Coffee Talk: Steve Harvey's Talk Show Renewed Through 2016

Guess what flavor coffee we’re sipping on today:

• Steve Harvey will become a permanent fixture on daytime TV. Yesterday, it was announced that his show will be renewed through 2016. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the ESSENCE Festival speaker beat out his competitors, including Katie Couric, and is among the few shining daytime programs. “Steve is one of the best entertainers in the country, and his first season has been a tremendous success because of the personal connection he makes with his daytime audience,” said Ted Harbert chairman of NBC Broadcasting. [Hollywood Reporter]

• Soledad O’Brien is heading to HBO. The former Today reporter will join Real Sports, currently anchored by Bryant Gumbel. O’Brien’s first story, expected to air this month, will be on war veterans using martial arts to handle their post-traumatic stress disorder. “It’s exactly what I’ve been doing for a long time—telling stories about human begins and their struggles,” said O’Brien. [USA Today]

• Even though Jason Kidd just finished his NBA career with the New York Knicks this year, the star athlete will head over to Brooklyn to coach the Nets. However, Kidd’s move back to his former team isn’t without controversy. Some believe Kidd may not be the best fit because of his lack of coaching experience. [Grio]

• Fox’s new daytime talk show venture, The Real, will begin airing in select markets on July 15th. The show is anchored by Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Tarmera Mowry-Housley, Adrienne Bailon and Jeannie Mai. “They have great chemistry, are fearless and so entertaining and they will bring a much needed younger point of view and sensibility to daytime this summer,” said Telepictures President Hilary Estey McLoughlin. [EURweb]