TCA Press Tour: Talking Wanda

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Fox had long pursued Wanda Sykes about hosting a talk show. But the actress/comedian, who is busy acting in two TV series as well as frequent movie roles, was resistant.

‘I started on ‘The Chris Rock Show’ on HBO, and I had a blast doing that,’ said Sykes. ‘We were on HBO and we could say and do what we wanted, and I missed that. But I really didn’t want to do a talk show.’

Then Barack Obama ran for president, and Sykes discovered she wanted a platform. ‘I wished I had a outlet to speak on what’s happening,’ she said.

That desire has led to ‘The Wanda Sykes Show,’ which will start airing on Saturday nights in the late fall. Sykes will join the ranks of other minority performers such as George Lopez and Mo’Nique who will be launching new talk fests this fall.

Sykes said her show would be more of a comedic wrap-up of the week. Rather than the traditional talk show format, the show will feature skits and conversations with a guest panel.

Asked why minorities have not appeared as talk show hosts, Sykes quipped, ‘White people.’

-- Greg Braxton

--Credit: Fox