The Wendy Williams Show
Encyclopedia
The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated talk show hosted by Wendy Williams that premiered on July 14, 2008, as six-week sneak peek, in Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles
, and New York City
. The test run was picked up for a full season that began its run on July 13, 2009 in over 70% of the country in syndication, and at midnight (with an encore at 8AM) on the BET cable network. The Wendy Williams Show has been renewed through 2014, due to its strong ratings within the women 25-54 demo.
Representatives of the BET Networks were delighted to add Wendy to the lineup, stating, "After two solid quarters of growth at BET, we're thrilled that The Wendy Williams Show will be joining our line-up in July to strengthen the network's momentum," said Barbara Zaneri, Executive Vice President Programming Strategy, Scheduling and Acquisitions, who negotiated the deal for BET Networks.
The show was initially taped at the Chelsea Studios
in New York City
. It is now taped at 433 West 53rd Street
.
The show had its debut outside the United States on BET International
in July 2010.
.
The start of season two eliminated the use of an audience member as an opening announcer. The Wendy Williams Show now uses a voiceover starting with the line "It's Time for the The Wendy Williams Show." The voiceover also states what's in store of that day's show and introduces Wendy by saying, "Now, here's Wendy!".
Williams shares recent tabloid stories and often discusses things happening in her personal life. Wendy is a very outspoken individual and comments openly on tabloid stories, often offering up advice to celebrities and their situation. Previously the show entertained comments from the audience during hot topics; this has since been discontinued.
In August 2010, the show added a portion to 'Hot Topics' called "How You Feelin'?" which appears occasionally. Here, Wendy talks about various health related polls, studies and issues she finds interesting.
Additionally, on September 6th, 2010, another portion to 'Hot Topics' was introduced called, "Wendy's Web Videos" which appears occasionally. Here, Wendy shows various viral videos that are interesting, funny and had to be shared.
During August 2010, the show added a portion into 'Ask Wendy' which appears occasionally called "Wendy, What Should I Wear?" With this, audience members specifically ask Wendy advice on what outfit they should wear out of two outfits presented. Afterwards, she sends them to try on a certain outfit during commercial and makes her decision after the break.
On September 6th, 2010, The Wendy Williams Show introduced a brand new set to go with the season 2 premiere. The most noticeable changes are the addition of the New York City skyline all around the studio as well as the lighting. While still featuring the colors of pink and purple, new tones and colors have been introduced including shades of blue, green/teal and orange. Other changes include redesigned guest entry areas with steps that light up, new blue audience seating, new double doors (that Wendy walks out of at the start of show) and the disco balls which are now all silver. Some things remained including the large shadow W's center stage.
Wendy spoke to Rosanna Scotto
on Good Day New York
about her new set and said that she "...wanted it to look like I moved out of an apartment, a fun apartment, and moved into a home where I have real responsibilities." Additionally, she said she wanted the seats to be "show blue" and noted that she has a new Wonder Woman
mug to drink her tea out of.
As the show is ending, Wendy states what will be in store for the next day's show. She closes by saying, "Love You For Watching." This phrase is a variation of her phrase, "Love You For Listening" from her radio show.
& The Wendy Williams Show
went on the road for a 17 city tour across the United States. Locations included Miami, San Francisco, Tampa, Memphis, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. Wendy traveled on a decorated pink bus, designed specifically for her show. The line 'Say It Like You Mean It' comes from her show theme song.
The intent of the tour was for Wendy to greet existing fans and meet new friends - all in an effort to spread awareness about Wendy, the show and gain more viewership. During the tour, Wendy co-hosted mini versions of her show at local malls where she conducted versions of her popular segments Ask Wendy & Hot Topics. Additionally, she appeared and took part at local events such as throwing out the first pitch at MLB baseball games, American Idol auditions, festivals, etc.
who was waiting to enter a taping. Performer Erickatoure Aviance, saying she wanted to "get dressed for Wendy because I thought she'd appreciate it", attended the August 12 taping wearing what Aviance described as a "black baby-doll dress, heels, tights, and standard makeup -- not even anything sparkly. It was very demure, especially for me." Aviance was approached outside the studio by a staff member who advised her that her outfit violated the show's policy against audience members wearing "costumes". Aviance was told she could attend the taping but was not allowed to engage in any of the show's audience participation segments. Aviance contended that the show's staff deliberately sat a tall man in front of her to further obscure her. Aviance's friend, singer and comedian Jonny McGovern
, launched a protest via Facebook
. Several days after news of the incident hit the blogosphere
, Lonnie Burstein, executive vice president of programming and production for Debmar-Mercury, the company behind the program, issued an apology:
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, and New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. The test run was picked up for a full season that began its run on July 13, 2009 in over 70% of the country in syndication, and at midnight (with an encore at 8AM) on the BET cable network. The Wendy Williams Show has been renewed through 2014, due to its strong ratings within the women 25-54 demo.
History
In early 2008, the Fox Broadcasting Company picked up rights to the show which simultaneously airs on TV stations covering more than 95 percent of the United States and BET who picked up the show in early 2009.Representatives of the BET Networks were delighted to add Wendy to the lineup, stating, "After two solid quarters of growth at BET, we're thrilled that The Wendy Williams Show will be joining our line-up in July to strengthen the network's momentum," said Barbara Zaneri, Executive Vice President Programming Strategy, Scheduling and Acquisitions, who negotiated the deal for BET Networks.
The show was initially taped at the Chelsea Studios
Chelsea Studios
Chelsea Studios is a television studio and sound stage at 221 West 26th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.-History:The building was originally an armory that was home to Ninth Mounted Calvary which moved to 14th Street in 1914....
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. It is now taped at 433 West 53rd Street
53rd Street (Manhattan)
53rd Street is a midtown cross street in the New York City borough of Manhattan, that contains buildings such as the Citicorp Building. It is 1.83 miles long. The street runs westbound from Sutton Place across most of the island's width, ending at DeWitt Clinton Park at Eleventh Avenue...
.
The show had its debut outside the United States on BET International
BET International
BET International is a television channel in the UK, Ireland, Africa and the Middle East. It was launched on Wednesday 27 February 2008 in the UK with headquarters in London...
in July 2010.
Opening routine
During season one, the show opened with an audience member (sometimes a celebrity in their own right) often referred by Wendy as an 'opening announcer'. They would state their name and what's in store for that day's show. The person would then say Wendy's signature phrase, "How you doin'?". Following this, the show's theme began and after which the 'opening announcer' would introduce Wendy by saying, "Here's Wendy!". This is similar to the intro of The Rosie O'Donnell ShowThe Rosie O'Donnell Show
The Rosie O'Donnell Show is an Emmy Award-winning American daytime television talk show hosted and produced by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. It aired for six seasons from 1996 to 2002...
.
The start of season two eliminated the use of an audience member as an opening announcer. The Wendy Williams Show now uses a voiceover starting with the line "It's Time for the The Wendy Williams Show." The voiceover also states what's in store of that day's show and introduces Wendy by saying, "Now, here's Wendy!".
"Hot Topics"
After her entrance and a few comments, Wendy begins the "Hot Topics" portion of the show. She usually starts by telling the audience, "Let's get started with Hot Topics!" followed by a Hot Topics graphic that features various celebrities. This graphic is changed with different celebrities from time to time.Williams shares recent tabloid stories and often discusses things happening in her personal life. Wendy is a very outspoken individual and comments openly on tabloid stories, often offering up advice to celebrities and their situation. Previously the show entertained comments from the audience during hot topics; this has since been discontinued.
In August 2010, the show added a portion to 'Hot Topics' called "How You Feelin'?" which appears occasionally. Here, Wendy talks about various health related polls, studies and issues she finds interesting.
Additionally, on September 6th, 2010, another portion to 'Hot Topics' was introduced called, "Wendy's Web Videos" which appears occasionally. Here, Wendy shows various viral videos that are interesting, funny and had to be shared.
Ask Wendy
During the 'Ask Wendy' segment, Wendy goes up into the audience and takes questions from audience members. Wendy has been asked about various topics including relationship problems, family issues, pregnancy complications, and more. This segment is similar to her 'Advice Hour' from her radio show.During August 2010, the show added a portion into 'Ask Wendy' which appears occasionally called "Wendy, What Should I Wear?" With this, audience members specifically ask Wendy advice on what outfit they should wear out of two outfits presented. Afterwards, she sends them to try on a certain outfit during commercial and makes her decision after the break.
Set
The show's season one set was very bright and vibrant. The two main colors included were pink and purple. It featured silver and golden disco balls, quilted pink walls, two large double doors (in which Wendy walks out of at the start of the show) with pink and purple W's, colorful lights and a decorated 'Diva Fan'. Earlier in the season, there were leopard print pillows and a large circular leopard print floor piece which was located center stage. This was later removed and replaced by two large shadow W's.On September 6th, 2010, The Wendy Williams Show introduced a brand new set to go with the season 2 premiere. The most noticeable changes are the addition of the New York City skyline all around the studio as well as the lighting. While still featuring the colors of pink and purple, new tones and colors have been introduced including shades of blue, green/teal and orange. Other changes include redesigned guest entry areas with steps that light up, new blue audience seating, new double doors (that Wendy walks out of at the start of show) and the disco balls which are now all silver. Some things remained including the large shadow W's center stage.
Wendy spoke to Rosanna Scotto
Rosanna Scotto
Rosanna Scotto is an American news anchor. She currently anchors WNYW's Good Day New York with Greg Kelly. Previously, Scotto anchored at 5 and 10 P.M. with Ernie Anastos and Fox 5 Live at 11 A.M. Scotto has been the lead female news anchor since 1990...
on Good Day New York
Good Day New York
Good Day New York is a weekday morning news and entertainment feature show which airs on WNYW, the New York City flagship television station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Broadcasting Company...
about her new set and said that she "...wanted it to look like I moved out of an apartment, a fun apartment, and moved into a home where I have real responsibilities." Additionally, she said she wanted the seats to be "show blue" and noted that she has a new Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
mug to drink her tea out of.
Closing routine
Before the show comes to an end, the show features the "Eye Candy of the Day" segment. During this time, Wendy awards an audience member with a 'mini diva fan' who caught her attention due to their style. The person could be awarded because of a clothing item like a dress, blouse or pants. They could also be awarded because of their hair or an accessory like a handbag, shoes or jewelry. Sometimes this may be preempted for a show surprise guest, announcement, etc.As the show is ending, Wendy states what will be in store for the next day's show. She closes by saying, "Love You For Watching." This phrase is a variation of her phrase, "Love You For Listening" from her radio show.
'Say It Like You Mean It' Tour
Starting August 4th, 2011, Wendy WilliamsWendy Williams
Wendy Williams may refer to:* Wendy O. Williams, former Plasmatics singer* Wendy Williams , British actress* Wendy Williams , American radio and television personality...
& The Wendy Williams Show
The Wendy Williams Show
The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated talk show hosted by Wendy Williams that premiered on July 14, 2008, as six-week sneak peek, in Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York City. The test run was picked up for a full season that began its run on July 13, 2009 in over 70% of the country in...
went on the road for a 17 city tour across the United States. Locations included Miami, San Francisco, Tampa, Memphis, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. Wendy traveled on a decorated pink bus, designed specifically for her show. The line 'Say It Like You Mean It' comes from her show theme song.
The intent of the tour was for Wendy to greet existing fans and meet new friends - all in an effort to spread awareness about Wendy, the show and gain more viewership. During the tour, Wendy co-hosted mini versions of her show at local malls where she conducted versions of her popular segments Ask Wendy & Hot Topics. Additionally, she appeared and took part at local events such as throwing out the first pitch at MLB baseball games, American Idol auditions, festivals, etc.
Drag controversy
The Wendy Williams Show sparked a minor controversy in August 2009 when producers challenged a drag queenDrag queen
A drag queen is a man who dresses, and usually acts, like a caricature woman often for the purpose of entertaining. There are many kinds of drag artists and they vary greatly, from professionals who have starred in films to people who just try it once. Drag queens also vary by class and culture and...
who was waiting to enter a taping. Performer Erickatoure Aviance, saying she wanted to "get dressed for Wendy because I thought she'd appreciate it", attended the August 12 taping wearing what Aviance described as a "black baby-doll dress, heels, tights, and standard makeup -- not even anything sparkly. It was very demure, especially for me." Aviance was approached outside the studio by a staff member who advised her that her outfit violated the show's policy against audience members wearing "costumes". Aviance was told she could attend the taping but was not allowed to engage in any of the show's audience participation segments. Aviance contended that the show's staff deliberately sat a tall man in front of her to further obscure her. Aviance's friend, singer and comedian Jonny McGovern
Jonny McGovern
Jonny McGovern , also known by his character name The Gay Pimp, is an American stand-up comedian, musician and podcaster. He has recorded three albums as comedic singer The Gay Pimp, and is also a cast member of Logo's The Big Gay Sketch Show.-Early life:Jonny McGovern was born to Mary McGovern and...
, launched a protest via Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
. Several days after news of the incident hit the blogosphere
Blogosphere
The blogosphere is made up of all blogs and their interconnections. The term implies that blogs exist together as a connected community or as a social network in which everyday authors can publish their opinions...
, Lonnie Burstein, executive vice president of programming and production for Debmar-Mercury, the company behind the program, issued an apology:
Much of the success of The Wendy Williams Show is due to our incredibly diverse and colorful audience and we all agree that fashion is a true form of self expression. But in an attempt to explain and enforce our show’s dress code, I was not as sensitive as I could have been to Ericka, the LGBT community, or drag’s long history of being a target of discrimination. And for that, I sincerely apologize as it was never my intention to offend in any way.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Category | Association | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Most Guiltiest Pleasure | NewNowNext Awards NewNowNext Awards The first NewNowNext-Awards were held in 2008 by the gay and lesbian-themed network Logo.- 2008 :The nominees were announced by Cazwell and Amanda Lepore. Hosts were Candis Cayne and Colman Domingo... |
|
| 2011 | Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling | Daytime Emmy |