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Oprah has left a big hole in heart--I mean, television programming. Her ability to balance celebrity interviews with social issues was flawless. One day she could be interviewing Julia Roberts, and the next day could be a story about transgendered children. There was a flow and she could hold an audience. Now there is a void to fill in Daytime Television. This is a tough time slot. Daytime often has to appeal to a wide audience, and it usually doesn’t have the raunchiness of late night. Who is stepping up to the plate? And who is being given a chance to prove their daytime chops? Here are five personalities who might have the goods...

 

Anderson Cooper: You have to include Anderson! We are used to seeing Anderson on CNN giving us hard-hitting news, but here he talks with reality TV stars and goes tanning with Snooki. It takes some adjustment to get used to seeing Anderson doing these interviews, but he’s the same. There is the same intensity in his eyes and focus no matter the subject. On the plus side, he is very easy on the eyes.

 

Bethenny Frankel: It’s hard to believe she started off as a "Housewife" on the Bravo franchise. As one of the many members of “The Real Housewives of New York”, Bethenny defintely stood out. She then landed her own spin-off show featuring just her and her new husband and baby. She branched out into the business world. creating an entire brand of Skinnygirl products. People apparently want her advice. So, now Bethenny is going to hit the airwaves with daytime television. If you watched her show, I’m sure it will be more advice from her based on her personal experiences. Hopefully, she makes it about her guests as well. Despite her affiliations with Bravo, the show will air on Fox-owned stations across the country.

 

Dr. Phil: Another possible contender, Phil is in many ways a protégée of Oprah. She gave him his start. He frequently appeared on Oprah's show before he got his own. Phil has a unique way of “talking” to people. You get the feeling he is like a dad trying to make sure you don’t get into trouble or correct you when you make dumb mistakes. His show normally focuses on people with issues, addictions, family problems, etc. He sets them straight, he tells it like it is, he tries to get the people the right help. He is a real doctor with a degree in clinical psychology. There is no warm and fuzzy feeling here. No celebrities touting their new movie -- just Dad Phil, helping people and families. The show has been on since 2002, so audiences clearly like his advice. Or maybe they just like seeing screwed up people get yelled at.

 

Wendy Williams: "How you doin'?" Sure, she’s not everyone’s cup of tea. You do have to give her credit, though; she has been in the business a long time, having a hit radio show in New York long before her face was known nationally. But if you like gossip and tons of wigs, this is the talk show to watch. At least she is always frank with guests -- she asks all the juicy tid-bits you want know. She always asks about their dating life, the latest rumors, or their sex life. She usually just cuts to the chase and also gives advice to her audience members, which oftentimes is pretty spot-on. But just don’t expect any deep-seeded topics or debates on this show.

 

Ellen Degeneres: Ellen has a great personality. We’ve all seen her dance! She is funny, charming, and engaging. She has fun with her guests, putting them at ease, and is great at interacting with the audience too. Oprah may approve of Ellen taking over as the Queen of Daytime; after all, Ellen posed with Oprah on the cover of O Magazine. This usually never happens, since the cover is normally reserved for just Oprah. Ellen does have mass appeal, but she keep the topics light and fun.

 

There can never be another Oprah, but she does have her OWN network, so she still has plenty of television presence. In the meantime, the door is open for someone new to really command an audience during the daytime.

 

 

- Tallie Johnson, YH Staff