Less than three weeks after its debut, "The Ricki Lake Show" is making a big change.
Gail Steinberg, co-creator and executive producer of Lake's 1990s daytime talk show "Ricki Lake," has been named the new executive producer of the syndicated "Ricki Lake Show." Steinberg is replacing Lisa Kidros, who is transitioning to the post of programming & development producer at 20th Television, which produces "The Ricki Lake Show."
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Steinberg has served as a consultant on "The Ricki Lake Show" since early 2011, and co-produced the pilot.
Stephen Brown, the EVP of programming and development at 20th Television, said that Steinberg is being brought on as EP to provide "a fresh perspective" and "and added relevancy" to the show.
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"We are thrilled to promote Gail Steinberg to Executive Producer of 'The Ricki Lake Show,'" Brown said. "Gail's experience collaborating with Ricki is unmatched. Gail will usher in a fresh perspective bringing in an added relevancy, fun and energy to each episode; while showcasing compelling viewpoints to the female focused topics that remain at the core of the new 'Ricki Lake Show.'"
Brown added, "And we are delighted that Lisa Kridos will continue to play an integral role as part of the 20th TV family. We have been and continue to a be a big fan of hers."
Despite being hurt by an ongoing dispute between Tribune stations and Cablevision that affects 40 percent of households in New York City, "The Ricki Lake Show" has performed well, growing 25 percent to a .5 in the key women 25-54 demographic among metered markets according to the most recent numbers, compared to "Katie," which has dropped 56 percent in the demo to a .7 since its premiere.