After 14 seasons, The Wendy Williams Show was canceled and will be replaced by a new show, Sherri, hosted by Sherri Shepherd.
Wendy Williams had been away from the show all season as she dealt with health issues stemming from Graves’ disease and COVID-19. Season 14 of the show was twice delayed before it premiered in October with guest host Leah Remini. Several other guest hosts also filled in for Williams, including Shepherd.
Shepherd’s episodes received high ratings, and according to lovebscott.com, the staff was informed that The Wendy Williams Show would end in June and become the Sherri show.
“The producers informed everyone that the Wendy Show was being canceled at the end of June. Then in the next breath, they hired everyone to work on the new Sherri show.”
Shepherd said it was a dream come true to host her own talk show and return to New York in the fall.
“OMG! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show SHERRI in the fall,” said the 54-year-old. “I can’t wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love … pop culture, talk, entertainment and comedy. I am thankful to Debmar-Mercury and FOX for partnering with me on this show and look forward to this new journey.”
Williams’ representative Howard Bragman made a statement he said on Williams’ behalf about the sad news.
“It’s been a challenging time for Wendy as she deals with her health issues,” said Bragman.”She is incredibly grateful to Debmar-Mercury, to Sherri and everybody else who has supported the show through this time. She, more than anyone, understands the reality of syndicated television — you can’t go to the marketplace and sell a show that’s the ‘Maybe Wendy Show.”
“She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time.”
However, Williams reportedly spoke for herself on Instagram Stories and said she did not authorize Bragman to talk about her business dealings with Debmar-Mercury.
“Mr. Bragman although I appreciate your concerns and respect you immensely I have not authorized you to make any statements on my behalf regarding my current status with Debmar Mercury. Again thanks for your continuing concern and support,” she wrote.
In response, Bragman said he wasn’t convinced Williams had written the post.
“I’m not honestly convinced of the source of that social media post,” he wrote. “So when my old friend Wendy FaceTimes me personally and we alone have a chance to discuss recent events, together we can figure out the best path forward.”
Williams posted a video on Instagram prior to the news dropping and seemed on the mend as she walked on the beach. It is not yet clear if she will return to the show before it ends in June.
