![PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 9: Jerry O'Connell at the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Winter 2019 TCA at Tournament House in Pasadena, California on February 9, 2019. Credit: Faye Sadou/MediaPunch /IPX](https://cdn.statically.io/img/deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/jerry-oconnell.jpg?w=630&h=383&crop=1)
After subbing for Wendy Williams, Jerry O’Connell is getting a show of his own.
Jerry O, a new entertainment talk and comedy series hosted by the actor and TV personality will get a three-week preview this summer.
Per Fox stations’ limited-run model, the series from Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury and Funny Or Die is set to debut on select Fox-owned television stations starting August 12.
It will feature a mix of celebrity interviews and specially produced comedy segments from the Funny Or Die team.
“We are big believers in trying new concepts and excited to once again to be collaborating with our friends at FOX,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus. “We have come to know Jerry as a true talent whose infectious charisma and authenticity have made him a favorite of many daytime talk show fans, and we are so glad to provide him with this opportunity to shine.”
Jerry O is yet another entrant in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields for new syndicated daytime talk shows in years. The Fox TV stations also have picked up for a limited run Breakthrough With Dr. Steve Perry. Elsewhere, the NBC stations have picked up a Kelly Clarkson talk show for fall 2019, ABC stations have a new Tamron Hall talker, while the Tribune stations committed to a Mel Robbins talk show. There is a RuPaul talk show project targeted for next fall that is yet to find a home.
Funny Or Die CEO Mike Farah praised O’Connell’s talent. “He’s funny, smart and his energy is contagious. We’re proud to collaborate with him and Debmar-Mercury, and think this is the perfect show for Funny Or Die’s first foray into daytime television!”
Frank Cicha, executive vice president of programming for FOX Television Stations, added with a touch of humor, “I’m always willing to give a fellow NY Jets fan a shot.”
O’Connell drew rave reviews from daytime fans when he filled in for Wendy Williams in 2018 and earlier this year after she was sidelined by Graves’ disease.
“I love daytime. I love watching it and have fallen in love with guest-hosting it,” O’Connell said about his past and future daytime endeavors.
“Whether asking people to ‘Cash Me Outside’ or asking them ‘How You Doin?’, daytime is a big part of my life. I am thrilled to work with my friends at both Debmar-Mercury and Funny Or Die,” he added. “This is going to be a fun, fun time and everyone is invited. Let’s party.”
Known for his role as quarterback Frank Cushman in Jerry Maguire, O’Connell can currently be seen in a recurring role on Billions and previously starred as the lead in WGN’s Carter and in The Death of Superman alongside his wife, Rebecca Romijn, among other credits.