As the stand-out hit in a crop of new talkers, Steve Harvey‘s daytime show has been extended through 2016 in 65 percent of the country, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The 56-year-old personality has steadily gained a loyal following over the course of his inaugural season, particularly in recent months among key female demographics. Despite the cancelations of fellow hosts Ricki Lake, Jeff Probst and Anderson Cooper (as well as a rumored Katie Couric), Harvey has found a comfortable seat in daytime television.
“Steve is one of the best entertainers in the country, and his first season has been a tremendous success because of the personal connection he makes with the daytime audience,” said Ted Harbert, chairman of NBC Broadcasting. “It’s so great to see Steve’s very funny and substantive show being rewarded with long-term commitments from our station partners.”
Chairman and CEO of Endemol North America David Goldberg added, ”The sale of the show through 2016 is a testimony to its popularity, the immense talent of Steve Harvey and his ability to resonate with a broad and diverse daytime audience. I am grateful to Steve, his dedicated and creative producers as well as NBCUniversal Domestic TV Distribution and our station partners around the country.”
In May, Harvey took the No. 1 spot among women 18-49 and 25-54 and drastically improved its lead-in over the last year.
