Meredith Vieira To Host Own Talk Show in 2014

Former "TODAY" host Meredith Vieira is set to return to daytime television next year with her own NYC-based talk show.

NBCUniversal confirmed plans to go forward with "The Meredith Vieira Show," which would be nationally syndicated starting in the fall of 2014.

"All of us at NBCU are so excited about this new show with Meredith," Ted Harbert, NBC's broadcasting chairman said. "She creates an instant connection with audiences with her smart, quick-witted and down-to-earth style. This entertaining and substantive show will be a great way to reach her loyal daytime fans as well as new ones who will discover why Meredith is one of America's most loved television personalities."

Vieira is best known for her role co-hosting the "TODAY Show," which she left in 2011. The busy broadcast icon also served on the original panel of "The View," contributed to journalistic pieces on "Dateline," "Rock Center With Brian Williams" and "60 Minutes," and hosted 11 seasons of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire."
Vieira says this experience has prepared her for first-ever solo stint as a daytime talk show host.

"As a journalist on 'Today' and '60 Minutes,' I learned how to really listen to people and help give them a voice," she said. "On 'The View,' I unleashed my own opinionated self and discovered the empowerment that comes with sometimes heated, but always respectful, discussion. And on 'Millionaire,' I relished the joy of changing people's lives while having pure fun. All of these experiences, along with being a wife and mom, have led me here because they all share one common denominator... this fundamental need we have to connect with and find inspiration in each other."

Execs describe the show as a mix of human-interest stories and celebrity guests that showcase "Vieira's warm, relatable and distinctive personality." The set will even resemble the host's home in an effort to standout from the competition.

When the show premieres, its biggest competitor is predicted to be "Katie," hosted by fellow "TODAY" alum Katie Couric, but Vieira's goals aren't focused on ratings. For her, it's all about content. "Each day, I hope to accomplish what I call the three H's: Heat, Heart and Humor," she said.