Wendy Williams' Talk Show Thriving Without Her, Ratings Skyrocket With Fill-Ins Like Leah Remini As Host's Absence Continues Amid Health Issues
Wendy Williams' talk show numbers are up, which is a problem for the 57-year-old considering she is still missing in action.
According to The Wrap, viewership for The Wendy Williams Show is up a whopping 33% this week as fill-in hosts like Leah Remini continue to grace the stage in Wendy's absence.
The syndicated talk show's Season 13 premiere aired this week without Wendy after being pushed back several times while she attempts to battle health issues.
The premiere week posted a 0.8 rating, a clear winner after a 0.5 rating the week before, reports the outlet. To put things in perspective, The Wendy Williams Show had a rating of 0.9 during this week last year — and that at a high point during Covid-19.
Remini filled in a total of four times when the show returned without Wendy. Fans loved her and begged producers for more.
"@WendyWilliams more Leah Remini please till WW is ready to come back," one viewer tweeted. "Please bring Leah Remini back to the purple chair! She was amazing!" begged another.
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Remini isn't the only celebrity who has graced the stage as Wendy's temporary replacement. Devyn Simone, Bevy Smith, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Michael Yo were featured on a panel for the Season 13 opener on October 18.
Sherri Shepherd and Whitney Cummings have also guest hosted.
Wendy's ratings aren't the only thing up in her absence. The Wendy Williams Show is ranked #5 on the syndicated talk show chart. That's three spots higher than when it previously came in at eight.
Ellen, Dr. Phil, Live With Kelly and Ryan, and Kelly Clarkson all came in higher.
In September, Wendy backed out of work commitments, citing she was battling health issues. She was originally scheduled to return to work on September 20. Days later, she revealed she had tested positive for Covid-19 despite claiming to be fully vaccinated and pushed the premiere date to October 4.
The premiere date continued to drag out until producers decided they couldn't wait for Wendy anymore, and it looks like their decision has paid off.
