Bethenny Frankel Talk Show Gets Green Light

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Former "Real Housewives of New York City" star Bethenny Frankel has received an official try-out for her own talk show.

Warner Bros. and Fox said the week show, "Bethenny," will air for six weeks this summer on Fox-owned stations, including those in New York and Los Angeles.

"The queen of too much information is coming to DAYTIME," wrote the 41-year-old nutritionist and former "Housewife" on her blog Tuesday.

"I am indeed getting my own L.A.-based talk show this summer on FOX and I am beyond excited," added Frankel.

The 41-year-old is married and has a young daughter, Bryn. Her family life is closely followed on Bravo's television series, "Bethenny Ever After." Frankel is also an author and the creator and CEO of Skinnygirl, a company which provides customers with healthful, natural foods and drink mixes.

"I am ready to start discussing the topics that are most important to my fans. It is going to be an exciting journey, with a lot of fun along the way and I can't wait for you to join me," wrote Frankel.

Warner Bros. and FOX confirmed the news Tuesday with an announcement. The joint statement cited plans for "Bethenny" to appear on Fox-owned stations as a one-hour entertainment talk show.

"Bethenny" will feature the host's "no-nonsense perspective on everything from pop culture and current events to relationships, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle segments," said the statement Tuesday.

"The program will be an honest, informative and entertaining destination, where daytime viewers can learn, laugh, and get inspired," concluded the statement.

Monday at the annual television syndication conference NATPE, the senior vice president of programming for the Fox Television Studios, Frank Cicha, explained the studio's decision to give "Bethenny" a trial run.

"Bethenny is a lightning rod, and from a marketing standpoint, we love the idea of her hit reality series dovetailing into this test," said Chicha.

If the program attracts high ratings this summer, the companies involved will make it a regularly scheduled television series by fall 2012.

Upcoming talk shows can also be expected from Katie Couric and Ricki Lake. Many analysts are optimistic that Frankel's show will succeed, reported The New York Times.

Ellen DeGeneres, who has served as Frankel's talk show mentor, will co-produce the show alongside the Skinnygirl executive.

The third season of Bravo's "Bethenny Ever After" premieres Feb. 20.