From the co-host of NBC’s once unbeatable “Today Show” to an esteemed CBS Evening News anchor, Katie Couric was once America’s most trusted sweetheart for delivering the news. But could her talk show, simply titled “Katie,” be her demise?“While all television is going through a difficult time and programming is having a hard time finding its niche, Katie’s new talk show does not live up its expectations,” a source closely connected to the ABC show told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column. “Whatever constraints Katie experienced anchoring ‘Evening News’ [it is] certainly taking its toll, and her return to daytime has backfired.”
“It’s an unmitigated disaster,” one seasoned studio executive said. “One of the biggest failures ever in syndication. Terrible ratings, no growth, shouldn’t be on the air. Where did it miss the mark? Let’s start with her, she is dreadfully boring. The show offers nothing new to the audience, nothing to say.”
When “Katie” launched in September 2012, and many expected that Couric would fill Oprah’s shoes as the ultimate talk show Queen.
“They (staff) are desperately running around approaching talent and offering to train them to replace her as a new daytime talk show host,” revealed a source. Yet another insider is skeptical that Couric’s show will complete its second season. “There is zero chance is goes to a third season,” noted another insider.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that executive producer Michael Morrison, who joined the program after Jeff Zucker left to take the head helm at CNN, would part ways after the first season.
But others add that Couric herself may be the problem. “Katie has a controlling interest in her show and is not afraid to remind everyone,” a close source said. “Katie has stipulated that she will only interview Ivy League-type guests, and her blatant disregard for producers and executives alike, has created such animosity that ABC [execs] have made it a top priority to find a replacement next season.”
“Worst case the show fails,” crisis communications and PR expert Glenn Selig said. “I am sure she has a bright future, and probably best suited for a morning show like ‘Today’ where she saw so much success and seems to be the most comfortable.”
FuxNews