HOLLYWOOD—It has been some time since I’ve been drawn to watching a talk show. Talk shows back in the 1980s and 1990s were geared towards dealing with issues affecting society. Today, the modern talk show is still focused on discussions involving pop culture, but there are more celebrities on these shows. One of my favorite talk shows at the moment is “The Wendy Williams Show.” How often is the audience able to connect with the host and actually feel as if they’re part of the live audience? Not often, but Wendy has a unique presence, a charisma that draws the viewer in.
For those who aren’t familiar with Wendy Williams, many may remember her from her time in radio, working in D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. She has dubbed herself the “Queen of Media,” liking herself to radio personality Howard Stern. Williams is that rare person who tells it likes she sees it, but at the same time she’s compassionate. At the core of her madness, as some would call it, she’s a genuine person and in my opinion that makes her so likable. When “The Wendy Williams Show” debuted back in June 2008, many were speculating that the show wouldn’t last, but Wendy proved her critics wrong.
Her flare for talking about juicy hot topics has the viewer glued to their television screen and she doesn’t waste any time jumping right into it. She has her quick introduction, and then it’s right to the Hot Topics segment. Around 10-15 minutes is dedicated to alerting the public of breaking news or the latest information on celebrities. Of course, it’s always a delight when Wendy gives her opinion on the latest gossip. She has even had on a few occasions entire shows dedicated to Hot Topics because the viewers demanded it.
The show also includes the segment, “Fan Out” where viewers share their stories and pictures of their encounters with celebrities. There’s also the segment “Ask Wendy,” where Williams gives advice to audience members who have questions about issues in their personal lives. What every viewer tunes in to see are their favorite celebrities. Williams’s guest roster includes Vanessa Williams, Cloris Leachman, Natalie Cole, Kelsey Grammer, Kelly Ripa, Denise Richards, Katie Couric, Larry King, Regina King, the cast of”Jersey Shore,” the cast of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and many more.
She scored an exclusive interview with the Queen of Soul, whom Wendy has praised on countless occasions as her dream guest; her other dream guest is musician Fergie. Williams aired a two-part interview with Aretha Franklin in February 2011 where she addressed questions regarding her health amongst other things. It was a pleasure to see Williams maintain her composure while interviewing an icon of hers.
What is so fascinating about “The Wendy Williams Show” is the energy. You laugh at the comments that are made, you laugh at the interaction between Wendy and her outrageous guests. The show may only be an hour, but Williams makes the best of that hour to be sure to give the viewer a show unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Not for a moment, does the viewer feel as if Wendy is on a pedestal and everyone else is below her. She identifies herself with everyone else and isn’t afraid to make fun of herself or talk about embarrassing moments.
She has even cried on countless occasions on the show. Recently she shed tears after receiving an overwhelming welcome from her audience. She’s grateful for her talk show and the fans who have kept the show alive.Williams was really moved by the video that chronicled her donations to theAsbury Middle School. She donated office supplies to the students and teachers in order to help them achieve the best possible learning experience.Tears were building on her face as she spoke to the viewers; she has a huge heart.
Of course, no one can forget Wendy’s signature line, “How You Doin’?” It is downright hilarious and a great way to start your day. She’s also a new contestant on the next season of “Dancing with the Stars.” “The Wendy Williams Show” is in syndication; check your local listings for exact times.
