Oprah Winfrey set for super-sized, top-secret season premiere

The farewell season of The Oprah Winfrey Show begins today on ABC and Oprah promises a super-sized, top-secret premiere. Best pal John Travolta is all set to kick off Oprah’s 25th and final season, as is Paul Simon. Plus, Oprah Winfrey says viewers are in store for one of her biggest surprises in Oprah history.

Oprah Winfrey has been a staple of daytime television for the last 25 years, but last year she announced that her 25th season would be her last. Oprah was recently recognized as the #1 most powerful celebrity and she has a net worth in excess of $2.4 billion. The departure of The Oprah Winfrey Show from the airwaves will certainly cause a seismic shift in daytime time, especially since it leads into most local newscasts.

After 25 years of groundbreaking interviews, emotional reveals, multiple awards and the best giveaways ever, The Oprah Winfrey Show has made its impact on the world of television. In addition to launching a myriad of careers, like Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz. and Nate Berkus, Winfrey has helped sell millions of books through Oprah’s Book Club. Now, Oprah Winfrey wants to concentrate on her last season. “My intention is to be fully present this season. I want to take in every experience and allow myself to feel it all,” she recently told TV Guide. She also said that she doesn’t intend to be crying throughout the entire season.

So, why is Oprah Winfrey ending her successful daytime show? “It just feels like the right time. I always wanted to leave when I felt the platform was still vital and held some kind of meaning in the hearts and minds of the audience,” she recently said. “The only time I get really emotional and nostalgic about the show is when I think about the viewers,” she explained to TV Guide.

Before the end of her 25th season, Oprah’s new network OWN will launch in more than 70 million homes in January of 2011. On it, Oprah will host an interview show called Oprah’s Next Chapter. Rosie O’Donnell and Gayle King will also have their own shows on OWN. "My OWN network will have thoughtful, meaningful programming; nothing that brings darkness into people’s lives,” she explained.

In the meantime, Oprah Winfrey has big plans for her last season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The farewell season kicks off with John Travolta. On Tuesday, The Judds will join Oprah. Oprah’s most unforgettable moments will be highlighted on Wednesday. As far as the very last show goes, Oprah Winfrey says that it is still a work in progress. She is looking into Soldier Field with an open invitation to all viewers.

The farewell season of The Oprah Winfrey Show kicks off today on ABC. Check local listings for exact airtime.

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