To Become Daytime Queen, Katie Couric Must Topple ... Judge Judy?

By Rob Shuter Posted Jun 7th 2011 09:50AM

Minutes after it was announced Monday that Katie Couric had signed a multi-year deal with ABC to host and produce a nationally syndicated daytime talker, friends of the top-rated 'Judge Judy' Sheindlin warn the bubbly host that she has no intention of giving up her syndi-crown any time soon.

"What people don't know is that Judge Judy is the real powerhouse to beat," an insider tells me. "It's not about who will replace Oprah, Judge Judy has already done that, beating her week after week. Now with Oprah gone, Judy's numbers will only go higher."

'Judge Judy' has consistently bested all first-run syndication and even took out the 'Oprah Winfrey Show' in its second-to-last week of existence, according to figures on TV by the Numbers. 'Judy' attracted more than 2 million additional viewers than 'Oprah the week ending May 22, with 7.0 rating to O's 5.4.

Katie said she's "very happy" to return to ABC, where she began her career in 1979. Her untitled show will debut in September 2012 and be based in New York City. Until then, she'll anchor ABC News specials. Her former boss at NBC, Jeff Zucker, will produce the talker.

Judge Judy, distributed by CBS Television, is beginning its 16th season in September.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Katie's new show to deliver big numbers right away," a TV insider tells me.

There is little doubt that Katie will attract TONS of attention and ratings for her show, but higher-ups are looking to secure bragging rights and make the No. 1 syndicated offering in the nation a talk program, not a TV-judge one.

"The real show everyone wants to beat is Judy," the TV insider notes."All the press has been Oprah, Oprah, Oprah and Katie trying to replace her. However, everyone at ABC including Katie knows the show they need to target is Judy. Good luck with that."

Since leaving her anchor chair of the 'CBS Evening News' last month after five years, Katie has been eager to move on with the next phase of her life and while the format of the new show is still being finalized, friends who have worked with Katie tells me, "Katie is back. She wants this to succeed more than anything she has ever done!"

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Tags: Judge Judy, Katie Couric

Comments

(198)

Tuesday 07 June

By Linda

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Couldn't have said it better Mike! :)

By wenmac

Couple Judge Judy's popularity with boycotting soap opera fans and I'd say they have an epic FAIL on their hands...

By Calvin Hungerford

I've been watching Judge Judy for years now, and have no intentions on letting her go for Katty.

By Janice Pielert

Good luck Katie. I wouldn't wish your position on anyone. If you even get close, Judge Judy will rip you a new one and knock you down a notch or two!

By Aften

In the words of Judge Judy, "Your an Idiot!"

By Flag

In the words of Judge Judy, "Your an Idiot!"

Flag say: Actually I think Judge Judy knows to spell you're.

Wednesday 08 June

By Salgal877

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Yes to all,Judge Judy will tap her watch and tell Perky Katie, "Hurry up it's time for my lunch" CASE DISMISSED !!!

By Mavis Stokes

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Judy is full of herself !!!

By Cozyblonde

"Flag say: Actually I think Judge Judy knows to spell you're." But Flag forgets to insert "how" to spell. Mr. Perfect should not be correcting others!!

By Comrade X

Judge Judy can and will whip the perky one`s -ss. The sooner the better. Time for this out of control bimbo to retire.

By Allie

YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!

By mbrul

at least couric has found the right place for her, something lightweight, but judy will crush her.

By chris

i agree go with judge judy

By lancelegstrong

Always remember God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason!

By plante33

In New England we get Judge Judy at 4:00 Katie Curic will have to go against Ellen De Generese at 3:00 I have never watched Judge Judy and watch Ellen only once in awhile if NCIS or House are repeats on cable I prefer to watch them Boo to ABC I guess I will not watch you anymore as I watch Brian Williams at night.

By Mark

Imagine that, trying to choose between Couric and a Lesbian. Just sayin'.

By Wayne

Looks to me like you're sayin' absolutely nothing worth reading. Time for you to shut up and attempt to save some face, Markyboy.

By Terry

Katie- I hope you fall on your butt so hard that those ugly teeth of your which you insist on showing with your ugly phony smile fall out. Further I will always hate you to the bone for your insidious treatment of our former President. Shame on you --you are a phony partisan flack and boor. I hope you rot.

By Vcrozas

For Me Katie screwed up when she left Today thinking she was all that. Like she was going to be the next babawawa...right WRONG! Katie's perky little cutie self may have booted Jane Pauley off today with her fun and games with old Matt BUT she is done, well done and her show will not fly.

By Dana

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ELLEN is the QUEEN of DAYTIME.. Judy.. not even Close!

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