News
Daytime Talk Shows Eroding Landscape: Budgets, Audience, and Video Podcasts, Could Spell Its End
- With The Kelly Clarkson Show, Sherri canceled, and The Jennifer Hudson Show on the bubble, daytime talk show formats longevity is in question.
- Video podcasts such as Call Me Daddy, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, and IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson and more, are bringing A-list celebrity guests and topics to a broader streaming audience for less cost.
- Daytime Talk Show production costs have sky-rocketed with a decline in viewership overall.
Daytime programming is currently going under yet another shift, similar to how the soap operas began to get canned from 2009-2011, resulting in four shows (Guiding Light, As the World Turns, All My Children and One Life to Live) leaving the daytime TV block, being replaced by how-to shows that eventually fizzled. Now in 2026, the daytime talk show is the next in the cycle to be undergoing a significant change.
As previously reported, The Kelly Clarkson Show is ending its run after its current 7th season comes to a close, and the same can be said for Sherri Shepherd’s talker Sherri which was canceled by its distributor and producer Debmar-Mercury after its current 4th season. Meanwhile, there have been conflicting reports that The Jennifer Hudson Show will survive and be renewed for a 5th season.
So what gives? Are audiences just sick of the format? Not necessarily so, but just like soap opera budgets became too big, the talk shows are now not cheap to producer with skyrocketing production costs. Add that to the fact there is a huge boom in video podcasts that publicists book their A-list clients on, and often prefer to do that, where the exposure on You Tube and other streaming platforms is huge as opposed to cable or syndication.

Photo: Spotify
According to the Hollywood Reporter, “Back-to-back cancellations of talk show staples like The Kelly Clarkson Show and Sherri have heightened fears that video podcasts are coming for traditional TV. Podcasts have already been taking a greater share in the media space, as the shows are able to land the same high-profile guests (take Michelle Obama on Call Her Daddy or Leonardo DiCaprio on New Heights). At the same time, they command a broad reach on YouTube, and now on platforms like Netflix.”
In addition, they share, “TV executives, producers and talent note that video podcasts produce a product that is familiar to talk show and news viewers at a fraction of the price.” They also offer a longer-form interview with their guests, that can be cut up into many viral shorts.
Speaking of cost, talk shows have been a heavily unionized operation. The Jennifer Hudson Show has WGA writers on staff, IATSE crew members a DGA stage manager who oversees rehearsals and tapings. The report added, “With some exceptions, those union jobs are threatened by the rise of lo-fi programming made for digital platforms that in many cases are not beholden to union contracts.”
Video podcasts that are extremely popular with celebrity guests or health and wellness topics include: Amy Poehler’s Emmy-winning, Good Hang, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, The Joe Rogan Experience, IMO hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, or Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Podcast to name but a few popular ones.
So, do you watch video podcasts more and more as your ‘talk show’ fare or do you still tune-in to your traditional TV daytime talk shows? Do you think come 2027 there may only be a few or none on daytime programming? How would you feel about it? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I love the Young and the Restless !
With social media, there isn’t a mystique to celebrities appearing on talk shows. If you see someone promoting a movie, it is safe to say they will appear on the morning shows and then on a talk show, basically saying the same thing. Plus, we can see everything we want on their social media pages.
I like Kelly, but only in small doses. It is funny that two of the best voices in music (Kelly and Jennifer) spend the majority of their time hosting talk shows, while most music artists spend their time writing, recording and touring.
I’m not sure what the budgets are for game shows. Obviously, with “The Price Is Right” still being the number one daytime show, and “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” being number one in syndication, here is an audience for game shows. I would love to see “Password” (minus the silliness of the Kiki Palmer version) and “Concentration” come back, as well as “All My Children.”
I want All My Children back, even if the show was only a 30 minute daily episode! I also think that Days of our Lives deserves to be back on NBC.
Doubt we’ll ever see another 30- minute soap launched again. B&B only works because of its international distribution.
NBC gave DAYS slot back to its affiliates. Prior to moving to Peacock, the show was only averaging 1.5 million viewers a day. BTG is pulling in numbers above that in its first year.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary

This Labor Day, General Hospital will show an encore presentation of its touching tribute to the late Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer). The news came from ABC executive, Nathan Varni who shared the information across social media.
Varni expressed, “Save the date! ABC will encore our very special farewell tribute to Tony Geary this Labor Day, Monday, September 7.”
The episode was originally broadcast on February 20, 2026, and honored to the late eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, who sadly passed away on December 14, 2025 at the age of 78.

Photo: ABC
The tribute episode centered on Luke’s daughter Lulu (Alexa Havins) finally grieving the loss of her father after she had come out of a four-year long coma and never dealt with her grief on learning the news of his death.
WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ON-SCREEN REMEMBRANCE OF LUKE SPENCER?
The other characters who remember their time with Luke who are included in the episode with many flashbacks were: Tracy (Jane Elliot), Sonny (Maurice Benard), Carly (Laura Wright), Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and of course, Laura (Genie Francis).
Behind the scenes, General Hospital wanted to pay tribute to its most iconic star, but since the character of Luke was killed-off in 2022 off-screen, after Geary retired, there wasn’t an easy creative route to go when Geary passed away in real-life. However, the writers did a commendable job with this special episode in tying in memories and remembrances of Luke through Lulu’s grief as a starting point.

Photo: ABC
THE LAST APPEARANCE OF TONY GEARY ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Anthony Geary exited General Hospital in 2015 after his record-setting eight Daytime Emmy Lead Actor wins for his work. He then moved to Amsterdam full-time to live with his husband, Claudio Gama.
Two years later, Geary made one final appearance on GH, when in 2017 he popped in the last scene of what was Jane Elliot’s then departure from the show when Tracy was reunited with Luke in Europe.
You can check out the original promo for the special episode “Remembering Luke Spencer” and the late Tony Geary from back in February of this year below.
Now let us know, will you be watching the Anthony Geary tribute again this coming Monday? Do you miss seeing the character of Luke Spencer in Port Charles? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Alimi Ballard’s Role Revealed as WSB Agent William Baines Who Oversees Jack Brennan Investigation

The Thursday, September 3 episode of General Hospital featured the debut of former Loving and The City actor, Alimi Ballard (ex-Frankie Hubbard).
Now some 30 years later, Ballard is back on ABC daytime, but this time as was revealed today, he is playing WSB agent William Baines who arrives in Port Charles to oversee the disappearance of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
Here’s what went down; after Josslyn (Eden McCoy) reported Brennan missing to the WSB, agent William Baines met her at the Port Charles bureau office. It was there that Baines informed Josslyn he was taking over the search for Jack.
Josslyn kept trying to stay on the case telling Baines she had connections with many people in Jack’s inner circle in Port Charles. However, Baines instructed her to keep on her current assignment as CEO of JJE. When she questioned why implanting her at her father’s company was so important, Baines shared she needs to get inside intel on JJE’s subsidiary holdings. Once she does, she will be briefed on what comes next.
DREW FRAMES NINA
In addition, Baines wanted to be briefed on what Josslyn knows so far about the MIA Brennan. One theory from the WSB is that Jack skipped town because of how badly the Cold Fusion debacle went down on Spoon Island. Then, as Josslyn brought up how her mother Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) witnessed a public shouting match between Jack and Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), Baines pulls out a photo of Nina from his folder.
As if things couldn’t get worse for Nina, Drew (Cameron Mathison) broke into her car, planted evidence of Jack’s wallet under the seat as retribution for her trying to kill Drew when she pushed him in his wheelchair into the lake at the boathouse. Drew snarled that “payback is bitch” as he sat in the driver’s seat of her car.
So, what are your initial thoughts on the arrival of WSB agent William Baines? Do you think he may wind up as Jack’s successor as the WSB Port Charles bureau chief ? What did you think of Drew framing Nina for Jack’s death? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, check out the confrontation between Drew and Nina with Ava present.
News
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell First Microdrama ‘Hollywood Startlet’ Debuts in Launch of New aTwist Platform and Studio

Microseries platform and Studio aTwist launched today (September 3) complete with a slate of 10 original series including the first foray into the vertical drama space from The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell.
As previously reported, Brad Bell and his son and B&B producer, Oliver Bell produced the vertical title, Hollywood Starlet which is now available on aTwist.
Hollywood Starlet tells the tale of an 0verlooked cleaner named Starlet who supports her abusive sister and mother until her acting talents are finally recognized by famous actor Jack as he falls for her and helps her kickstart her Hollywood career. The microdrama was filmed using sets from The Bold & The Beautiful sets at their Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood. The series features popular vertical stars: Bella Mraz, Eric Guilmette, and Molly Anderson.

Photo: MFTV
aTWIST FEATURES 10 ORIGINAL MICRODRAMA SERIES
The new vertical entertainment platform from noted TV executives: Jana Winograde (Former Showtime), Susan Rovner (Former NBCUniversal) and Lloyd Braun (Former ABC/WME) debuts by expanding the microdrama genre with scripted, unscriped, animation, horror and comedy titles. The launch today also includes a curated library of content. aTwist is available now at www.aTwist.com, with the app available for download across all major app stores.
New microseries will launch Thursdays on aTwist. Viewers can watch select episodes for free with ads, or unlock complete seasons using coins or a subscription. Countries at launch include: Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States.

Courtesy/aTwist
The launch slate available now which includes the aforementioned Brad Bell created Hollywood Starlet also features these titles:
Buried Alive, Back For Revenge
A blind heiress, buried alive by her husband and best friend on her wedding day, claws her way out of her grave to reclaim her company and destroy those who betrayed her. Starring: Nicole Mattox, Nick Ritacco, Molly Anderson, Eric Guilmette, Jon Briddell.
Cash Out
A heartbroken woman and her 2 best friends are gifted $50,000 to spend on experiences in Las Vegas in under 24 hours. Roadblocks crop up, her ex returns, chaos ensues. The Hangover meets Bridesmaids. Starring: Violet Benson, Kristen Ochoa, Jaden Ashley, Christa Texeira.
I Fell in Love with a Dragon Prince
Abandoned and enslaved, when Sylvia meets and heals the injured Kiel, heir to the Sky Kingdom, their quests merge – will he regain his crown and she, her freedom? And are they meant for each other? Animation microdrama starring: Jayme Mantos, Ted Evans, Cornelius Mohr, Kristen DiMercurio
I Swiped Right on a Serial Killer
A pediatrician goes looking for love on the apps, but has no idea when she falls for a manipulator with a master plan to wife her, who’s willing to kill anyone who gets in his way. Starring: Mariah Moss, Shayne Davis, Addison Bowman, Ali Badalov, Nick Ritacco<
My Billionaire Kidney
In this rollicking vertical spoof, a down-on-her-luck Cinderella-type becomes a pawn to her evil aunt and uncle and multiple absurdly powerful men as they fight for her kidney. Will she finally find a way to control the chaos and choose herself? From Jonathan Stern (Abominable Pictures), starring Hannah Pilkes, Nate Smith, Brandon Micheal Hall, Erinn Hayes, Steve Agee, Peter S. Kim.
My Book Boyfriend Came To Life
A love-averse librarian accidentally summons a romance novel hero into the real world to help her save her library. Starring: Bella Grace Mraz, Cayman David Cardiff, Eric Ruof, Shannon Foster, Rebecca Ritz.
Pretty Hurts And So Do I
A bullied high school girl is hit by a bus, gets a major glow-up, and comes back for revenge on the mean girls who wronged her. Starring: Kim Sandwich, Jake Ryan Nuttall, Caroline Abigail Rich, Shahadah Keyonna Abdullah.
Something Is Alive In My Attic
A woman returns home to her estranged, ailing mother to discover that something evil is alive in the attic. Starring: Moriah N. Boone, Suzie Haines, Richard Trotter, Charing Draper, Triana Brown.
Strangers, A Plane And A Deadly Game
Two women on a plane joke about committing murder, but when one takes action, the other is drawn into a chaotic, deadly spiral – will there be any survivors?
Starring: Grace Swanson, Monaye Moyes, Sean McHugh, Madeleine Barnette, Myron Donley.

Photo: aTwist
MICRODRAMA PARTNERSHIPS
aTwist recently announced: A strategic partnership with Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global entertainment company, making aTwist the exclusive home for Hartbeat’s slate of original microseries, including comedy programming under the LOL umbrella and adaptations of Blake Karrington’s bestselling book series and a partnership with BET to develop and distribute microseries across linear and vertical platforms, with a first-of-its-kind windowing model bringing microseries to television while expanding storytelling rooted in Black culture and community, among others.
Microseries are serialized stories designed for mobile-first viewing: typically 40-60 episodes of one to three minutes each, built vertically, and consumed either in moments throughout the day or as a binge experience all at once. This is a fast-growing global category, generating an estimated $10 billion annually worldwide.
So, will you be checking out Brad Bell’s Hollywood Starlet on the aTwist platform? What do you think of all the currently slated new titles for launch? Drop a comment below.
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