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Jersey City Today
By the People, for the People
9 Black Talk Shows We Weren't Ready To Say Goodbye To
From 'Sherri' to 'Arsenio', these groundbreaking programs left a lasting impact despite their short runs.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Although they didn't last as long as we thought they should have, these Black-hosted talk shows left a lasting impression on audiences. From Sherri Shepherd's recent cancellation to the cultural impact of shows like The Arsenio Hall Show and The Chris Rock Show, the article explores the history of Black voices in daytime and late-night television and how their cancellations were often more about infrastructure than talent.
Why it matters
Black talk shows have historically faced challenges in the industry, whether due to ratings battles, time slot shuffling, lack of network support, or broader shifts in media consumption. Their cancellations often aren't about the talent, but about the broader systemic issues that make it difficult for diverse voices to thrive in mainstream television. Examining the legacies of these canceled shows sheds light on the ongoing need for more equitable representation and support in the industry.
The details
The article highlights several notable Black-hosted talk shows that were canceled prematurely, including Sherri, Tyra, The Queen Latifah Show, Steve Harvey, The RuPaul Show, The Wanda Sykes Show, The Arsenio Hall Show, The Wayne Brady Show, and The Chris Rock Show. Each show brought a unique perspective and cultural impact, but faced challenges ranging from ratings struggles to lack of network backing that ultimately led to their demise, often before they could reach their full potential.
- Sherri premiered in September 2022 and was canceled after four seasons in 2026.
- The Arsenio Hall Show originally ran from 1989 to 1994, and a reboot launched in 2013 but only lasted one season.
The players
Sherri Shepherd
The host of the recently canceled daytime talk show Sherri, which ran for four seasons from 2022 to 2026.
Tyra Banks
The host of the daytime talk show The Tyra Banks Show, which ran from 2005 to 2010.
Queen Latifah
The host of The Queen Latifah Show, which ran for two seasons from 2013 to 2015.
Steve Harvey
The host of the daytime talk shows Steve Harvey and Steve, which ran from 2012 to 2017.
RuPaul
The host of the groundbreaking VH1 talk show The RuPaul Show, which ran from 1996 to 1998.
What they’re saying
“Four seasons in today's climate is no small feat — and honestly, she's right. Daytime TV is shrinking. Syndication isn't what it used to be. Budgets are tighter. Networks are quicker to pivot.”
— Sherri Shepherd (classixphilly.com)
The takeaway
The cancellation of shows like Sherri is part of a broader pattern of Black-hosted talk shows facing challenges in the industry, often due to systemic issues rather than a lack of talent or audience appeal. While disappointing, the resilience of these hosts shows that Black voices in television continue to evolve and find new platforms to share their perspectives, even when traditional media falls short.
