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EXCLUSIVE: Mary Connelly will step down as executive producer and co-showrunner of The Jennifer Hudson Show at the end of the current second season of the syndicated daytime talk show. The day veteran leaves The Jennifer Hudson ShowThe Warner Bros. producer Unscripted Television/Telepictures, his studio for more than two decades, to pursue new projects. She made the announcement to the show’s staff and crew earlier today.
In her emotional remarks, Connelly, who received a standing ovation from her team, reportedly said she felt it was the right time to leave as the series found its feet and was renewed for a third season .
Connelly served as executive producer/co-showrunner on The Jennifer Hudson Show since launching alongside Andy Lassner and Corey Palent who will continue as EPs/co-showrunners for season 3. All three moved to the new speaker after the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Showon which Connelly served as executive producer for its entire duration, joining when it premiered in 2003.
During today’s morning production meeting, Connelly reportedly said she consulted The Jennifer Hudson Show host and executive producer Hudson and the show’s other executive producers before making the decision to leave, thanking them for their friendship and support.
Connelly, who began his career as a page at NBC 40 years ago, worked on Late Night with David Letterman, The Late Show with David Letterman, Mad About You, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Who owns this line, anyway? before joining The Ellen DeGeneres Show at Warner Bros. where it recently concluded a global agreement.
During his tenure, Connelly also helped oversee Ellen Digital, which encompasses businesses such as Ellentube, DeGeneres’ social media reach of more than 300 million fans and the “Heads Up!” “. Additionally, she has served as executive producer for a number of unscripted series, including Family Game Fight, Ellen’s Games Game, Ellen’s Biggest Gift Night, And Little big shots, all on NBC.