Katie Couric Earns Praise: Best Talk Show on TV?
Katie Couric's new daytime talk show "Katie" has claimed the best daytime premiere ratings in over a decade in addition to high praises from viewers this week.
While the longtime ABC staple claimed to be nervous about her first episode, she calmly sat down with both Jessica Simpson and Sheryl Crow on Monday.
Ahead of the show, Simpson updated fans on Twitter.
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"On my way to @Katiecouric 's show," wrote the singer. "
Couric's positive ratings were likely boosted by the appearance of the new face of Weight Watchers. "Katie" marked Simpson's debut since having given birth to her daughter in May.
"Just finished the @KatieCouric show," Simpson posted on Twitter following her appearance. "So much fun!"
Couric had tough competition from several new talk shows by hosts Steve Harvey, Jeff Probst, and Ricki Lake- "Katie," however, came out on top with a 2.8 household rating and an eight share in the top 56 markets, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Moreover, "Katie" posted a higher rating than the second season return of Anderson Cooper's show by 115 percent.
Many Twitter users including celebrities posted their positive reviews of Monday's "Katie" debut.
"@KatieCouric congratulations," wrote actress Lisa Rinna.
Ben posted, "Congrataz to @katiecouric and @katieshow: strong debut… keep it going."
A news anchor-turned-talk show host, Couric has likened her show to a dream come true. "Katie" is still brand new though, and after just one episode, the positive reviews must be maintained.
Not everyone was impressed with the new talk show. Many critics are comparing Couric to Oprah, who retired from daytime television two years ago.
The Los Angeles Times was disappointed in Couric's lack of tackling high-pressure issues, and posted, "If Couric was the best and brightest candidate to replace Oprah, things are not looking good, America."
Meanwhile, Time magazine observed, "Katie will have to dance on to become the Next Whoever Comes After Oprah… Katie may not be as successful as Oprah, but she does, whatever you think of this format, seem immediately comfortable in it, cracking unguarded jokes but also owning her own celebrity."
