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Daytime's Next Star: 7 Black Celebs Who Should Have Their Own Talk Show

Now that “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” is coming to an end, here are a few notable names whose gift of gab should be shared with the world.

News broke on Wednesday (May 12) that Ellen DeGeneres is calling it quits and made the decision to end her Emmy Award winning daytime talk show after 19 seasons. The show has suffered from low ratings ever since multiple employees came forward last year to report allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment and a toxic work environment filled with microaggressions and racism. Detailed accounts of a wide range of allegations made by current and former employees was reported by BuzzFeed News.

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After an 18 season run with the 19th season being the show’s last, this is a perfect opportunity to have a new and fresh approach to daytime talk, choosing someone who can capture America’s heart and tickle her funny bone all at once.

BET.com came up with a list of replacements of smart, witty, personalities for the network exes to consider. You’re welcome.

  1. Nina Parker

    (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

    Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

    As a former reunion host for Love and Hip: Atlanta, Nina Parker  knows how to pull stories out of people in a captivating and candid way. Now that she has established herself as a co-host on the late-night talk show Nightly Pop on E! News, viewers look forward to a fun-filled and hilarious unfiltered version of Parker as she gives the rundown on the latest events in pop culture. With the recent release of her plus-sized clothing line in Macy’s, making her the first Black woman to do so with the department store, Parker knows how to connect with audiences and look good while doing it!

  2. Keke Palmer

    (Photo by Roy Rochlin/WireImage)

    Roy Rochlin/WireImage

    (Photo by Roy Rochlin/WireImage)

    Keke “Keep A Job” Palmer is an audience favorite for millennials and the Gen Z crowd. The actress, singer and television personality knows how to create relatable content for her 10.5 million Instagram followers which leaves viewers wanting for more. As the former co-host of the now canceled ABC daytime talk show Strahan, Sara, and Keke, Palmer has experience and a personality made for T.V. that honestly cannot be found anywhere else.

  3. Terrence J

    . (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

    Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ESSENCE

    . (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

    Known in millions of households from his time co-hosting BET's 106 & Park earlier in his career, Terrence Jenkins has elevated his star power to become an actor, entertainment reporter and most recently an Oscar award winner for the short film he executively produced Two Distant Strangers. With his portfolio of experience on-screen and off, the television personality veteran would have a smooth transition into having his own daytime talk show on a major network.

  4. Michelle Buteau

    (Photo by Latisha Rankin via Getty Imagess)

    Latisha Rankin via Getty Imagess

    (Photo by Latisha Rankin via Getty Imagess)

    This stand up comedian and First Wives Club actress has a tell-it-like-it-is kind of comedy that audiences adore. Michelle Buteau’s popularity continues to elevate with her recent Netflix comedy special Welcome to Buteaupia and latest book Survival of the Thickest. The talented entertainer is also the host for the second season of the Netflix show The Circle where she provides her humor and commentary making the show even more interesting.

  5. Laverne Cox

    (Photo by Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images for dcp)

    Photo by Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images for dcp

    (Photo by Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images for dcp)

    Well known for portraying Sophia Burset on Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black, Laverne Cox does not shy away from being vocal about social justice issues, LGBTQ rights and transgender representation across different mediums. The Emmy-award winning actress is smart, funny and a favorite amongst viewers and other celebs. Cox was just named as the new red carpet host during the 2022 award season on “Live from E!” and so hosting a daytime talk show would not only be a breeze, but a revolutionary decision that could change the future of programming.

  6. Leslie Jones

    Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
    Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

    Former Saturday Night Live regular and host of Supermarket Sweep, Leslie Jones wears many hats as an actress, comedian and game show host. She’s the ultimate multitasker who knows how to get the job done. With more than 1.4 million Instagram followers, her humor and enthusiasm would bring so much joy in households any day of the week. Jones' personality is magnetic and audiences would gravitate towards her realness and positive energy.

  7. Tiffany Haddish

     (Photo by Amy Sussman/KCA2021/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

    Amy Sussman/KCA2021/Getty Images for Nickelodeon

    (Photo by Amy Sussman/KCA2021/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

    Rumor on the street is that Tiffany Haddish is actually the one who has this in the bag. Already the host of CBS’s Kid’s Say The Darndest Things, Haddish is the only person on this list who has filled in for Ellen twice; in October 2020 and again in April 2021. According to Page Six, Haddish has already “wowed the bosses at NBCUniversal with her hosting skills.” While he reps have yet to comment on the possibility, we see this as a natural transition for the actress/comedian who may be ready to steal Oprah Winfrey’s “daytime talk show” crown.

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