Will Queen Latifah’s New Show Take Over Daytime?

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 13:  Queen Latifah visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on January 13, 2014 in New York City.  (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Queen Latifah, also known as Dana Elaine Owen, has done almost every job in the entertainment industry. She’s been a rapper, a singer, an actress, a model, and now a talk show host. If there’s a job in show business, she’s probably done it, and done it well. In fact, Queen Latifah may be one of the most versatile entertainers of our time.

She first made her name in music, but is most famous for her big roles in blockbuster movies, such as Chicago, Hairspray, and Life Support (in which she won her first Golden Globe). In each of the movies listed, two of which were originally Broadway plays, she’s highlighted both her acting and singing skills. In fact, the majority of her biggest roles have included a divine mix of singing and acting, a combination that resonates well with the viewers. Latifah has this uncanny ability to light up the big screen, both with her big attitude and even bigger voice. She even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; so evidently she’s doing something right.

And she’s more than just a great singer and actor, Latifah has captured the hearts of many. From her volunteer work with teen girls to her inspirational speeches, Latifah is clearly more than just a big voice. In fact, she’s even hosted major award shows, such as the Grammy’s, People’s Choice Awards, and now the Hollywood Film Awards. Her bright personality and positive spirit are unmistakable, making her one of the most talented AND genuine entertainers on the market right now. She’s one of those people you just want to watch, whether it’s on the big screen or TV. She exudes a special confidence that is absolutely captivating, so naturally, a talk show would be the most logical next career move.

Now she’s returning to television with her very own talk show, which is aptly named The Queen Latifah Show. However, this isn’t Latifah’s first shot at daytime TV. She attempted this same show for two short years in the late 90’s. From 1999-2001, Queen Latifah tried using her hip-hop background to propel her career forward. It featured hip-hop personalities, some famous, some not, and various comedy skits which featured her mother, Rita Owens. Unfortunately, her fans weren’t so happy, and it was cancelled shortly after it began.

But now she’s back and better than ever. Queen Latifah has decided to give it another try, but this time with over a decade of experience under her belt. The Queen Latifah Show, quite like the star it’s named after, has gotten a major makeover since the 90’s. It has transformed from a one-dimensional skit-show to a more interesting, topic-focused format that resembles many of the talk shows today’s viewers are familiar with. The kind of talk show that Latifah and her bubbly personality are no doubt perfect for.

For one hour every day, 3:00PM – 4:00PM on CBS, viewers can watch their favorite personality take the stage. From celebrity interviews and musical performances, to pop culture news and human interest pieces, this show is everything that Queen Latifah is – various elements coming perfectly together. While her engaging conversations with celebrity guests, a few of which include: Wanda Sykes, Christopher Meloni (Law and Order: SVU), and Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler), are essential in keeping the show relevant, it’s the more serious elements of the show that remind viewers of why they love Latifah. Her human interest pieces focus on matters that are important, yet still interesting to the viewer. For example, in the past she’s discussed “haircuts for the homeless” and donating books to the poor, and today she heavily focused on veterans (as today is Veteran’s Day). Clearly, Queen Latifah is using her show as a platform for her life, and she’s doing it well.

Queen Latifah is definitely on the right track in her career, and even seems to be following in the talk show footsteps of another powerful, entertaining woman – Ellen DeGeneres. Similar to Ellen, Latifah has thrived in this fast-paced, human-centered type of environment. And fact of the matter is, people just want to watch these women entertainers. Their confidence is infectious, spreading through the television to the viewers on the couch. Women like Latifah and Ellen are living examples of how success comes from within. They’ve each dealt with their fair share of criticism and put-downs, and each has persevered based on their own confidence and will. And luckily for Queen Latifah, her perseverance has paid off, because her second attempt at The Queen Latifah Show has turned into the perfect platform for her to do what she does best. Entertain.

In fact, just after the first few months it was renewed for a second season, proving that the new Latifah, the one we’ve grown to love, is back and better than ever. Doing what she loves has never been easier than now, where all the attention and spotlight is on her, enjoying every moment. So keep doing what you’re doing Queen Latifah, and we’ll keep watching.

 Image via Getty

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