RSS
Home
Oprah leaving her TV show: What's next? A former producer's prospective
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Author's note: I worked for Harpo Productions from 2001 to 2004, first as a production assistant and then as an associate producer. I had some of the most amazing experiences of my life during that period. I shook hands with Tom Cruise, chatted with Brad Pitt, and listened to Beyonce, Nancy Wilson, and Stevie Wonder up close and personal. Sting even sang an acapella version of "Maria" from West Side Story to me. I worked long hours and put all my time, effort, and thoughts...really my life into helping to produce inspiring, creative TV shows. I am proud of the time I spent there and am sad to see the show end.
On Friday, Oprah Winfrey announced that she would end her iconic run as America's premiere talk show host in September 2011. In less then two years, The Oprah Winfrey Show as we know it will be no more.
Some media sources have reported that Harpo "insiders" insist she is leaving because of ratings. Others say that Chicago is too cold and she wants to enjoy her homes in California and Hawaii. But many choose to believe Oprah herself, who said simply, "it's time". After all, 25 years is a long time to do anything.
However, Oprah Winfrey will not shrink away and be forgotten. She has spun off some of her best "competitors". Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray Show, Dr. Oz, and next season Nate Berkus. They all got their start on Oprah and Harpo producers helped to make them successful. Perhaps, we will see even more spin-offs. Maybe Dr. Laura Berman will get her own show about sexuality, or Dr. Robin could do a show on family relationships. The possibilities are endless.
In addition, Oprah is projected to launch OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, in 2011 in conjunction with Discovery Network. Look for her to appear on a show, or shows, as well as the personalities she has helped make famous. In addition, the primetime shows Harpo Productions produced last year did well, so those also may help to keep staffers busy and employed.
Though The Oprah Winfrey Show will cease production in 2011, Oprah will have given the world 25 years of quality, thought-provoking, life-changing TV. Love her or hate her, everyone has to admit that she has changed the landscape of talk shows in particular and television in general. She is and will always be the queen of TV. I wish her well and wonder what I will watch at 4pm in 2 years. What do you think?
Related Articles:
Comments
.jpg)
