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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.
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, Days of our Lives) is jumping head first into the celebrity podcast rage with the launch of hers entitled, Between Takes with Alison Sweeney.
In between her busy schedule of Hallmark Channel movies, features, TV appearances and returns to Days of our Lives, Sweeney will now feature special guests each episode as previewed in her Instagram video clip announcing the new podcast series.
Accompanying her video, Sweeney expressed, “Trying something new! Check out my new podcast. Just fun casual chats with my friends. Links are in my bio.”
Photo: Hallmark
The first episode features former DAYS star and Hallmark Channel mainstay, Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas Alamain). It was back from 1999-2000 that Victor first appeared on the then NBC soap opera.
As previously reported, Sweeney will be reprising her role of Sami on Days of our Lives, next summer in June when she returns along with several fan favorites for a story arc.
During Alison’s premiere of “Between Takes,” Webster shares stories of his time on DAYS, being a proud dog dad, and globetrotter, plus working on action scenes and for Victor, taking over from The Rock in the the Scorpion King franchise appearing in Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption. Alison and Victor also chat about their time on sets.
You can listen to Between Takes with Alison Sweeney on all major podcast streaming platforms; including Apple Podcasts here.
So, will you be checking out Alison’s podcast as it continues to grow? Intrigued who from Days of our Lives and the soaps might chat it up with her in future episodes? Let us know in the comment section.
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The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
Last night at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Jeff Kober’s name was called as the winner of the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series for his role as murderer and all around misunderstood bad guy, Cyrus Renault on General Hospital.
Kober added a second Daytime Emmy to his collection for playing Laura Collins’ Genie Francis) half-brother. He previously won in the Best Supporting Actor category in 2022. He was also nominated the year prior.
Due to appearing in a “theater gig,” the actor revealed in a videotaped acceptance speech why he couldn’t be at the Hollywood Palladium on October 30 for the livestreamed ceremony.
Photo: ABC
In his acceptance speech, Kober shared, “I want to say thank you to all of the actors who made this happen, and thank you especially to GH and my GH family. What a treat it has been to be with them. Sorry I wasn’t there last night. I had a prior commitment with a theater gig.”
He added, “I’m really sorry I didn’t get to see Genie (Francis) and the recognition by the Emmys she so richly deserves. Love you guys. Oh, also, congratulations to my pal, Roger Howarth (Matt, Y&R, and ex-Franco, GH). Maybe now GH will bring our characters back from the dead. Who knows? I see a storyline. Love to all. Thanks.”‘
Photo: JPI
Last night, Genie Francis received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Television of Arts and Sciences for her body of work since she joined GH initially in 1977 as a young teenaged Laura Vining.
Meanwhile, Howarth made history for the longest gap between Emmy wins for actors. It had been 32 years since he won Outstanding Younger Actor for his performance as Todd Manning in One Life to Live back in 1994.
You can check out Jeff Kober’s video acceptance speech below. Then let us know, what you think about the idea of Cyrus Renault returning from the dead, via the comment section.
Roger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
DAYS Favorite Alison Sweeney Launches New Podcast ‘Between Takes’
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Dashing Duos – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
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