HT10. 20 Minutes Ago in Los Angeles: Will Smith Confirmed as…
In a stunning development out of Los Angeles this morning, actor, musician, and producer Will Smith has officially been confirmed as the new host and executive producer of the globally anticipated revival of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” This announcement, made just 20 minutes ago, has already sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond, as fans and critics alike try to process what this means for television, Smith’s legacy, and the evolving landscape of celebrity media.
The Announcement That Stopped Hollywood
The breaking news came via a press release from OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and a joint statement from Apple TV+, which will co-produce and stream the show globally. The statement reads:
“We are thrilled to announce that Will Smith will be the new face and force behind the revival of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’ His energy, empathy, and global appeal make him the perfect host for this new chapter in meaningful, world-changing conversations.”
Just minutes after the announcement, Smith posted a short video to his Instagram, seated in a quiet studio setting with soft lighting. In the video, he says:
“I grew up watching Oprah — she shaped how I understood the world. This is more than a talk show. This is a platform to heal, to ask hard questions, to laugh, to cry, to grow. I’m ready.”
The caption read simply:
“A new era begins. Let’s talk. 🎤🌍 #WillTalk #OprahLegacy”
Why Will Smith?
The choice of Will Smith may seem bold, but not without reason. After decades in the spotlight as an actor and performer, Smith has demonstrated a unique ability to connect with audiences across generations and continents. His career has ranged from comedy (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) to drama (The Pursuit of Happyness, King Richard), and even personal vulnerability — most notably during the turbulent events of 2022 following the infamous Oscars incident.
Since then, Smith has made deliberate moves to rebuild his public image through introspection, accountability, and high-impact storytelling. His 2023 memoir “Bounce: Lessons in Letting Go” became an instant bestseller, and he launched a successful podcast series featuring intimate interviews with global change-makers. Insiders say Oprah Winfrey herself handpicked Smith after months of private conversations.
“She sees herself in him,” one OWN executive said. “Someone who made mistakes, learned from them, and now wants to use their voice to uplift.”
A Different Kind of Talk Show
Unlike the original Oprah Show, which ran from 1986 to 2011, this version — titled “The Conversation with Will Smith” — will blend traditional in-studio interviews with immersive field segments, emotional storytelling, and digital interactivity. The format promises to feature:
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Weekly high-profile guests: world leaders, scientists, artists, activists.
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“Deep Dive” episodes filmed on location in places like refugee camps, prisons, rural schools, and more.
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Live audience participation through holographic AR integration in select cities.
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A companion app where viewers can join support groups or submit stories for the show.
One producer described it as “Oprah meets Black Mirror — but hopeful.”
The first season is set to premiere in November with a special one-on-one interview featuring none other than Meghan Markle, who has not spoken publicly since her 2024 separation from Prince Harry. Future guests reportedly include Elon Musk, Viola Davis, Pope Francis (via satellite), and Malala Yousafzai.
Oprah’s Blessing
Winfrey herself has issued a statement, filled with warmth and trust:
“When I stepped away from the stage in 2011, I knew someone would eventually take the baton and run even farther. I’ve watched Will over the years — his brilliance, his failures, his growth — and I know this show is in the right hands. I’ll be cheering from the front row.”
She also confirmed that she will serve as Executive Consultant and occasional guest, a move sure to thrill longtime fans.
Public Reaction: Mixed but Buzzing
The news is being met with a mixture of excitement, skepticism, and intense curiosity.
On X (formerly Twitter), #WillSmithShow and #NewOprah trended within minutes.
“Will Smith hosting Oprah’s show? Didn’t have that on my 2025 bingo card. But honestly… I’m intrigued.” – @CultureCriticLA
“He’s not Oprah. But maybe we don’t need another Oprah. Maybe we need a Will who’s healed.” – @SpiritualTalks
“Say what you want — the man knows how to reinvent. I’m watching.” – @FilmBuff2025
Still, not everyone is sold.
“He slapped a man on live TV and now we’re giving him a talk show? Hard pass.” – @TruthTalker
“It’s giving PR stunt. I’ll believe the sincerity when I see it.” – @JustKeepingItReal
Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear: people are talking. And that’s exactly what OWN and Apple were counting on.
A Family Affair?
Sources say Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, is “fully supportive” and may even appear in a future episode. There are also talks of their children, Willow and Jaden, contributing musically to the show’s opening theme.
An anonymous staffer noted, “Will sees this as a second chance. Not just career-wise, but spiritually. He wants to repair relationships, explore truth, and be a better version of himself in front of the world.”
Whether this new venture becomes the cultural phenomenon its predecessor was remains to be seen. But the stakes are high, and the curiosity is real.
What Happens Now?
As the production gears up, the first taping is set for mid-September at a newly renovated soundstage in Burbank. Invitations for live studio audiences are expected to go out by lottery, with a focus on diverse voices and communities affected by the show’s themes.
If successful, “The Conversation with Will Smith” could redefine what daytime (and streaming) talk shows look like — blending vulnerability with vision, fame with faith, and storytelling with service.
In Will Smith’s own words:
“We’re not just here to talk. We’re here to listen. To feel. To evolve. And maybe, just maybe, to change the world — one story at a time.”
Hollywood, and the world, will be watching.
