NYT: The New Oprah Will Be…Ellen?

When Oprah Winfrey announced she was ending her talk show in 2011, the question immediately arose: who’s the next Oprah? Some thought Glenn Beck was the prime candidate, while David Letterman and Conan O’Brien lobbied for themselves. According to Brian Stelter the New York Times, however, the most likely Oprah heir already has a daytime show of her own – Ellen DeGeneres.

Stelter points to the recent deal between Warner Brothers (who owns DeGeneres’ show) and NBC to air the program through 2014 as a sign DeGeneres is viewed as a logical successor to Oprah, calling it “the first big bet on the post-Winfrey landscape.” It’s easy to see why – DeGeneres might be the most Oprah-esque figure in television besides Oprah herself. She has a popular daytime show, has been performing for a long time, and has even cultivated first-name-basis familiarity over the years. She’s also increased her visibility further by signing on as a judge for FOX’s American Idol, television’s most popular show. Perhaps most importantly, The Ellen DeGeneres Show is, as the NYT article said, “upbeat and inspirational,” two critical contributing qualities to Winfrey’s unprecedented popularity.

DeGeneres’ ascent to such widespread popularity – Stelter’s article said recent surveys indicate she is actually seen as more likable than Winfrey – is remarkable considering the controversy surrounding her decision to come out as a lesbian (on her then-sitcom and in real life) in 1997. It’s a testament to DeGeneres’ appeal that she has managed to transcend what is still a hot-button social issue among many to become a beloved figure in television. Though it’s unlikely she’ll ever wield Winfrey-like power over her audience – who could? – she’s achieved something impressive just by eliciting Oprah comparisons. Starting in 2011, DeGeneres will get a chance to show such comparisons were warranted. Based on her success so far, don’t bet against her.

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