The Los Angeles Times is reporting ABC is very close to inking a deal with Katie Couric to host her own daytime talk show. According to the newspaper's website, the deals are still being worked out and everything will be set in place next week. Couric's current contract with CBS doesn't expire until June 6 and the Tiffany network has the option to match any deal on the table. READ MORE

Oprah’s last episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show is fast approaching and if watching the final season isn’t a daily reminder, then maybe this is. Over 20,000 people filled the United Center in Chicago to help say goodbye to Oprah on May 17. Whether in the audience or on stage, the taping was a star-studded event as celebrities helped celebrate The Oprah Winfrey Show's 25 years. The Hollywood Reporter has all the details on the performances, celebrities and an appearance by longtime friend Maria Shriver.  

Photo of Maria Shriver by PR Photos

A bit of good news for Oprah’s young cable channel.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, Becoming Chaz pulled in “solid ratings" for OWN.

Chaz ranked fifth in its time period among ad-supported cable networks in the net’s women 25-54 demographic, with a 0.68 rating. It averaged 705,000 viewers.

RELATED: Could Oprah Land an Interview With Maria Shriver?

Hot on the heels of news Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger are separating, speculation is already swirling that Oprah may try to land an interview with the former First Lady of California.  E! Online wonders if Shriver might appear on one of the final The Oprah Winfrey Show episodes or in an interview on OWN.

If Winfrey plays her cards right, she could end her 25-year talk show reign with what is now the biggest get in the news business—an interview with Maria Shriver.

But does Winfrey even need a ratings boost for these last couple of weeks of her talk show? Not at all.

OWN, however, could use the help. The four-month-old network has been struggling in the ratings department. If Winfrey is able to snag Shriver for a sit-down (and we believe if anyone can, it's Ms. Winfrey), there's only one place for them to do it—in front of the OWN cameras. READ MORE

With Oprah Winfrey abdicating her daytime throne on May 25th, who will take her place? Not heir apparent Susan Lucci, now that All My Children has been cancelled. No, the new monarch just may come from the courtroom! Judge Judy Sheindlin has signed a deal with CBS TV Distribution through 2015 for Judge Judy. CTD President John Nogawski extols her merits to Deadline:

“Judy is in a class by herself. For 15 years, she’s delivered one of the highest-rated shows in all of syndication. She’s at the top of her game, and we’re excited to be in business with daytime’s #1 star.” 
 

What do you think daytime viewers? Are you ready for a judge to ascend the throne?

It looks like affiliates are about as trusting of ABC Daytime to transition to a post-Oprah and Erica era as soap fans are. A few months back, New York's WABC affiliate announced they would be filling the timeslot currently held by The Oprah Winfrey Show with a local news broadcast once The Mighty O signs off the syndication airwaves this May.

According to TV Spy, Liz Cho, current 11 pm anchor, and David Novarro will anchor the new Eye Witness News...First at 4 newscast. This means instead of leading into America's most popular talk show in NYC, General Hospital will be airing before an untested early-evening newscast. Nothing like a little News, Weather and Sports In The Afternoon.