The program's press release states that "In her new daytime talk show, Kelly Clarkson uses her gift of connection to bring viewers something new: a fun, energetic show that breaks with tradition. In each episode audiences will experience an hour full of remarkable stories, celebrity guests, spontaneous surprises, humor, heart and, of course, good music. It's like a weekday brunch party with a fascinating guest list of people who would otherwise never meet."
Production
Paul Telegdy, who was NBCUniversal's president of Alternative Programming, had originally scouted Clarkson to serve as a mentor, and later a coach, on NBC's music competition series The Voice. As part of a corporate restructuring, Telegdy additionally became the head of NBCUniversal's syndication division in late 2016. Despite being reluctant at first, Clarkson accepted the offer for the series in an effort to "connect with people, play games, music and find ways to help or give back to communities/organizations." She also sought advice from various television presenters, including Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen DeGeneres, and Blake Shelton. On August 6, 2018, it was reported by Broadcasting & Cable that Clarkson had filmed a pilot for the talk show that was later offered for syndication, broadcast on another platform, or both. Celebrities such as Josh Groban, Terry Crews, and Chloë Grace Moretz were reported to have participated as her guests on the pilot. She is also accompanied by her touring band for her musical performances in the program, which includes a barn-like studio as a reflection to her "country roots". Clarkson also revealed the talk show will be opened by audience-requested covers of various songs. On September 19, 2018, NBC Owned Television Stations announced that it had picked up the program; it replaced Steve Harvey's eponymous talk show on most NBC owned-and-operated stations, with a number of stations owned by E. W. Scripps Company likewise using it as a replacement for that station group's Pickler & Ben. Alex Duda, previously a showrunner of The Tyra Banks Show and Harvey's 2012–2017 talk show, was commissioned to be the program's executive producer. In November 2019, the series was renewed for a second season. Midway through the first season, production on the show was suspended on March 13, 2020, after the WorldHealth Organization announced the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The show resumed production in April of the same year, with multiple episodes being recorded from Clarkson's home in Montana, then later at her Southern California home.
Episodes
Broadcast
For its first season, The Kelly Clarkson Show was commissioned for broadcast in virtually all television markets in the United States, with the NBC Owned Television Stations serving as its primary affiliate base, along with the Citytvtelevision system in Canada. On most of NBC's stations, it is positioned as a lead-in program to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, or as a centerpiece program leading into local afternoon newscasts. The series also airs the same day on Bravo as part of its overnight programming, while NBC stations and affiliates carrying The Kelly Clarkson Show also have the option to carry a late night repeat in lieu of an encore of Today with Hoda & Jenna. Overseas, Bravo's sister networks in Norway and New Zealand also carry the program.
Reception
Ratings
On its pilot week, The Kelly Clarkson Show premiered with over 2.6 million viewers and a 1.6 household rating according to Nielsen Media Research—the best premiere rating for a new first-run syndicated program since Katie in 2012.
