The Best Black Female Talk Show Hosts In TV History
Ranked By
370 votes
105 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the current and former talk show hosts who make their programs worth watching.
- Della - Season 1
- Just Keke - Season 1
- Strahan, Sara & Keke - Season 1
- The Queen Latifah Show (1999) - Season 1, 2
- The Queen Latifah Show (2013) - Season 1, 2
- The Oprah Winfrey Show - (1986-2011)
- Oprah Presents: Master Class - (2011-2018)
- Oprah's Lifeclass - (2011-2014)
- Super Soul Sunday - (since 2011)
- Oprah Prime - (2012-2015)
- Oprah: Where Are They Now? - (since 2012)
Iyanla - Season 1
Iyanla Vanzant (born Rhonda Eva Harris; September 13, 1953) is an American inspirational speaker, lawyer, New Thought spiritual teacher, author, life coach, and television personality. She is known primarily for her books, her eponymous talk show, and her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She can currently be seen on television as the host of Iyanla: Fix My Life, on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.- Trisha - 1998 to 2010
The Tempestt Bledsoe Show - Season 1
Tempestt Bledsoe (born August 1, 1973) is an American actress. She is best known for her childhood role as Vanessa Huxtable, the fourth child of Cliff and Clair Huxtable on the long-running NBC sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–92). In December 2010, it was announced that Bledsoe would be the host of Clean House on the Style Network, replacing long-time host Niecy Nash. From September 2012 to February 2013, she was one of the stars of the NBC TV sitcom Guys with Kids, portraying Marny.- 8
The Talk - Season 8, 9, 10
Eve, born Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper, is an American rapper and actress renowned for her distinctive voice and lyrical prowess. Born on November 10, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she emerged from the city's rugged rap scene to achieve international acclaim. Eve's rise to fame began with her debut album, Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady, released in 1999. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and making Eve the third female rap artist to achieve this feat. Eve's career in the music industry is marked by numerous accolades. She has released four studio albums, collaborated with prominent artists, and earned accolades including a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for the song "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" with Gwen Stefani. Apart from her successful career in music, Eve is also a highly-regarded actress. She made her acting debut in the film Barbershop in 2002, followed by other notable roles in movies like Barbershop 2: Back in Business, The Cookout, and Whip It. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Eve has continually shown commitment to philanthropy. She is known to have devoted time and resources to causes such as HIV/AIDS prevention and relief funds for natural disaster victims. This multifaceted talent - a Grammy-winning artist, accomplished actress, and philanthropist - has solidified Eve's place as a cultural icon. - Rolonda - Season 1, 2, 3, 4
- The Whoopi Goldberg Show - (1992-1993)
- The View - (since 2007)
- 11
- The Mo'Nique Show - Season 1, 2
The View - Season 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Sherri Shepherd has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her unique blend of humor, charisma, and authenticity. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Shepherd's journey to stardom began in the world of stand-up comedy in the 1990s. She quickly proved herself to be a dynamic force in the comedy scene, captivating audiences with her quick wit and relatable stories. Her unrelenting drive and undeniable talent eventually caught the attention of television producers, leading to significant roles that would catapult her career to new heights. Shepherd made her first significant impact on television playing the character of Ramona Platt on the popular sitcom Less Than Perfect from 2002 to 2006. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, and in 2007, she joined the panel of ABC's daytime talk show The View. As a co-host, Shepherd was renowned for her honest and often humorous discussions on various topics, earning her praise from viewers and critics alike. Her tenure on The View was marked by a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the television industry. In addition to her work on Less Than Perfect and The View, Shepherd's impressive filmography extends to both film and television, including notable roles in films such as Precious and Think Like a Man, and TV shows like 30 Rock and Trial & Error. She has also published a book, Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes, substantiating her versatility beyond entertainment.Forgive or Forget - Season 2
Robin Givens, an accomplished American actress and model, left her imprint on the entertainment industry with her compelling performances and undeniable charisma. Born on November 27, 1964, in New York City, Givens showed an early affinity for the performing arts that would eventually propel her to fame. She attended Sarah Lawrence College where she studied pre-med, but her passion for acting led her to drop out and pursue a career in Hollywood. Givens's breakthrough came in the 1980s when she was cast as Darlene Merriman in the hit television series Head of the Class. Her performance received immediate acclaim, establishing her as a rising star in the industry. Her success on television paved the way for her transition to the silver screen, where she starred in numerous films including Boomerang and A Rage in Harlem. Throughout her career, Givens has worked alongside some of the industry's biggest names, showcasing her talent and versatility in a variety of roles. Despite her professional triumphs, Givens faced personal trials that shaped her public image. Most notably, her tumultuous marriage to boxing legend Mike Tyson became a widely covered media event. Yet, Givens proved resilient, using her experiences to advocate for victims of domestic abuse and emerge as a symbol of strength in the face of adversity. Her contribution to both the acting world and social causes demonstrates her multifaceted nature, making her a memorable figure in entertainment history.- Access Hollywood - (1999 to 2015)
- Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien - Season 1, 2, 3, 4
- Chat Zone
Real Gay - Season 1
Kim LaShaunda Coles (born January 11, 1962) is an American actress, comedian and game show host. Coles is known for her roles as a cast member on In Living Color for the first season (1990-1991) and as Synclaire James-Jones on television sitcom Living Single, which both originally aired on Fox (1993–1998). She was the host of BET's game show Pay It Off in 2009.- Good Morning America - 1995 to present
- The Ananda Lewis Show - Season 1
- The Tyra Banks Show - (2005-2010)
- FABLife - (2015-2016)
The Wendy Williams Show - (since 2008)
Wendy Williams, a distinguished figure within the entertainment industry, made her mark in the world of broadcasting with a unique mix of honesty, humor, and hard-hitting opinions. Born Wendy Joan Williams on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, she discovered her love for communication during her years studying at Northeastern University. That passion led her to a highly successful career in radio where she transformed the traditional talk show format, earning an induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2009. Over the years, Williams has proven herself as a versatile media personality, transitioning from radio to television with remarkable ease. In 2008, her daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, premiered and quickly distinguished itself from its competitors with its distinctive 'Hot Topics' segment and Williams' unfiltered interview style. The show became a tremendous success, establishing Williams as a powerhouse in the television industry. Moreover, it earned her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, further solidifying her standing within the entertainment realm. Away from the microphone and cameras, Williams has ventured into other creative avenues. She authored several books, including a New York Times bestseller, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences through written words as well as spoken ones. Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues and a high-profile divorce, Williams has remained a resilient figure, utilizing her experiences to advocate for issues such as substance abuse recovery and women's empowerment. With an enduring influence that transcends the conventional boundaries of media, Wendy Williams continues to be a driving force in the world of entertainment.- The Talk - Season 1
- The View - (1997-2006)
- Star Jones - Season 1
- The Real - Season 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- 25
Cynthia Garrett
Later with Cynthia Garrett - Season 1
Cynthia Garrett is an actress and writer, and the mother of basketball player Christian Garrett. The Talk - Season 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Aisha Tyler, a multifaceted and distinguished personality in the entertainment industry, has made significant contributions as an actress, comedian, director, author and talk show host. Born on September 18, 1970, in San Francisco, California, Tyler's journey to stardom was set in motion when she attended Dartmouth College, where she co-founded and sang in an all-female a cappella group, The Dartmouth Rockapellas. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles in 1996 to pursue a career in stand-up comedy which swiftly led to her recognition as a talented newcomer. Following her early spark in comedy, Tyler rose to widespread fame with her role as Andrea Marino in the inaugural season of the hit TV series, 'Ghost Whisperer'. However, she is best known for lending her voice to the character Lana Kane in the critically acclaimed animated series 'Archer'. In addition to her acting, Tyler also demonstrated her hosting talents by presenting on popular shows like 'The Talk' and 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'. Her compelling performance on 'The Talk' earned her the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host in 2017. Outside the realm of television, Aisha Tyler has made her mark as an author and director. Her two published books, 'Swerve: Reckless Observations of a Postmodern Girl' and 'Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation', offer insightful commentary on modern culture and personal experiences, reflecting Tyler's sharp wit and sincerity. As a director, she made her debut with the Kickstarter-funded film 'Axis', which won the Filmmaker's Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Truly a powerhouse in the entertainment world, Tyler's diverse body of work speaks volumes about her versatility, passion, and undeniable talent.Life & Style - Season 1
Kimora Lee Simmons is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative designs. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 4, 1975, to a Japanese mother and African-American father, she grew up in an environment that cultivated her unique sense of style. At the tender age of 14, she was scouted by Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of the prestigious brand Chanel, who swiftly made her his muse. This early exposure introduced Simmons to the glamorous world of fashion, sparking a passion that would shape her professional journey. Simmons's ascendency in the fashion industry continued with her joining Baby Phat, a subsidiary of Phat Fashions, as the Creative Director in 2000. Under her leadership, Baby Phat blossomed into a highly sought-after brand, appealing to women seeking to flaunt their individuality with confidence. Her contribution to the industry goes beyond designing; she also pioneered the inclusion of diverse models on the runway, reinforcing the notion that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The impact of her work resonated beyond the confines of fashion, rippling into the realms of body positivity and inclusivity. Outside of her career in fashion, Simmons has shown a strong commitment to philanthropy. She founded the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund at her high school alma mater in St. Louis. Simmons also established the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with her then-husband, Russell Simmons.- 28
Sheryl Underwood
The Talk - Season 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sheryl Patrice Underwood (born (1963-10-28)October 28, 1963) is an American comedian, actress and television host. She first rose to prominence in the comedy world as the first female finalist in 1989's Miller Lite Comedy Search. Currently, Underwood is one of the hosts on the CBS Daytime talk show, The Talk, a role she first stepped into in September 2011.
