CTD Adds 'Say It Now' into Network Mix

Show being developed for 'As the World Turns' slot

By Paige Albiniak -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/23/2010 5:40:07 PM

EXCLUSIVE: CBS Television Distribution is developing a live daily talk show for CBS network intended to fill the slot left by the departing As the World Turns, according to sources. The show's working title is Say It Now.

CTD had no comment. While the division is developing the show, it is not currently intended for syndication.

The pilot was shot in New York about a month ago and it features Valerie Bertinelli, with whom CTD has a development deal, and popular Australian talk-show host Rove McManus, who had his own show on Australia's Ten Network for ten years.

CTD's pilot is one of several shows contending for the spot, including two remakes of the game shows Pyramid and Password and a View-like show featuring Julie Chen, co-anchor on CBS' Early Show and wife of CBS topper Leslie Moonves, Leah Remini, star of The King of Queens, Holly Robinson Peete and Sharon Osbourne.

CBS last fall replaced Guiding Light with a reboot of Let's Make a Deal, starring Wayne Brady, and that show's ratings have improved time periods for the network. Game shows are less expensive to produce than talk shows, making them more appealing than talk if they can turn in similar or better ratings.