The Jennifer Hudson Show

The Jennifer Hudson Show premiered on September 12, 2022 (which was also Hudson's 41st birthday);[8] notable guests during its first week of shows included: Simon Cowell, Mickey Guyton, Hannah Waddingham, and Viola Davis.[9] The premiere received a Nielsen rating of 0.7/4.[10]

In a review of her first week of shows, Daniel D'Addario of Variety felt that the aim of The Jennifer Hudson Show was "vague" in comparison to its competitors (such as The Kelly Clarkson Show) and "[steered] clear not merely of politics or of Hudson's innermost personal life, which would be completely expected, but from any tension or interest as well." It was also felt that Hudson's interviewing style lacked momentum, arguing that "guests often end up steering the conversation more than they usually might, while Hudson praises them for being sharp or funny without following up with questions."[16]

Coleman Spilde of The Daily Beast was more positive, describing the first week of shows as being "a pleasant surprise that was as amusing as it was gratifying", and praising Hudson for having a "calming effervescence" comparable to Kelly Ripa and Wendy Williams. He observed that Hudson's "constant and sometimes bewildering level of thanks to the people around her, the industry, and God is ever-present", and that "even when it was a little shaky getting its sea legs, Hudson held it together and kept the pace like the consummate professional she is."[17]