Renewal of 'Jennifer Hudson Show' is bright spot in evolving daytime TV - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Greg Braxton

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Jennifer Hudson's "The Jennifer Hudson Show" has been renewed for a fifth season, marking a rare bright spot in the evolving daytime TV landscape. While other popular shows like Kelly Clarkson's and Sherri Shepherd's have been canceled, Hudson continues to thrive as one of the few remaining celebrity-oriented talk show hosts. Her success is particularly notable given the challenges facing traditional daytime TV, which has seen declining ratings and competition from podcasts hosted by celebrities such as Amy Poehler, Conan O'Brien, and Dax Shepard. The renewal of Hudson's show comes amid significant changes in the industry. The departure of Clarkson and Shepherd, along with economic difficulties in Hollywood, have created a challenging environment for traditional talk shows. However, Hudson has managed to carve out a niche by emphasizing her engaging hosting style, musical performances, and innovative use of social media. For instance, her "Spirit Tunnel" segment, where staff members greet guests with chants, has garnered over six billion views across platforms. The current state of daytime TV reflects broader trends in media consumption, with audiences increasingly turning to podcasts for more personalized and intimate content. This shift is reshaping the industry, as traditional formats struggle to compete with the flexibility and narrow focus of podcasting. Hudson's ability to adapt by leveraging her strengths as a performer and connecting deeply with her audience has helped her stand out in this competitive landscape. While daytime TV has always gone through cycles of change, the rise of podcasts represents a significant shift in how audiences consume content. Hudson's continued success highlights the resilience of traditional media formats when combined with innovative strategies. Her story is not just a win for her personally but also a testament to the enduring appeal of live, interactive entertainment

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026