You can take Ellen DeGeneres off the list of potential replacements for Oprah Winfrey on ABC’s O&Os.
Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution’s Ellen was renewed by all ten of the NBC owned-and-operated stations (including WMAQ-TV in Chicago) through 2014, when it reaches its 11th season. The NBC stations have been with Ellen since day one, when her show began in 2003.
Her daytime show – which airs in early fringe opposite Oprah in numerous markets – has done well in its target female audiences of 18-49s and 25-54s, and the show’s ratings are up this season across-the-board in all key demographics.
With the NBC O&O renewal, it takes Ellen off the market as several ABC O&Os are looking to replace The Oprah Winfrey Show in September 2011.
Ellen DeGeneres’ show is likely to benefit this season from her duties as a judge on top-rated American Idol.