Broadcasting & Cable broke word of what is set to replace “KATIE” when the talk show ends this fall. ABC has picked up second runs of the game show, “Jeopardy!,” and it will air in four popular markets: WABC New York, KABC Los Angeles, WPVI Philadelphia, and WTVD Raleigh-Durham, N.C. “Jeopardy!” is expected to air in conjunction with double runs of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”
The article also states that Disney/ABC tried to acquire a new first-run show to replace “KATIE,” but didn’t come up with anything they liked to continue. There was even an attempt to steal Warner Bros. “ELLEN” from NBC.
It was announced late last year that Katie Couric’s talk show would end its run this year. Couric’s diminishing interest in the show, as well as the cost of continuing to produce it, were factors in the show’s demise. Ratings for the show were OK, but it was expected to have an increased amount of viewership. Couric is now the global anchor for YAHOO! News.
B&C did state that ABC did not have a comment except that the fall schedules have not been finalized as of yet.
