It’s the end of “Sherri.”
Sherri Shepherd’s eponymous daytime talk show won’t be renewed for a fifth season, and industry insiders say production company Debmar-Mercury is partially to blame.
Shepherd stepped in to replace the “Wendy Williams Show” amid Williams’ chaotic exit from television. But insiders claim that the production company “never fully saw it” for Shepherd.
“They never supported her [fully],” one source alleged to Page Six.
Shepherd’s first season premiered in 2022 and the former “View” co-host landed a steady stream of A-list guests including, Oprah Winfrey and Michael B. Jordan. It also suffered budget cuts and often had to stretch its resources, according to insiders.
In 2024, multiple sources told Page Six staffers complained of issues with petty cash, and alleged the show owed back-rent on its Chelsea studio.
We learned back then that a leftover “Wendy” production manager was under investigation for allegedly mishandling the show’s budget. He subsequently died of what appeared to be a suicide amid the investigation.
On Monday, Debmar co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus officially announced the show would be ending after four seasons.
“This decision is driven by the evolving daytime television landscape and does not reflect on the strength of the show, its production — which has found strong creative momentum this season — or the incredibly talented Sherri Shepherd,” they said in a statement to the Post.
Staffers were left shocked and devastated by the news, particularly since “Sherri” appeared to be on a winning streak with blockbuster bookings like Michelle Obama and 50 Cent. We’re told the entire staff eagerly “worked their butts off” for Shepherd because she fostered the “have a good time” mood of the show’s theme song.
“Every guest left happy,” one source said.
Unfortunately Shepherd hasn’t been feeling good this week. On Tuesday, she announced she was sick with COVID while expressing gratitude to her supporters.
“Wow! I am completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for me and the @sherrishowtv,” she wrote.
“You might’ve noticed that yesterday and today I was struggling because I wasn’t feeling up to speed. Well it turns out I have COVID,” the “30 Rock” star continued. “As soon as I feel better and return to the show, I will address all of the news that has come out. Until then, I am truly graterful that SHERRI has made such an impact on you! See ya soon.”
Debmar-Mercury has been behind “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” “The Nick Cannon Show,” and others.
A rep for Debmar and “Sherri” did not get back to us.
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