By Maurice Bobb
The late night talk show circuit is losing its most rabble-rousing celebrity news gossipmonger, Chelsea Handler.
E! is turning out the lights on “Chelsea Lately” after a successful seven-year run with a month-long sendoff celebration of special episodes and surprise guests culminating in a live series finale on Tuesday, August 26.
“We are very proud of ’Chelsea Lately’s’ long-running success and the unique space that the series carved out in late night television,” said E! President Suzanne Kolb in a statement on Wednesday (May 28). “Chelsea brought a distinct voice to late night with her acerbic wit and fearless commentary and we look forward to providing fans with a memorable send-off that lives up to that tradition. Most of all, we are grateful to the ‘Chelsea Lately’ team for making this show so special for seven years.”
The comedian’s reign as late night’s top provocateur included numerous quote-worthy appearances by hip-hop’s biggest acts, including 2 Chainz, Rick Ross and former rumored boyfriend, 50 Cent. Despite her past complaints about the network, though, Handler is taking the high road ahead of her departure.
“I myself am more surprised than anyone that I was able to hold down a job for seven years, and it was a fantastic seven years,” said Handler. “I will always look back at my time on E! as most people look back at their time in college. I’m glad I went.”
New episodes of “Chelsea Lately” will continue to air each weeknight at 11 p.m. ET leading up to the series finale.
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