Arsenio Hall is parlaying his "Celebrity Apprentice" win into a full-fledged TV comeback. Hall has signed a contract with CBS Television Distribution to host a syndicated talk show debuting in the Fall of 2013.
The deal marks a triumphant return to late night for Hall, who hosted "The Arsenio Hall Show" from 1989-1994.
"It's an amazing feeling to be going HOME to my old friends and colleagues and firing up our ‘Night Thing. Let's get busy ... AGAIN!” Hall said in a statement.
CBS TV has partnered with Tribune Broadcasting to ensure that the as-yet-unnamed talk show will be available in most major media markets. The late-night show is sold in all top 10 markets and 17 of the top 20 markets so far, and it's already set to air in 52% of the country, including slots on WPIX in New York and KTLA in Los Angeles at 11 p.m., and WGN in Chicago at 10 p.m.
“We’re excited to welcome Arsenio back to the family and partnering on his new, late-night syndicated talk show,” CBS Television Distribution President John Nogawski noted. “Arsenio had a substantial following with his previous late-night show, and that same 18-34 audience is now right in the middle of the late-night core audience of 35-54. Years ago, he transcended time periods and attracted a cross-over audience while bringing a fresh perspective to late night. That same need in the market exists today as when we originally launched. We are looking forward to the same success with Arsenio's seasoned expertise and appeal in this genre.”
Participating in "The Celebrity Apprentice" reinvigorated Hall's desire to get back on TV. In a May interview on "The View," he said, "There was a moment where it was like seeing an old girlfriend I loved. I want a talk show again."