Former Talk Show Host Ricki Lake Returns to Daytime Television
Former Talk Show Host Ricki Lake has proven she has what it takes to dance into the finals of “Dancing With The Stars,” and now she is also ready to dance back into hosting a daily television talk show for the first time since 2004.
On Thursday, syndication company Twentieth Television officially announced that “The Ricki Lake Show” will launch in September 2012.
Fox Network described Lake as “America’s girlfriend” in the announcement and said the show would cover topics of interest to 25 to 54 year old women, including parenting, diet, weight and love.
“Ricki is not an expert,” said the announcement. “She’s not a doctor, therapist or a super homemaker – she’s a working mom trying to figure life out, and inviting her audience along for the ride.”
“Focusing on topics significant to women,” said Paul Franklin, general sales manager for Twentieth Television, “we are thrilled that Ricki will bring daily conversation and her relatable spirit to this impressive group of stations.”
“I want to spark ideas and conversations and inspire people to take active roles in their communities, relationships and their well-being,” said Ricki Lake. “I have definitely grown as a person since I put down the mic in 2005, and I couldn’t be happier to share and continue the journey with both my existing fans and an entirely new generation of women.”
When her first talk show aired from 1993 to 2004, Lake was positioned for a younger demographic, women 18 to 49. Now that she is older, so apparently has her audience. Since that show ended she has continued to act, do some hosting, spent time with her family and most recently proven she can dance.
Syndication company Twentieth Television is a division of News Corp., the same parent company of Fox Network and Fox News.
Ricki Lake joins other syndicated talk show newcomers led by Katie Couric, Steve Harvey and Jeff Probst, all of whom are also set to begin next fall. They will compete with Anderson Cooper, as well as the established shows like Dr. Phil, Jerry Springer and Dr. Oz.
