The Oprah Winfrey Show Premiere Week Features 5 Days of Unforgettable Episodes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2009 

CHICAGO — The Oprah Winfrey Show launches its 24th season with five not-to-be-missed all-new episodes, and it all starts with a special two-day television event. In back-to-back episodes starting Monday, September 14, Oprah sits down with Whitney Houston for a candid, revealing, no-holds-barred interview. In a world exclusive, Whitney opens up for the first time in seven years—drugs, rehab, marriage, divorce, her new album...no topic is off-limits for an interview that is too big for just one day. Winfrey asks the questions on everyone's minds: "When did the drugs start?" "What finally made you decide, 'I'm out of this marriage?'" "Were you afraid that you had lost the voice?"

Then, on Wednesday, September 16, Oprah reveals for the first time the untold stories behind her history-making 1993 interview with Michael Jackson. Along with an encore presentation of excerpts from their original interview, Oprah remembers the King of Pop with never-before-revealed personal details about their sit-down that was seen by more than 100 million people worldwide. 

The Oprah Winfrey Show premiere week schedule includes the following: 

Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15: The Whitney Houston Exclusive Interview
A two-day must-see television event that Oprah calls "the most anticipated music interview of the decade."

Wednesday, September 16: Oprah Remembers Michael Jackson
An encore presentation including excerpts from the history-making 1993 live interview, featuring new commentary from Oprah as she remembers the King of Pop.

Thursday, September 17: Dr. Phil Returns to The Oprah Show
After seven years, "Tell It Like It Is" Phil returns to the Oprah Show stage to set the record straight and bring viewers the story of a woman whose father is a serial killer. 

Friday, September 18: Live from New York: Mariah Carey, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, plus Oprah's Book Club announcement 

The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 23 consecutive seasons, winning every sweep since its debut in 1986.* It is produced in Chicago by Harpo Productions, Inc. and syndicated to 215 domestic stations by CBS Television Distribution Group and to 147 countries by CBS Paramount International Television.

Source:
*Nielsen Cassandra Ranking Report - Nov'86 to July '99 and Wrap Sweeps, Nov '99 to July '09. Primary Telecasts Only.