The question "who took over Wendy Williams show" refers to the period after host Wendy Williams paused broadcasting in October 2023 due to health and cognitive concerns. In her absence, the program was temporarily rebranded as Wendy Williams: What a Story and featured rotating guest hosts. In July 2024, the series was relaunched as Wendy with Sheryl Underwood as the permanent new host. Other regular contributors have included Kathy King and Jon Hall, while production and network oversight remain handled by Disney Entertainment and Fox Television Stations in partnership with Debmar-Mercury.
Background On The Wendy Williams Show And Its Format
The Wendy Williams Show launched in 2008 as a syndicated daytime talk program known for its candid celebrity interviews, pop culture commentary, and Williams's distinctive on-air persona. It aired on Fox Television Stations and other stations nationwide, produced by Debmar-Mercury under a syndication model that gave it wide reach. For many years, the show maintained strong ratings, an active social media presence, and a devoted fan base that followed both the serious and entertainment-driven segments.
Wendy Williams Health Hiatus And Show Transition
In October 2023, Wendy Williams announced an indefinite hiatus citing health and cognitive issues. During this period, the network opted to keep the program alive with a temporary format titled Wendy Williams: What a Story, which featured guest hosts each week. This phase allowed the show to preserve its time slots and affiliate relationships while awaiting a more permanent arrangement. Throughout this interim, production continued under the oversight of parent company Fox Corporation and its station groups.
Key Figure Details During The Transition
| Figure / Role | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wendy Williams | Original host; hiatus began October 2023 | Network announcements |
| Sheryl Underwood | Named permanent host in July 2024 | Press releases and network confirmations |
| Program Status | Rebranded to Wendy; ongoing new season | Network programming schedules |
Who Took Over As Host And Key On-Air Roles
As part of the show's return in July 2024, Sheryl Underwood was introduced as the new host of the rechristened series Wendy. Underwood, best known as a co-host and comedian, brought a different on-air dynamic compared to the previous format. Correspondent Kathy King and contributor Jon Hall remained active in supporting segments, while the production side continued to be managed by Debmar-Mercury with oversight from Fox Television Stations.
Permanent Host And Regular Contributors
- Sheryl Underwood — Permanent host of the revived series Wendy (since July 2024).
- Kathy King — Long-time correspondent and on-air contributor.
- Jon Hall — Contributor and sidekick figure in post-watch segments.
- Network Partners — Fox Television Stations and Disney Entertainment handle syndication and distribution.
Changes In Show Format, Branding, And Production
The reboot brought several changes beyond the host shift. The series dropped the subtitle-heavy branding of the earlier What a Story phase and returned to a simpler title, Wendy, to refocus on core talk show elements. Segments were restructured to highlight interviews, hot topics, and lifestyle features. Production workflows were updated to align with current content standards, while distribution continued through the same station groups to preserve national reach.
How This Relates To The Original Wendy Williams Brand
While the new version of Wendy, hosted by Sheryl Underwood, is a direct continuation of the original show, it operates with a refreshed identity. The reboot preserves the candid interview style and cultural relevance that defined the Williams era, while adapting to current audience expectations and production norms. The evolution represents a transition from a personality-driven franchise to a more network-driven talk platform anchored by Underwood's experience in daytime television.
Current Status And Where To Follow Updates
As of 2025, the program Wendy with Sheryl Underwood continues in first-run syndication, with new episodes airing on Fox stations and digital partners. Viewers can track episode guides, guest announcements, and exclusive content through the show's official channels and network pages. The ongoing iteration reflects both a respect for the original show's legacy and an adjustment to contemporary viewing habits.
Conclusion
In summary, the transition following Wendy Williams's departure involved a temporary guest-hosted phase and a relaunch with Sheryl Underwood as the new permanent host. The show, now called Wendy, retains its syndicated structure while embracing updated branding and production approaches. For long-time fans and new viewers alike, the program continues to deliver interviews, cultural commentary, and the candid discussions that defined the original series.