To hear former Today and Dateline NBC host Jane Pauley's tale, the decision to star in this season's most anticipated syndicated talk show was surprisingly simple.
"The only reason I said yes to the daytime show . . . was because I would have a year and half (after her retirement from NBC) until the show would air," said Pauley, who used the time to finish a memoir detailing her 2001 hospitalization for prescription drug-induced bipolar disorder.
As she promotes the book and her new show, Pauley has slipped easily into the land of Oprah-style confessional, revealing personal details she once worked hard to keep confidential.
"The successful shows are the ones that are the most consistent with the personality of the host," said Pauley, known for her even-keeled image. "If we are successful, it will be because we are so utterly Jane. Now, we've got to learn how to be that person. . . . You can't be that from Day 1."
Pauley joins a short list of celebrities this year fronting new syndicated TV series - shows sold individually to TV stations across the country - that includes actor Tony Danza, pundit Larry Elders and self-help guru Pat Croce.
It's tougher work than it seems. For every Ellen-level success, there are a half-dozen failed Sharon Osbournes, Wayne Bradys or Martha Stewarts shut down by low viewer response or, in one host's case, legal problems.
Here's what's coming this season:
WFLA-Ch.8: Noon: Ellen (moving from WTSP-Ch. 10 on Sept. 6).
WTSP-Ch. 10: 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (moving from WFTS-Ch. 28 on Sept. 13); 10 a.m.: The Tony Danza Show (replaces Ellen Sept. 13).
WTVT-Ch. 13: No changes scheduled.
WFTS-Ch. 28: 9 a.m.: Home Delivery (replacesMartha Stewart Living Sept. 13); 10 a.m.: The Larry Elders Show (replaces Wayne Brady Sept. 13); 4 p.m.:The Jane Pauley Show (starts Monday); 7 p.m.: Access Hollywood (Sept. 13); 7:30 p.m.: The Insider (Sept. 13).
WMOR-Ch. 32: 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Judge Hatchett (Sept. 6); 3 p.m.: Starting Over (moving from WTSP on Sept. 13); 4 p.m.: Jerry Springer (moves up one hour, Sept. 20); 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Fear Factor (Sept. 20); 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.: Cheers.
WTTA-Ch. 38: 9 a.m.: Dharma and Greg (moves up from 5:30 p.m. Sept. 6); 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Maury (moves from WFLA Sept. 6); 6 p.m.: Yes, Dear (Sept. 13).
WTOG-Ch. 44: (All changes Sept. 13) 2 p.m.: Pat Croce: Moving In; 3 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.: Girlfriends; 4 p.m.: Dance 360; 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.: Malcolm in the Middle; Sundays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: CSI.
