Oprah to End in 2011 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-19-2009, 07:53 PM

It's official: After 25 years, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will end its run on Sept. 9, 2011.
Winfrey broke the news to staffers at her Chicago-based Harpo production company on Thursday. She'll officially announce her exit on Friday.

Whether or not that means Winfrey will launch a new talker on her burgeoning cable partnership with Discovery, OWN, remains to be announced--but Winfrey is expected to have a major presence on the cabler. It's no secret Discovery topper David Zaslav would like to see the host move her show to the cable channel, which is expected to launch in January 2011.

Rumors of Winfrey's departure had been heavy over the last few weeks, after key "Oprah Winfrey Show" staffer Lisa Erspamer, who had been co-executive producer of the syndie strip since 2006, was tapped as Chief Creative Officer of OWN.

"We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors," "Oprah" distributor CBS said in a statement. "We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success. We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well."

News comes just days after Harpo sealed a deal with Sony Pictures TV to launch a new syndie strip starring frequent Winfrey show guest Nate Berkus.

Had Winfrey decided to stick with the show, it was believed she would leave CBS TV Distribution and move to Sony.

Not only does her deal with stations -- particularly the ABC-owned and Hearst-owned outlets where she has dominated in the ratings for decades -- expire in fall 2011, but her deal with CBS Television Distribution is up as well.

Had she decided to stay, Winfrey was facing the likely prospect of doing her show for a lot less money. Stations have long been willing to just break even or lose money on "Oprah" in exchange for the ratings bounce it delivers as a local news lead-in. But in these cash-strapped times, local outlets wouldn't have been willing to pay the same rates they once did.

Winfrey had been coy about the future of her syndicated talkshow for more than a decade, having first hinted in the late 1990s that the show would end. She has gradually decreased the number of originals she produces; but last year, when a window in her contract opened up to terminate the show a year early, Winfrey didn't exercise that clause.

The December 2007 death of Roger King, the one-time King World topper who continued as CEO of CBS TV Distribution after selling the company to the Eye, also complicated matters. Winfrey dealt almost exclusively with King, and hadn't forged much of a relationship with the other execs inside CBS (save Bob Madden, a King World alum who's now senior exec VP at the Eye).

With King no longer there, Winfrey opted to launch her new "Dr. Oz" (and now "Berkus") strip with rival Sony Pictures TV.

Winfrey's departure will make for an unprecedented shift in syndicated daytime TV -- something that similarly happened in morning radio after Howard Stern split for satellite radio.

In one scenario, Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution might make a play to grab those ABC station slots for "Ellen." The "Ellen" show's deal with NBC stations happens to also be up in 2011 -- and execs there see Ellen DeGeneres as the heir to Winfrey's talk queen crown. Winfrey, who just put DeGeneres on the cover of her magazine, even appears to have an affinity for her rival.

Of course, DeGeneres could make a play for that crown even if "Ellen" sticks with the NBC stations, particularly if the ABC outlets opt to replace Winfrey with local news rather than another talkshow.

In a less likely scenario, Disney might see an opportunity to finally claim that news lead-in time slot for its own first-run syndicated strip. But given the company's dismal track record in that arena, such a move is unlikely.

Few execs believe a new host will rise from the ashes to carry Winfrey's mantle, even if Winfrey personally annoints a successor. (Winfrey pal Gayle King, long discussed as a potential successor, has already tried and failed with a show of her own.)

For CBS, Winfrey's departure will likely strike a blow to its bottom line, and reps a big loss to its syndicated unit.

But on the flip side, it could rep a boon to CBS' TV station group, which has seen ratings growth for its news product in some markets -- and now won't have to compete with "Oprah" and "Oprah"-fueled early newscasts on the ABC stations.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1

Retro4Life · 11-19-2009, 09:58 PM

So, just to verify my calendar...

Oprah ending in 2011, world ending in 2012...do I have that right?

TVFactFan · 11-19-2009, 10:03 PM

Guess my mom will be in tears

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-19-2009, 11:10 PM

now that Oprah Winfrey is retireing on ZSeptember 9, 2011 I wonder what my Local Station will be airing at 4:00 pm CT Time on WWL-CBS4,

catlover79 · 11-20-2009, 12:25 AM

I have never, ever understood Oprah's appeal. The only time I ever watched her show all the way through was a couple of years ago when the cast of Mary Tyler Moore Show was on.

Marvo301 · 11-20-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I have never, ever understood Oprah's appeal. The only time I ever watched her show all the way through was a couple of years ago when the cast of Mary Tyler Moore Show was on.

I think the only time Oprah is worth watching is when she reunites a sitcom cast on her show. The only episode I ever watched all the way through is when she had the cast of "The Cosby Show" on.

70s show watcher · 11-20-2009, 05:47 AM

hooray

jasonbigley · 11-30-2009, 01:31 PM

It will seem weird that this show will be gone soon. I grew up with this show. I am also as old as the show is.

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-30-2009, 07:50 PM

I don't understand something OWN Network will The OWN Network will have reruns of Old Talk Show's like for Example The Jenny Jones Show and The Phil Donahue Show.

USATVFAN · 12-01-2009, 12:11 AM

I know i am changing the subjxt a little bit, But Isn't Live With Regis And Kelly along With The Ellen Show both ending in 2011? That would mean that 3 of the Hhghest rated talk shows wil alll be ending at the same time.

Schmoopie · 12-01-2009, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jeffersons Fan

I know i am changing the subjxt a little bit, But Isn't Live With Regis And Kelly along With The Ellen Show both ending in 2011? That would mean that 3 of the Hhghest rated talk shows wil alll be ending at the same time.

I haven't heard about either of those shows ending, but it would be weird for me with Ellen gone. I'm not a fan of that show, mainly because of over-exposure. We have a TV at work and EVERY DAY my coworkers INSIST on watching it. I like Ellen, but seeing it every day has just run it into the ground for me. Rarely do I find it funny anymore and I've taken to bringing my Ipod shuffle into the break room to listen to so that I don't have to watch Ellen.

As for "Oprah", really I could care less. Frankly, I don't know why her decision to end it is so disturbing to everyone (in general). You'd think they were canceling The Today Show or something like that. I haven't watched "Oprah" in years and even then, it was just to tape an episode. The last one I watched was about a year and a half ago. Jerry Seinfeld was on her show, promoting "Bee Movie".

catlover79 · 12-01-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jeffersons Fan

I know i am changing the subjxt a little bit, But Isn't Live With Regis And Kelly along With The Ellen Show both ending in 2011? That would mean that 3 of the Hhghest rated talk shows wil alll be ending at the same time.

I hadn't heard that either, but Regis is getting up there. So I can see him retiring then.

JamesG · 12-01-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jeffersons Fan

I know i am changing the subjxt a little bit, But Isn't Live With Regis And Kelly along With The Ellen Show both ending in 2011? That would mean that 3 of the Hhghest rated talk shows wil alll be ending at the same time.

I haven't heard about Ellen but I have heard the speculation about Regis leaving for a while; I don't think anything is concrete.

In the editorials in the paper some critics say that Anderson Cooper should take Regis' place as he seems to be a favorite guest host.

catlover79 · 12-01-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

I haven't heard about Ellen but I have heard the speculation about Regis leaving for a while; I don't think anything is concrete.

In the editorials in the paper some critics say that Anderson Cooper should take Regis' place as he seems to be a favorite guest host.

Hey, I'd take him any day over Kelly's husband.

MrCleveland · 12-01-2009, 04:57 PM

I was never a fan of her show.

I wonder if "The Simpsons" will cancel in 2012?

11-19-2009, 07:53 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,366	Oprah to End in 2011 It's official: After 25 years, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will end its run on Sept. 9, 2011. Winfrey broke the news to staffers at her Chicago-based Harpo production company on Thursday. She'll officially announce her exit on Friday. Whether or not that means Winfrey will launch a new talker on her burgeoning cable partnership with Discovery, OWN, remains to be announced--but Winfrey is expected to have a major presence on the cabler. It's no secret Discovery topper David Zaslav would like to see the host move her show to the cable channel, which is expected to launch in January 2011. Rumors of Winfrey's departure had been heavy over the last few weeks, after key "Oprah Winfrey Show" staffer Lisa Erspamer, who had been co-executive producer of the syndie strip since 2006, was tapped as Chief Creative Officer of OWN. "We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors," "Oprah" distributor CBS said in a statement. "We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success. We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well." News comes just days after Harpo sealed a deal with Sony Pictures TV to launch a new syndie strip starring frequent Winfrey show guest Nate Berkus. Had Winfrey decided to stick with the show, it was believed she would leave CBS TV Distribution and move to Sony. Not only does her deal with stations -- particularly the ABC-owned and Hearst-owned outlets where she has dominated in the ratings for decades -- expire in fall 2011, but her deal with CBS Television Distribution is up as well. Had she decided to stay, Winfrey was facing the likely prospect of doing her show for a lot less money. Stations have long been willing to just break even or lose money on "Oprah" in exchange for the ratings bounce it delivers as a local news lead-in. But in these cash-strapped times, local outlets wouldn't have been willing to pay the same rates they once did. Winfrey had been coy about the future of her syndicated talkshow for more than a decade, having first hinted in the late 1990s that the show would end. She has gradually decreased the number of originals she produces; but last year, when a window in her contract opened up to terminate the show a year early, Winfrey didn't exercise that clause. The December 2007 death of Roger King, the one-time King World topper who continued as CEO of CBS TV Distribution after selling the company to the Eye, also complicated matters. Winfrey dealt almost exclusively with King, and hadn't forged much of a relationship with the other execs inside CBS (save Bob Madden, a King World alum who's now senior exec VP at the Eye). With King no longer there, Winfrey opted to launch her new "Dr. Oz" (and now "Berkus") strip with rival Sony Pictures TV. Winfrey's departure will make for an unprecedented shift in syndicated daytime TV -- something that similarly happened in morning radio after Howard Stern split for satellite radio. In one scenario, Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution might make a play to grab those ABC station slots for "Ellen." The "Ellen" show's deal with NBC stations happens to also be up in 2011 -- and execs there see Ellen DeGeneres as the heir to Winfrey's talk queen crown. Winfrey, who just put DeGeneres on the cover of her magazine, even appears to have an affinity for her rival. Of course, DeGeneres could make a play for that crown even if "Ellen" sticks with the NBC stations, particularly if the ABC outlets opt to replace Winfrey with local news rather than another talkshow. In a less likely scenario, Disney might see an opportunity to finally claim that news lead-in time slot for its own first-run syndicated strip. But given the company's dismal track record in that arena, such a move is unlikely. Few execs believe a new host will rise from the ashes to carry Winfrey's mantle, even if Winfrey personally annoints a successor. (Winfrey pal Gayle King, long discussed as a potential successor, has already tried and failed with a show of her own.) For CBS, Winfrey's departure will likely strike a blow to its bottom line, and reps a big loss to its syndicated unit. But on the flip side, it could rep a boon to CBS' TV station group, which has seen ratings growth for its news product in some markets -- and now won't have to compete with "Oprah" and "Oprah"-fueled early newscasts on the ABC stations. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

11-19-2009, 09:58 PM	#2
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	So, just to verify my calendar... Oprah ending in 2011, world ending in 2012...do I have that right?
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

11-19-2009, 11:10 PM	#4
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	now that Oprah Winfrey is retireing on ZSeptember 9, 2011 I wonder what my Local Station will be airing at 4:00 pm CT Time on WWL-CBS4,
	__________________ Who Dat

11-20-2009, 12:25 AM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I have never, ever understood Oprah's appeal. The only time I ever watched her show all the way through was a couple of years ago when the cast of Mary Tyler Moore Show was on.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

12-01-2009, 12:11 AM	#10
USATVFAN Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 31, 2007 Location: Kalispell, USA Posts: 1,742	I know i am changing the subjxt a little bit, But Isn't Live With Regis And Kelly along With The Ellen Show both ending in 2011? That would mean that 3 of the Hhghest rated talk shows wil alll be ending at the same time.
	__________________ Love watching 1960's-1990's TV Classics! 1970-2004: The best Years of Televsion

11-19-2009, 10:03 PM	#3
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,039	Guess my mom will be in tears

11-20-2009, 05:47 AM	#7
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,549	hooray

11-30-2009, 01:31 PM	#8
jasonbigley Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 14, 2008 Location: California Posts: 501	It will seem weird that this show will be gone soon. I grew up with this show. I am also as old as the show is.

11-30-2009, 07:50 PM	#9
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I don't understand something OWN Network will The OWN Network will have reruns of Old Talk Show's like for Example The Jenny Jones Show and The Phil Donahue Show.

12-01-2009, 04:57 PM	#15
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,222	I was never a fan of her show. I wonder if "The Simpsons" will cancel in 2012?
	__________________ Thank God for kids that love Obscure Things. Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007) You ARE Special to God! Rev. Ernest Angely (August 1921-May 2021)