Celebrity News

Couric’s ABC future is hazy

Speculation has recently swirled over the future of Katie Couric’s ABC daytime talk show, and sources tell Page Six that “Katie” might not make it to a third season.

Behind the scenes, sources say the show has weathered drama since the departure of executive producer Jeff Zucker, creating a “very stressful” situation with “staffing weirdness” and “no one making decisions.”

They add it was hoped that a shake-up for Season 2 would address a “lack of leadership” as the show finds a balance between hard news and fluffy daytime-friendly topics.

Meanwhile, buzz inside ABC has been that Couric could leave the show after Season 2 and head to CNN to rejoin Zucker.

“The show was oversold at syndication and hasn’t lived up to expectations,” sniffed a TV source. “Now everyone at ABC is gossiping that Katie will end up at CNN with Jeff.”

But sources close to Couric say a move to CNN is not true and that she has a deal with ABC.

Zucker launched “Katie” in September 2012 before abruptly decamping to CNN as worldwide president.

Staffers say the move made the talk show into a “s–t show” behind the scenes. “Jeff’s departure left a void,” said a source. “Then they had four co-executive producers and the staffing decisions being made were poor. Katie was left vulnerable.”

Another insider added, “There wasn’t a figure who could keep control. It became challenging because of the way that Jeff left. There’s been creative tension.”

In April, Zucker poached “Katie” co-executive producer Michael Bass to be a senior VP at CNN. Rachel Miskowiec of “The Tyra Banks Show” has now been brought in, and, a source said, “for the first time since Jeff left, there’s finally someone in charge who can handle the show.”

The source said further staff cuts are expected to be announced. “They’re hoping the cleanup goes in the right direction for next year.” Reps for CNN, ABC and Couric declined to comment.