How Wendy Williams Changed Daytime TV in Her Own Unscripted Way (Column)
21.06.2022 - 00:55
/ variety.com
Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior CorrespondentWendy Williams was unlike anyone else on TV. On daytime, you’re supposed to be authentic, but you’re also taught to be polished, read the teleprompter and stay on script.Williams did none of those things. In fact, the talk show host did the exact opposite of what you’d expect a television executive to advise a host to do in 2008, the year her show was being tested for a national run.
And that’s why she she stayed relevant for 13 seasons.What Williams brought to the table could never be drafted in casting. Her messy, burping, farting, teeth-picking, say-it-how-it-is, unfiltered delivery is what brought viewers in and made them unable to turn away. In TV, everyone wants to be liked.
Networks want good ratings and to satisfy advertisers. Williams? She never even considered that. She was unapologetically herself: she said what everyone watching at home was thinking, but is too scared to say.
That’s the reason why her viewers loved her. Her brand was harsh, brash and real. And sometimes, she absolutely crossed the line.
But she had built such trust with her audience, they always forgave her, even when she offended them.How do I know? Well, I was lucky enough to be a friend to “The Wendy Williams Show” throughout the years. As one of Williams’ frequent guests, I would come onto the show for her “Inside Scoop” segment to break down entertainment stories. I even stepped in as a guest host a few times when Williams was on leave.Part of my role as Variety‘s chief correspondent is appearing on-air to represent our brand when discussing industry news of the day.
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