'Bethenny' Cleared in 97% of U.S.

Show predominantly sold to ABC, CBS, NBC affiliates 

By Paige Albiniak -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/9/2013 11:40:48 AM

Warner Bros.' Bethenny is now cleared in 97% of the country for its launch next fall, said Ken Werner, president, and Rick Meril, executive VP and general sales manager, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution on Wednesday.

The Fox Owned TV Stations, with stations in the country's top markets, are the show's launch group, representing 37% of the country. In the rest of the country, the show is cleared on ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates owned by station groups such as NBC, Hearst, Gannett, Sinclair, Cox, Lin, Raycom, Post-Newsweek, Media General, Allbritton, Gray, Northwest, Journal and others.

Bethenny, starring Real Housewife and Skinnygirl Bethenny Frankel, aired last summer as a six-week test on Fox's WNYW New York, KTTV Los Angeles, WTXF Philadelphia, KDFW Dallas, KSAZ Phoenix and KMSP Minneapolis, improving May 2012 time periods by 140% among women 25-54 and 133% among adults 25-54. The show was first incubated in Warner Bros.' Ellen, and that show's executive producers produced the show for the test. A new showrunner will be named for the show's national launch.

"This series was an instant hit during its test, representing the most successful syndicated test in Fox's history," said Werner in a statement. "Most importantly, it demonstrated to stations and to audiences that Bethenny has an authentic and distinctive voice that resonates with daytime viewers. We always believed that Bethenny had the talent, popularity and credibility with daytime viewers to become appointment television day in and day out and we proved that."

Bethenny will be shot in New York City, with Warner Bros. currently deciding on a studio for the show.

"I am so thrilled that my talk show is finally happening," said Frankel in a statement. "It has been such an interesting, winding road to get to this place, proving that coming from 'a place of yes' can make your goals a reality."

Bethenny will be produced by Telepictures Productions, Warner Bros.' first-run production division, and A Very Good Production, Ellen DeGeneres' production company.