Emmy-Winner RuPaul Will Film Talk Show Pilot for Telepictures

RuPaul, the Emmy-winning host of "RuPaul's Drag Race" is bringing his personality to the daytime space, filming a talk show pilot for Telepictures, Variety has learned exclusively.

The show is scheduled for a 2019 launch and will be filmed in front of a live audience. The show will feature the host bringing his unique, positive and aspirational point of view to the format, interviewing celebrities, giving beauty and glam tips, playing games, and dishing on pop culture. He's not expected to do cooking or exercise segments, which have been typical daytime fare. Frequent collaborator Michelle Visage is also expected to play a major role.

Telepictures, the Syndication production arm of Warner Bros., is also behind Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, as well as "The Real," which was recently renewed for two seasons. The hope is that his unique flair will help the show stand out, given that other celebrity-driven talk shows have faltered, including efforts from Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, and HARRY Connick Jr.

RuPaul is best known for producing and hosting the reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race, for which he received two Primetime Emmy Awards, in 2016 and 2017. RuPaul is considered to be the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States. In 2017, he was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.

As an actor, RuPaul has made appearances in films including Crooklyn (1994), The Brady Bunch Movie(1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), Hurricane BIANCA (2016), the Comedy Central series BROAD CITY (2017), and the Netflix original series Girlboss (2017). He has also published two books: Lettin' It All Hang Out (1995) and Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (2010). Additionally, RuPaul's Drag Race has produced ten seasons to date (as of 2018) and has inspired several spin-off series, including RuPaul's Drag U and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars. He is also featured as a host on series such as Skin Wars, Good Work, and Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

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