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 Geo

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I'm sure if Oprah, who (sadly) lots of people actually like/liked, can't topple Judge Judy, then Katie will fail miserably. Personally, I find them all nauseating in their own way - Sheindlin's voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I feel sorry for her poor weak husband.

By Carrieann

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ISN'T HE DEAD??!!

By Davey

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Katie Who?

By smm

Doesn't Katie Couric have enough money ? Another talk show serves no purpose. Why do these networks speak for us and not even consider the fact we love our soaps, no matter how corney they are. I will not be watching Katie, in fact I won't be watching much of ABC. AND !!! Don't get me started with thoes lame reality shows. They Suck

By Connie

I would not give you 2cents for Judge Judy. She is the ruddest person on tv. She calls people lairs and acts like she is God. Never watch the show. I would watch Katie any day. Watch her on Today and the nighly news and will watch her again. She is a great person.

By Misty

If John McCain had picked Judge Judy instead of Sara Palin we would be calling him Mr. President today.

By JoanneVLavender

Judge Judy has a law degree. Katie Couric has depended on "cute" for so long no one remembers IF she has a degree.

I'll take a juris doctor over a BA in "journalism" anyday.

By Ruth Allen

i wish someone would take that loud mouthed shrew judy down, can't stand that @#%^*

By Escalonz

Jealous?

By Tommy

Some people really think those court shows are for real.Judge Judy is one ugly broad and as phony as her show.

By Brancato

too bad she bombed at CBS she just couldn't hang with fox lololol

By willburwill

This is to all the watchers of Oprah and Judge Judy...Your out of Bon Bons...

By snowbird004

katie's gonna be good but we also need to bring back bonnie hunt who was my favorite for us older folks!!

By d

Katie is only half jewish judge judy & her should have an interesting dual

By Rosie

Couric you don't have chance in hell with Judge Judy in the same time slot. I even watch the repeats of JJ. Judge Judy you rule.

By Weedster

The left-wing "Gotcha Gal" is a proven failure. People are tired of celebrities forcing their politics down our throats. Judge Judy will eat her up and spit her out. Say good night K-K-Katy!

By Nicole

I am a huge Judge Judy fan.

By dblbar9

What some people forgot, is that with any new job you always strive for higher. That is what employers look for, that type of person. Not the lateral mover.I wish her luck. She is trying. I love people who try. Win or loose she can say I TRIED.

By damididude

Stay home, Katie.

I don't watch her except for brief occasions and she is indeed awesome. My better half watches her religiously and it would seem her nick name should be "Super A** Kicker" as her rapid and merciless rendition of justice is inspiring. Her model should be "Take no prisoners"

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