams Makes Big Announcement About Morning Show's Future In Season Premiere |url=https://toofab.com/2019/09/16/wendy-williams-big-announcement-season-premiere/ |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=TooFab}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bowe |first=Julian |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Wendy Williams Show Gets Renewed For Two More Seasons |url=https://daytimeconfidential.com/2019/09/16/wendy-williams-show-gets-renewed-for-two-more-seasons |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=Daytime Confidential}}</ref>
===Final years (2020–22)=== In March 2020, production on the series was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 13, 2020 |title=ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Shuts Down Production Over Coronavirus, Joins CBS' 'Late Show', NBC's 'The Tonight Show' & 'Late Night', Syndicated 'Wendy Williams Show' – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/nbc-the-tonight-show-late-night-wendy-williams-show-shut-down-production-coronavirus-1202881824/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313020738/https://deadline.com/2020/03/nbc-the-tonight-show-late-night-wendy-williams-show-shut-down-production-coronavirus-1202881824/ |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |access-date=March 26, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> From April to May 2020, the series returned virtually as "Wendy @ Home", with Williams filming the Hot Topics segment from her apartment and a short virtual interview.<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=April 3, 2020 |title='The Ellen DeGeneres Show', 'The Wendy Williams Show' & 'Rachael Ray' Return To Television – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-ellen-degeneres-show-returns-to-television-at-home-jennifer-lopez-among-first-guests-1202899976/ |access-date=April 5, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wagmeister |first1=Elizabeth |title=Ellen DeGeneres and Wendy Williams set TV returns after coronavirus hiatus |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-ent-ellen-degeneres-wendy-williams-tv-return-20200403-cvnsigdxzvhxpagy2uroc5lmue-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212234906/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-ent-ellen-degeneres-wendy-williams-tv-return-20200403-cvnsigdxzvhxpagy2uroc5lmue-story.html |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=February 10, 2021 |work=chicagotribune.com}}</ref> In July, it was announced that the show would return live for its twelfth season on September 21, 2020, with show staffers as studio audience members wearing masks and physically distancing.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 21, 2020 |title=The 12th season of WENDY starts SEPTEMBER 21!!! I can't wait to get back to all of YOU and to my AMAZING staff and crew!!! I'm sooo excited to bring you silly, funny, glamour and hopefully brighten your day during these crazy times that we're all living in... even if for just an hour. I miss you and can't wait to get back in my purple chair and show you what we did to the set. I L💜VE you for watching! |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CC6uMncBfeH/ |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CC6uMncBfeH |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |work=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wagmeister |first1=Elizabeth |date=July 21, 2020 |title='The Wendy Williams Show' Sets In-Studio Return Date After Months-Long Coronavirus Shutdown |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/wendy-williams-season-12-return-coronavirus-studio-audience-1234712595/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818082423/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/wendy-williams-season-12-return-coronavirus-studio-audience-1234712595/ |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=August 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Rasha |title=Wendy Williams is 'happier than ever' heading into Season 12 of talk show: 'I can only be me' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/09/17/wendy-williams-happier-than-ever-heading-into-season-12-show/5807245002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205003858/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/09/17/wendy-williams-happier-than-ever-heading-into-season-12-show/5807245002/ |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=USA TODAY}}</ref> In June 2021, the show began using studio audience members again for the final six weeks of the season. Her final episode of her show was July 16, 2021.
The September 20, 2021 premiere of the thirteenth and final season of ''The Wendy Williams Show'' was delayed by several weeks due to Williams contracting a breakthrough case of COVID-19 and ongoing complications from her Graves' disease and thyroid condition. It was later announced that the season would premiere on October 18, 2021, with guest hosts such as Leah Remini, Michelle Visage, Whitney Cummings, Michelle Buteau, Sherri Shepherd, Michael Rapaport, Kym Whitley, Finesse Mitchell, Jerry Springer, Steve Wilkos, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Michael Yo, Devyn Simone, Bevy Smith, Terrence J, Carson Kressley, Vivica A. Fox, Bill Bellamy, and other panelists filling in for Williams until she was able to return to the show.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Meltdown! Wendy Williams Will Not Make Season 13 Premiere As Talk Show Host Is Still Under Medical Supervision |url=https://radaronline.com/p/wendy-williams-not-making-season-13-premiere-doctors/ |access-date=October 12, 2021 |website=RadarOnline}}</ref> On February 8, 2022, it was reported that Williams would miss the remainder of the season, and that Shepherd—whom Williams had endorsed as an interim host<ref name="Ending" />—had entered talks to potentially host a replacement program should Williams be unable to return.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Earl |first1=William |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Wendy Williams Not Returning to Talk Show This Season, as Sherri Shepherd Nears Deal for Her Own Show |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/wendy-williams-quits-talk-show-sherri-shepherd-1235175268/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |website=Variety}}</ref>
On February 22, 2022, Debmar-Mercury announced that ''The Wendy Williams Show'' would be replaced in the 2022–23 television season by the Sherri Shepherd-hosted ''Sherri'', with Fox Television Stations signing on to remain its core affiliate group. The show will retain its showrunner, executive producer, and segments such as "Hot Topics".<ref name="Ending">{{cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=February 22, 2022 |title='Wendy Williams Show' Ending; Sherri Shepherd to Take Over Daytime Slot |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wendy-williams-show-ending-sherri-shepherd-1235089843/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203658/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wendy-williams-show-ending-sherri-shepherd-1235089843/ |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |access-date=February 22, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Debmar-Mercury stated that "we believe it is best for our fans, stations and advertising partners to start making this transition now", and that "we hope to be able to work with Wendy again in the future, and continue to wish her a speedy and full recovery."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=February 22, 2022 |title=Wendy Williams "Is Incredibly Grateful", Hints At TV Return In Statement About End Of Her Talk Show |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/wendy-williams-statement-talk-show-end-tv-return-1234957947/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |website=Deadline}}</ref> The final episode aired on June 17, with Williams unable to appear.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tapp |first1=Tom |date=June 17, 2022 |title='Wendy Williams Show' Airs Final Episode With Tributes, But No Wendy Williams |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/wendy-williams-show-final-episode-1235048055/ |access-date=June 18, 2022 |website=Deadline}}</ref> The show's YouTube channel and all the other social media accounts were deleted and related website domains were relinquished by early July.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=J. Kim |date=July 4, 2022 |title='The Wendy Williams Show' Official YouTube Channel, Website Seemingly Deleted After Series Conclusion |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/wendy-williams-show-youtube-deleted-1235308916/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Variety}}</ref> The show itself continued in reruns until September 9, 2022, with ''Sherri'' debuting three days later on September 12.
==Controversies== === Beyoncé === Although Williams has stated her support for Beyoncé several times, she has made several comments that have upset the singer's fan group "The Beyhive". In 2012, while discussing Beyoncé's HBO docufilm ''Life Is But a Dream'', Williams stated she "needs subtitles" for the film because Beyoncé "talks like she has a fifth-grade education".<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2012 |title=Wendy Williams: Beyonce "Sounds Like She Has a Fifth Grade Education" |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/wendy-williams-slams-beyonce-she-sounds-like-she-has-a-fifth-grade-education-2012712/ |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}}</ref> Williams has also made comments several times stating Beyoncé "needs autotune" and is not a contemporary music icon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKinney |first=Jessica |date=February 21, 2018 |title=The BeyHive Readies Attack On Wendy Williams Over Beyonce Auto-Tune Comment |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/wendy-williams-says-beyonce-auto-tune-beyhive-twitter-reactions-567705/ |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== "Galentine's Day" comments === On February 13, 2020, Williams was accused of homophobia and transphobia during a segment discussing the unofficial Galentine's Day holiday, where she told gay men to "stop wearing our skirts and heels" and that one must menstruate "to be a woman." Williams tearfully apologized for the comments in a video posted to social media, and again on her show.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Alex |date=February 14, 2020 |title=Wendy Williams apologizes for anti-LGBTQ comments in bizarre, tearful video |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/02/wendy-williams-apologizes-anti-lgbtq-comments-bizarre-tearful-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513204657/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/02/wendy-williams-apologizes-anti-lgbtq-comments-bizarre-tearful-video/ |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wendy Williams Faces Backlash for Comments About Gay Men {{!}} Entertainment Tonight |url=https://www.etonline.com/wendy-williams-faces-backlash-for-comments-about-gay-men-141536 |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=www.etonline.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Death of Amie Harwick=== On February 17, 2020, Williams made a joke about Amie Harwick, a Hollywood sex therapist who had died on February 15, 2020, after injuries sustained from being pushed off a three-story balcony.<ref>{{cite web |last=Orso |first=Anna |date=February 18, 2020 |title=Lansdale native Amie Harwick, sex therapist and ex-fiancée of Drew Carey, killed in Los Angeles |url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/amie-harwick-killed-lansdale-north-penn-hollywood-drew-carey-20200218.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218165954/https://www.inquirer.com/news/amie-harwick-killed-lansdale-north-penn-hollywood-drew-carey-20200218.html |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer}}</ref> In reference to Harwick's former engagement to ''The Price Is Right'' host Drew Carey, Williams joked using the show's catchphrase, "Come on down!" and looked down, pretending to watch someone fall to the ground.<ref>{{cite web |last=Aviles |first=Gwen |date=February 18, 2020 |title=Wendy Williams faces backlash for joke about celebrity sex therapist Amie Harwick's death |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/wendy-williams-faces-backlash-joke-about-celebrity-sex-therapist-amie-n1137971 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |publisher=NBC News}}</ref> The joke was met with heavy backlash, with many criticizing her for being insensitive and mocking Harwick's death.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ryder |first=Taryn |date=February 18, 2020 |title=Wendy Williams slammed for mocking Amie Harwick's death with 'Price Is Right' joke |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/wendy-williams-amie-harwicks-death-price-is-right-joke-180042649.html |access-date=February 18, 2020 |publisher=Yahoo Entertainment}}</ref>
=== Ellen DeGeneres === In a May 2021 segment discussing Ellen DeGeneres announcing her talk show would be ending the following year, Williams stated she believed that DeGeneres was actually leaving due to negative publicity surrounding a July 2020 investigation into allegations of the series' work environment; the investigation ultimately led to WarnerMedia firing three executive producers of the show. Williams commented "nineteen years on TV doesn't change your life, it exposes you for the person you really are," and revealed that, during an appearance on her show years earlier, she "wasn't happy [as a guest]." Several commentators found Williams' comments "shady" and disrespectful.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Lacey |date=May 12, 2021 |title=Ellen DeGeneres to End Talk Show: "I Need Something New to Challenge Me" (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ellen-degeneres-show-end-1234951571/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129020726/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ellen-degeneres-show-end-1234951571/ |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Furdyk |first=Brent |date=May 13, 2021 |title=Wendy Williams Shades Ellen DeGeneres After Announcing Plans To End Her Show |url=https://etcanada.com/news/780243/wendy-williams-shades-ellen-degeneres-after-announcing-plans-to-end-her-show/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514013214/https://etcanada.com/news/780243/wendy-williams-shades-ellen-degeneres-after-announcing-plans-to-end-her-show/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=ET Canada |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Napoli |first=Jessica |date=May 14, 2021 |title=Wendy Williams shades Ellen DeGeneres, says TV 'exposes you for the person that you really are' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/wendy-williams-shades-ellen-degeneres-show-ending |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Britney Spears === In a June 2021 "Inside Scoop" segment, Williams discussed testimony from Britney Spears regarding her conservatorship in which Spears described the conservatorship as "abusive" and spoke of trauma inflicted from her father Jamie Spears.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melas |first1=Chloe |last2=Rocha |first2=Veronica |last3=Wagner |first3=Meg |last4=Alfonso III |first4=Fernando |last5=Hayes |first5=Mike |date=June 23, 2021 |title=Britney Spears asks court to end her conservatorship |url=https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/britney-spears-court-hearing-conservatorship-june-2021/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624024233/https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/britney-spears-court-hearing-conservatorship-june-2021/index.html |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Williams – who had been a supporter of both Spears' father and the conservatorship in general – said in response to Spears' testimony:
<blockquote>"How dare you, Mr. Spears, you had me fooled. And you too, Mrs. Spears. ''Death'' to all of them."</blockquote>
Her comments were met with shocked and disturbed reactions from her audience and staff, and Williams herself. Several outlets criticized Williams for the comments. The "''Death'' to all of them" portion was edited out from online clips and later airings of the episode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Adrienne |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Wendy Williams Show Episode Was Edited After Host Wished 'Death' To Britney Spears' Parents |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2569554/wendy-williams-show-episode-edited-host-wished-death-to-britney-spears-parents |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628001135/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2569554/wendy-williams-show-episode-edited-host-wished-death-to-britney-spears-parents |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=CinemaBlend}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ntim |first=Zac |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Wendy Williams says 'death to' Britney Spears' parents following conservatorship testimony |url=https://www.insider.com/wendy-williams-britney-spears-parents-death-to-all-of-them-2021-6 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Tyler |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Wendy Williams: I Hope Britney Spears' Parents DIE! |url=https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2021/06/wendy-williams-wishes-death-on-britney-spears-parents-gets-slamm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628165017/https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2021/06/wendy-williams-wishes-death-on-britney-spears-parents-gets-slamm/ |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=Hollywood Gossip}}</ref>
== Awards and nominations ==
The show has been nominated for eleven Daytime Emmy Awards, winning one Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Hairstyling in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''The Wendy Williams Show'' — Awards and nominations |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1261356/awards?ref_=tt_awd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322112508/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1261356/awards?ref_=tt_awd |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |work=IMDb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 25, 2021 |title=NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE CBS BROADCAST OF THE 48TH ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS |url=https://theemmys.tv/daytime-48th-nominations-cbs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302141310/https://theemmys.tv/daytime-48th-nominations-cbs/ |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=theemmys.tv}}</ref> {{awards table}} |- | 2010 | Hadiiya Barbel & D'Angelo Thompson | Outstanding Hairstyling | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=3| 2011 | Antwon Jackson, Hadiiya Barbel & D'Angelo Thompson | Outstanding Hairstyling | {{won}} |- | Marilyn Rennagel | Outstanding Lighting Direction | {{nom}} |- | Merrell Hollis & D'Angelo Thompson | Outstanding Makeup | {{nom}} |- | 2012 | Antwon Jackson & Jai Williams | Outstanding Hairstyling | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=2| 2015 | ''The Wendy Williams Show'' | Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment | {{nom}} |- | Wendy Williams | Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=2| 2016 | ''The Wendy Williams Show'' | Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment | {{nom}} |- | Wendy Williams | Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host | {{nom}} |- | 2017 | Wendy Williams | Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host | {{nom}} |- | 2019 | Wendy Williams | Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=2| 2021 | ''The Wendy Williams Show'' | Outstanding Hairstyling | {{nom}} |- | ''The Wendy Williams Show'' | Outstanding Makeup | {{nom}} |}
===People's Choice Awards===
{{awards table}} |- | 2016 | Wendy Williams | Favorite Daytime TV Host<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 Nominees & Winners |url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020727/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |work=People's Choice Awards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 6, 2016 |title=2016 Winners and highlights |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/peoples-choice-awards-2016-winners-and-highlights/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109031030/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/peoples-choice-awards-2016-winners-and-highlights/ |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2016 |work=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 6, 2016 |title=List: Who won People's Choice Awards? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/01/06/peoples-choice-awards-winners/78391812/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108044754/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/01/06/peoples-choice-awards-winners/78391812/ |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2016 |website=USA Today}}</ref> | {{nom}} |- | 2019 | rowspan="3"|''The Wendy Williams Show'' | The Daytime Talk Show of 2019<ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=September 4, 2019 |title=E! People's Choice Awards Finalists Announced; Voting Open Through Oct. 18 – Complete List |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/e-peoples-choice-awards-finalists-complete-list-1202710461/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904144716/https://deadline.com/2019/09/e-peoples-choice-awards-finalists-complete-list-1202710461/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |publisher=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> | {{nom}} |- | 2020 | The Daytime Talk Show of 2020<ref>{{cite web |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Here are the nominees for the 2020 People's Choice Awards |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/here-are-nominees-2020-people-s-choice-awards-t192942 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001235013/https://www.today.com/popculture/here-are-nominees-2020-people-s-choice-awards-t192942 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |work=Today}}</ref> | {{nom}} |- | 2021 | The Daytime Talk Show of 2021<ref>{{cite web |title=The Daytime Talk Show of 2021 |url=https://www.votepca.com/tv/the-daytime-talk-show-of-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028141533/https://www.votepca.com/tv/the-daytime-talk-show-of-2021 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=October 28, 2021 |website=People's Choice Awards}}</ref> | {{nom}} |}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20220626194053/http://www.wendyshow.com/ Official website] (archived version) * {{IMDb title|1261356}} * [https://www.youtube.com/@thewendyarchive The Wendy Archive] (archive of The Wendy Williams Show)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wendy Williams Show, The}} Category:2008 American television series debuts Category:2022 American television series endings Category:2000s American television talk shows Category:2010s American television talk shows Category:2020s American television talk shows Category:BET original programming Category:First-run syndicated television programs in the United States Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television Category:Television series by Lionsgate Television Category:English-language American television shows Category:Television shows filmed in New York City Category:Television series by CBS Studios Category:Television productions suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic Category:Television controversies in the United States