The Jennifer Hudson Show Season 3, Episode 136: Forest Whitaker, Élodie Yung

Season 3 Premiere

Angela Bassett of 9-1-1 stops by. Next, the MUSYCA Youth Choir of Los Angeles, California, performs in-studio. Jennifer then welcomes Sherllay Debe Petion from Cape Coral, Florida, who gave birth to her daughter, Bithiah, at 35 weeks in the back seat of a rideshare. With her husband away, Sherllay called a rideshare to get to the hospital but went into labor en route. The driver pulled over, and Bithiah was born under a Miami highway during rush hour. Sherllay wrote in to thank the two female officers who helped her that day.

42 min

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans joins Jennifer in the studio to discuss his "Wild Child" comedy tour and more. Jennifer then welcomes 5-year-old drill team captain Kenzley Reign of Sophisticated Sounds & Steppers Drill Team & Drum Squad from Los Angeles, California.

42 min

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones stops by to talk about her comedy tour. Jennifer welcomes 6-year-old Alaya Armbrister from Broward County, Florida. Alaya won the 400 meters gold at the 2024 AAU Nationals, making her the fastest 6-year-old in the country. Her viral race videos have been shared by ESPN SportsCenter celebrities, and even Olympic athletes. Fans already line up for photos with her at meets. Her dad and coach, DeAndre, noticed her talent at age 3, and Alaya dreams of competing in the Olympics one day.

42 min

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista visits to chat about his new action-comedy film, "The Killer's Game." Jennifer also welcomes Ralmon McAfee and his 11-year-old daughter, Ma'Kynzeigh, from Houston, Texas. Ralmon made headlines after sharing an emotional video of himself crying tears of pride over his daughter's academic achievements.

42 min

Demi Moore

Demi Moore joins the studio to chat about her new critically acclaimed film, "The Substance." Jennifer then welcomes Terrica Williams and her son, 9-year-old Czar Glanton Jr., from Polk County, Florida. A heartwarming video of Terrica running football drills with her son after work has gone viral. Four years ago, when Czar first started playing football, Terrica noticed he wasn't getting picked for games. Determined to help him improve, she took matters into her own hands. Despite a demanding schedule as a full-time single parent working at a nursing facility, Terrica taught herself the game and began running extra practices with Czar. Now, this special time they share is not only helping him thrive but also bringing joy to people everywhere and inspiring moms across the country.

42 min

Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe from "9-1-1: Lone Star" and "The Floor" stops by. Jennifer then welcomes Zalah Vallien, a student from Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts in Norwalk, Connecticut, whose viral video singing the national anthem in her school's cafeteria earned her the nickname "powerhouse." Zalah opens up about Jennifer's influence on her life and how meeting her is a dream come true. Originally from central Louisiana, Zalah only sees her family once or twice a year. Raised by her young single mom and pastor grandmother, she shares a close bond with her younger sister, whom she calls her "baby," and is her biggest fan.

42 min

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard drops by to chat about his new miniseries, "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist." Next, the 8-year-old "Green Twins," Marnie and Mylah Green, join Jennifer. These adorable kids from Burnley, England, are famous for finishing each other's sentences. Over the summer, they became internet sensations when their hilarious reaction to the price of two ice creams (£9) went viral. The sisters are enjoying their newfound fame and dream of opening an ice cream shop where kids eat for free and adults pay affordable prices. In addition to their viral stardom, they're also competitive dancers who have won multiple European championships.

42 min

Sterling K. Brown, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Violet McGraw, Madeleine McGraw

Power couple Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe discuss their podcast "We Don't Always Agree." "The Curse of the Necklace" stars Violet McGraw and Madeleine McGraw chat with Jennifer about their film.

42 min

Flavor Flav

Flavor Flav joins Jennifer in the studio. Jennifer then welcomes Terrica Williams and her son, 9-year-old Czar Glanton Jr., from Polk County, Florida. A heartwarming video of Terrica running football drills with her son after work has gone viral. Four years ago, when Czar first started playing football, Terrica noticed he wasn't getting picked for games. Determined to help him improve, she took matters into her own hands. Despite a demanding schedule as a full-time single parent working at a nursing facility, Terrica taught herself the game and began running extra practices with Czar. Now, this special time they share is not only helping him thrive but also bringing joy to people everywhere and inspiring moms across the country.

42 min

Saweetie

Saweetie is here! Jennifer also welcomes 2-year-old math prodigy Devan Defreitas and his father, Duane, from Queens, New York. Devan became a viral sensation at 15 months for his math skills, with his first word being "seven." Now at age 2, he's solving sixth-grade math problems and memorizing over 160 digits of pi.

42 min

Alfonso Ribeiro

Alfonso Ribeiro from "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos" is here. Jennifer then welcomes Stephany Faublas and her daughter, Cadence, from Charlotte, South Carolina, whose viral video has millions of views. Stephany, a single mom, replaced Cadence's iPad with educational activities before kindergarten and was surprised by her daughter's positive reaction. Cadence now feels ready for school and dreams of getting a "good job" to buy a dog and her dream car.

42 min

Doug Emhoff

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff sits down with Jennifer in the studio. Next, Jennifer welcomes Angel Everett and her mother, Dorothy Johnson, from Montgomery, Alabama, to share their family's breast cancer journey. Angel cared for her sister Eboni through treatment and later faced her own diagnosis, undergoing a double mastectomy. Though both were declared cancer-free, Eboni's cancer returned, and she died in July. The family now honors her memory by continuing her advocacy for early testing and establishing a scholarship in her name

42 min

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani visits to chat about "The Voice." Jennifer then welcomes back etiquette expert Myka Meier. "Love Island" Season 6 winners Serena Page and Kordell Beckham also stop by.

42 min

Common, Pete Rock

Common and Pete Rock will join Jennifer in the studio to perform their song "A GOD (There Is)" from their latest album, "The Auditorium, Vol. 1."

42 min

Ariana DeBose

Oscar winner and voice of Asha in Disney's Wish, Ariana DeBose is here to chat about her new film, "House of Spoils." Jennifer then welcomes Suborno Bari from the Bronx, New York, who recently made headlines as the youngest student in NYU's 200-year history. On a full-ride scholarship, Suborno is double majoring in math and physics, set to graduate in 2026, with plans to earn his Ph.D. by 2029. Jennifer also chats with Johnny Rodriguez from Orange County, California, a former pro lacrosse player and head coach at Mater Dei High School. After leading his team to national recognition, Johnny stepped down following an ALS diagnosis last October, just as his wife was expecting their second child. Despite the diagnosis, he remains positive and advocates for ALS awareness, partnering with Augie's Quest to launch "Athletes vs. ALS."

42 min

Jimmy Kimmel, Tems

The one and only Jimmy Kimmel from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" stops by the show. Tems sits down for a chat and also performs "Love Me JeJe" a song from her album "Born in the Wild." Jennifer also welcomes Dr. Brian Rambarran, a urologist from Buffalo, New York, who is also a dedicated pilot. Once a month, Dr. Rambarran flies rescue missions to save animals, with a viral video of him unloading puppies garnering millions of views. For the past 12 years, he's been rescuing dogs from kill shelters and euthanasia lists in Asheville, North Carolina, and transporting them to Nickel City Canine Rescue in Buffalo. As a urological cancer surgeon, he saves lives — and he gives dogs a second chance at life, too.

42 min

Wayne Brady, Khalid

Let's Make a Deal host Wayne Brady and members of his blended family, including Maīle Brady, Mandie Taketa, and Jason Fordham, stop by to discuss their reality series "Wayne Brady: The Family Remix." Khalid is here to talk about his album "Sincere." Jennifer also welcomes Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. Currently on the front lines of Hurricane Helene relief, Feeding America partners with food banks and local programs to provide food for those in need and advocates for lasting solutions to hunger.

42 min

Cast of 'Nobody Wants This'

Kristen Bell (the voice of Anna in Disney's Frozen), Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, and Sherry Cola join Jennifer to chat about their Netflix series "Nobody Wants This." Jennifer also welcomes Maria Niemetz from Ontario, California, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Maria is an NICU nurse, grandmother, and breast cancer survivor. We'll show a heartfelt nomination video from her daughter Rosanna and former daughter-in-law Cristina, both in the audience, and invite them to join Maria onstage. To top it off, Maria's whole family, including her grandchildren, will walk out and surprise her.

42 min

Josh Groban

Josh Groban is here to talk about his nonprofit Find Your Light Foundation and its upcoming annual Find Your Light Benefit Concert for Arts Education. Jennifer also welcomes William "Billy" Green Jr. from Harlem, New York. A proud Puerto Rican, Black, Italian, gay, and nonbinary teacher, Billy has taught chemistry and physics for over 20 years at A. Philip Randolph, a Title I high school. Named the 2023 New York State Teacher of the Year and Grand Marshal of the Queens Pride Parade, Billy's passion for teaching, shaped by his experience with homelessness, drives him to serve underserved schools, as well as the prison on Rikers Island. He also co-leads the school's LGBTQ affinity group and founded an LGBTQ youth support center in East Harlem.

42 min

Tia Mowry, GloRilla

Tia Mowry stops by the studio to chat about her reality series "My Next Act." GloRilla is also here to discuss her album "Glorious."

42 min

Joel McHale

Actor and host Joel McHale stops by to chat about the new season of "Crime Scene Kitchen." Jennifer welcomes 12-year-old award-winning inventor Anirudh Rao from Lone Tree, CO. Anirudh will share the inspiration behind his groundbreaking invention — an early tornado detection system that extends the warning time from 15 to 45 minutes. His innovative work has earned him recognition across the STEM community.

42 min

Victoria Monét, Keith Bynum, Evan Thomas

R&B sensation Victoria Monét unveils the details of her highly anticipated album "JAGUAR II: Deluxe Edition." HGTV's hosts Keith & Evan stop by to chat about the new season of "HGTV's Bargain Block: New Orleans." NOTE: Blair Underwood ended up not appearing on this episode. He appeared on a later episode (October 30).

42 min

Jake Tapper, Alice Paul Tapper

CNN Host Jake Tapper drops by and will be joined by his daughter Alice Paul Tapper to discuss her new book "Use Your Voice." Plus, "Sean the Science Kid" from Lilburn, GA, is here to share his enthusiasm about teaching others about science. His viral videos have become a beloved sensation, teaching people fun science facts and answering questions.

42 min

Jay Pharoah, Allison Reese

Actor and comedian Jay Pharoah on the inspiration behind his upcoming YouTube comedy stand-up special. Comedian Allison Reese will perform her spot-on impression of Vice President Kamala Harris. Next, Jennifer welcomes Assistant Principal Tony Wishard from Fredericksburg, VA. Tony's journey from teacher to administrator recently went viral, as he shared heartfelt memories of his students from over the years. In his 12-year career, Tony has gone above and beyond to support his students, not only in the classroom but also in their personal lives. He's known for using his own funds to provide essentials. Tony regularly eats lunch with students, celebrates their milestones, and serves as a coach and mentor to many.

42 min

Tichina Arnold, Terry Crews

Jennifer Hudson will give an exclusive debut performance from her new holiday album "The Gift of Love." Get ready for a magical musical moment that will light up your holiday season! Actors Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews join Jennifer to discuss the exciting reboot of "Everybody Still Hates Chris." Plus, Jennifer welcomes the Senters Family from Phoenix, AZ — Ryan and Sara Senters, along with their nine adopted children. Together, they will share their powerful journey of founding Ohana, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in Arizona. Through Ohana, the Senters family provides life-changing opportunities, including mentorship programs, career services, and transformative experiences that help these young people thrive beyond their immediate communities.

42 min

Sheryl Swoopes, Derek Hough

Emmy Award-winning professional dancer and host Derek Hough swings by to chat about his upcoming dance tour, "Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays," and this season of "Dancing with the Stars." Next, former WNBA player Sheryl Swoopes sits down with Jennifer to discuss her advocacy work and personal journey with breast cancer in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

42 min

Lamorne Morris

Actor and comedian Lamorne Morris drops by to chat about the new film "Saturday Night." Jennifer then welcomes Josiah Johnson and his grandmother Theresa from Sacramento, California. Their rap battle videos have gone viral, attracting attention from celebrities like Timbaland, Drake, and Snoop Dogg. In their lighthearted battles, Josiah jokes about Theresa's dentures and orthopedic shoes, while she playfully brings up his knee surgery at 21. Despite the teasing, they show the love between them.

42 min

Morgan Freeman, Joan Vassos

Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman visits the show to talk about the second season of "Lioness." Joan Vassos makes an appearance to talk about being the first-ever lead of "The Golden Bachelorette." Plus, Jennifer welcomes 12-year-old Jack Carlin from El Paso, Texas. Over the summer, "Jack the Great" went viral for his excitement and love of watching the lights turn off. Since then, he's traveled around the country to see the lights turn off at sports games, event centers, stores, and popular destinations like the Alamo, the Vegas Strip, and the Empire State Building. Next, he'll be heading to Paris to watch the Eiffel Tower lights turn off.

42 min

Joel Madden, Roy Wood Jr.

Joel Madden stops by to chat about the new season of "Ink Master." Comedian Roy Wood Jr. drops by to discuss hosting CNN's "Have I Got News For You."

42 min

Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete

Hollywood power couple Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete discuss their exciting hosting journey in the new season of "Queens Court." Jennifer then welcomes Madison Crowell and her mom, Melissa Langley, from Hinesville, Georgia. Madison made headlines for receiving over $15 million in scholarships and being accepted to 231 colleges, choosing a full-ride scholarship to High Point University. As a first-generation college student, she aims to inspire underprivileged youth. President Biden congratulated her, calling her a future leader.

42 min

Kathryn Hahn, Stephen Nedoroscik, Rylee Arnold

Actress and comedian Kathryn Hahn (the voice of Ericka in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania) stops by to chat about the new Disney+ series "Agatha All Along." Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik and his dance partner, Rylee Arnold, are here to chat about this exciting season of "Dancing with the Stars." Jennifer then welcomes Colette Louis and her daughter Cami from Charlotte, North Carolina, to the show. Their video went viral after Colette helped Cami prepare for her first father-daughter dance. Colette highlights the importance of instilling confidence and self-esteem in young girls, something she missed out on growing up, and aims to empower Cami and others.

42 min

Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., Hannah Storm

Father and son Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. from My Wife and Kids join Jennifer at the show. The actors and comedians will be chatting about the CBS show "Poppa's House." Plus, SportsCenter's Hannah Storm visits to discuss her personal journey with breast cancer in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mother-daughter duo Kenedi and Ellen Smith from Murrieta, California, stop by to share their inspiring journey through multiple surrogacies. They're now spreading awareness and education through their podcast, "Stop. Sit. Surrogate," where they discuss the many facets of surrogacy and the invaluable experiences it offers.

42 min

Blair Underwood

Actor Blair Underwood drops by to chat with Jennifer about the new STARZ series "Three Women." Jennifer welcomes popular TikTok sister duo Sarah and Emily Francati from Rochester, New York. The sisters share their inspiring story about how Sarah stepped up at age 15 to help raise her younger sister Emily, who has Down syndrome, after their mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Despite the challenges, Emily felt love from Sarah. They formed a close bond, which remained even after their mom's disease went into remission. Now a senior in high school and a basketball coach, Emily hopes to inspire others about the capabilities of people with Down syndrome. Plus, a beauty alert! Jennifer welcomes back professional makeup artist Abby Wren. Abby will show how you can elevate your Halloween makeup with a few simple tricks.

42 min

Halloween Celebration!

It's "The Jennifer Hudson Show" Halloween Celebration! Tune in for a special episode of spooktacular fun, featuring performances, festive costumes, and special surprises! Award-winning musician and actress and the "Queen of Halloween," Janelle Monáe, stops by to show off her amazing costume! Singer Lance Bass joins the celebration to chat about the Paramount+ documentary "Larger than Life: Reign of the Boybands."

42 min

Ludacris

Jennifer welcomes rapper and actor Ludacris to the show. They'll be discussing the new season of the music competition series "Rhythm + Flow."

42 min

Warren G, Ethan Slater

Hip-hop legend Warren G visits Jennifer's stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his album "Regulate...G Funk Era" and his upcoming tour. Broadway star Ethan Slater then chats with Jennifer about his magical role as Boq in the highly anticipated film "Wicked." Plus, Jennifer welcomes back 7-year-old Bella Baker from Los Angeles to ask for Bella's take on what she would do if she were president!

42 min

Christina Milian

Singer, songwriter, and actress Christina Milian chats with Jennifer about her new Netflix film, "Meet Me Next Christmas." Then, Jennifer Ellis and her husband Travis from Fayetteville, West Virginia, join the show and share their story of how the loss of a loved one brought them together.

42 min

Jason Derulo, Jamie Kern Lima

R&B sensation Jason Derulo is here is chat about his newest single, "Make Me Happy." New York Times best-selling author and entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima stops by to share tips on ways to take care of yourself and protect your joy during Election Week. She'll also talk about her upcoming book, "Worthy."

42 min

Drew Scott, Jonathan Scott

HGTV's Drew and Jonathan Scott stop by to chat about their new series, "Don't Hate Your House with the Property Brothers." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Rachel Siegel, a dance instructor in Los Angeles who went viral after posting about being left at the altar and then going to her wedding reception solo to celebrate with friends and family.

42 min

Andrea Bocelli

Vocal legend Andrea Bocelli visits the show to talk about his upcoming concert film, "Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration." Tune in for a transcendent musical moment between Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson, and her pianist, Charles Jones. Jennifer also welcomes twin sisters Alex and Ashley Kern from Buffalo, New York, who share their inspiring story. In 2016, Ashley, a high school senior, was injured in a drive-by shooting that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She and Alex had planned to attend college together and pursue nursing careers as first-generation graduates. After months in the hospital and rehab, Ashley missed the chance to start college with Alex. Despite these challenges, she persevered and eventually graduated from nursing school alongside her sister.

42 min

Ciara

R&B sensation Ciara will discuss her new song "Wassup" ft. Busta Rhymes. Eight-year-old Hannah Strickland and her mom, Dawn, from Port St. Lucie, Florida, chat about their viral video of Hannah joyfully picking out Christmas tree ornaments. The heartwarming moment quickly gained attention online. Tune-in to see Jennifer's big surprise for Hannah! Jennifer welcomes community leader Antonio Brown from St. Petersburg, FL. Antonio, owner of Central Station Barbershop & Grooming, offers free haircuts to kids in his ‘Competitive Readers Book Club." Inspired by barbershop culture as a safe space, he started the program to improve literacy in his community. Instead of paying for the haircut, kids learn about saving and financial literacy.

42 min

Justin Hartley

Actor Justin Hartley joins Jennifer to talk about Season 2 of his hit series "Tracker." Jennifer welcomes Noah Wilks and his mom, Jasmine, from Redford, Michigan, to the stage. Noah recently went viral when a video captured his newfound confidence and swagger after his first day of first grade.

42 min

Martin Lawrence

Comedian and actor Martin Lawrence will chat about his comedy tour "Ya'll Know What It Is!" Plus, Jennifer welcomes theater teacher Alison Calder and her former student Cienna Dixon. Cienna shares how Alison made a lasting impact on her, especially during her mental health struggles. Cienna says she wouldn't be here without Alison's support, and as thank you, she got a tattoo of Alison's phrase "Always with you."

42 min

Hurricane Heroes

Jennifer will celebrate "Hurricane Heroes," highlighting inspiring stories of brave individuals who emerged as heroes during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This special episode spotlights the resilience and selflessness of first responders, community leaders, and everyday citizens who came together to support one another.

42 min

Cast of the Masked Singer

Jennifer sits down for an exclusive interview with the panelists of "The Masked Singer," Ken Jeong, Rita Ora, Robin Thicke, and Jenny McCarthy. Also joining Jennifer is viral kid food critic and "food taster" Reese Jackson from New Orleans, Louisiana. Reese has recently taken the Internet by storm with his reactions to his mom's elaborate home-cooked meals.

42 min

Jon Batiste

Multiple Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist Jon Batiste stops by to talk about his upcoming album "Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1)." Jennifer also welcomes 10-year-old Samuel Henderson and his mother, Lori, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the stage. Samuel recently went viral for a video his mother filmed that showcased his amazingly accurate bird calls at his school's talent show.

42 min

Henry Winkler, Giada De Laurentiis

Actor and author Henry Winkler will talk about his children's book "Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole" and the paperback of his memoir "Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond." Giada De Laurentiis will chat about her food and lifestyle brand, "Giadzy."

42 min

Jessica Alba, Lizzy Mathis

Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis stop by to discuss co-hosting the special "Honest Renovations: A Holiday Makeover."

42 min

Courtney B. Vance

Actor Courtney B. Vance will discuss the FX series, "Grotesquerie."

42 min

Thanksgiving Show

Join Jennifer Hudson for a festive Thanksgiving Show that celebrates the warmth and joy of the holidays! Actor Ted Danson visits the show to talk about the Netflix series "A Man on the Inside." Jennifer then welcomes best friends T'Mani Woodland from Charleston, South Carolina, and Amber Mckay from Columbia, South Carolina. The two will share how a video of them dancing went viral, plus the inspiring story of their friendship.

42 min

John Legend, Muni Long

In a special episode of "The Jennifer Hudson Show," Jennifer celebrates the music of R&B! Award-winning musician John Legend stops by the show to celebrate the release of "Get Lifted (20th Anniversary)." R&B superstar Muni Long will chat about her four Grammy nominations and her new album, "Revenge." Then, favorite dad and daughter duo, 6-year-old Tatum and Jay Galberth from Washington, D.C., are back, and Jennifer has a big surprise for them!

42 min

Cast of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', Marvin Sapp

Jennifer sits down for an exclusive interview with "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast members Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Sutton Stracke, and Bozoma Saint John. Then, gospel music legend Marvin Sapp will chat and perform "Never Would Have Made It."

42 min

Cynthia Erivo, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps

Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo visits the stage to discuss the highly anticipated film "Wicked." Plus, a magical music moment with Cynthia and Jennifer! Actors James and Oliver Phelps drop by to talk about their new show, "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.

42 min

Snoop Dogg, Cori Broadus

Snoop Dogg stops by to chat about "The Voice" and is then joined by and his daughter Cori Broadus to discuss their docuseries "Snoop Dogg's Fatherhood: Cori & Wayne's Story." Jennifer also welcomes back 12-year-old kid reporter Jeremiah Fennell from Las Vegas, Nevada.

42 min

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown joins the show to discuss the upcoming Motion Picture & Television Fund's telethon. Zoe Oli from Atlanta, Georgia — the 12-year-old CEO and founder of Beautiful Curly Me — joins the show. Zoe chats about the mission of Beautiful Curly Me to empower young Black and Brown girls by providing dolls, books, puzzles, and content that encourages self-love and confidence in their natural hair.

42 min

Latto

Rapper Latto sits down for her first talk show interview to chat about her new album "Sugar Honey Iced Tea" and Season 2 of "Rhythm + Flow" on Netflix. Plus, don't miss her epic performance. Jennifer then welcomes Rhiannah Gordon and her kids, Flynn and Rhiley, from Sacramento, California. They share the heartwarming story of the emotional viral video of Rhiannah and her kids finding out she passed the California bar exam. Rhiannah hopes her story encourages others to persevere.

42 min

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry joins Jennifer to talk about his new film, "The Fire Inside." Xylene DeCoteau and her father, Carlond, join the show to share their emotional story. Xylene is a pilot for Mesa Airlines and had the extraordinary opportunity to fly her dad for the first time as a passenger. A video of her inspiring speech went viral as she surprised her dad during the flight, honoring the sacrifices he made to help her achieve her dream of becoming a pilot.

42 min

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

The incredible Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor sits down with Jennifer Hudson to share why she changed her last name and how her grandmother inspired her performance in "Nickel Boys." Plus, she dishes on her favorite fashion moments and style icons!

42 min

'The Real Full Monty' Stars

Jennifer welcomes "The Real Full Monty" stars Anthony Anderson, Tyler Posey, Taye Diggs, and James Van Der Beek in an exclusive cast interview. They'll chat about "The Real Full Monty," a two-hour special in which a group of male celebrities will bare all to raise awareness for cancer research. Next, 9-year-old singer Mirabel Pan Weston from Boston, Massachusetts, joins the show to sing "Hallelujah" and talk about her passionate, award-winning performances around Boston.

42 min

Jennifer Love Hewitt, Pat Houston, Rickey Minor

Actress and singer Jennifer Love Hewitt drops by to talk about Lifetime's new film "The Holiday Junkie" and her new book "Inheriting Magic." Pat Houston and world-renowned musician Rickey Minor visit Jennifer and discuss the Whitney Houston concert film "Whitney Houston — The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)." Jennifer then welcomes Shiller Joseph and his kidney donor, Krissy Miller, from Provo, Utah, as they share their inspiring story. In 2020, Shiller needed a kidney transplant and moved to Provo for his daughter's education. Krissy, inspired to donate a kidney, met Shiller by chance while on a hike. Learning of his need, she offered hers and was a perfect match. Shiller is thriving after a successful transplant in April 2024, and they share a lifelong bond.

42 min

Halle Bailey, Smokey Robinson

Actress and singer Halle Bailey and legendary musician Smokey Robinson join the show to chat about their new show, "A Motown Christmas Special." Jennifer welcomes back 7-year-old Luke Tillman from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He gives an update on his upcoming holiday plans and going viral from his memes!

42 min

Keith Urban, Aaron Pierre

Award-winning musician Keith Urban joins the show to discuss his new album "High" and will perform "Wildside." Actor Aaron Pierre talks about the highly anticipated film "Mufasa: The Lion King."

42 min

Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Lucky Daye

Actress and member of the famed girl group "3LW" Naturi Naughton-Lewis joins Jennifer to discuss her latest projects. Grammy-winning artist Lucky Daye performs his hit "That's You" from his album "Algorithm."

42 min

Jeffrey Wright

Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright stops by to chat about his new series, "The Agency." Jennifer welcomes the Izzo family from Buffalo, New York, to the show! Meggan and Allie have been fostering their three children for the past five years, and a recent video of David, Brooklyn, and Piper learning they finally have an adoption date recently went viral. Meggan and Allie hope to provide representation for diverse modern families and encourage others to consider fostering and adopting.

42 min

Michelle Obama

Jennifer has an exclusive interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama, who will make her first appearance on the show! They'll talk about Michelle's new book, "Overcoming: A Workbook." Additionally, they'll discuss Michelle's role as executive producer on the Netflix series "The Later Daters" and will be joined by cast members Logan Ury and Dr. Anise Mastin. Plus, Boston Public School's newest "Teacher of the Year," Ms. Tanisha Milton, visits the show.

42 min

'No Good Deed' Cast

The cast of the upcoming Netflix dramedy series "No Good Deed," featuring Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, Luke Wilson, Linda Cardellini, Teyonah Parris, and O-T Fagbenle, exclusively joins Jennifer to talk about their new series.

42 min

'The Six Triple Eight' Cast

Jennifer has the exclusive interview with "The Six Triple Eight" cast — Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Pepi Sonuga, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, and Moriah Brown — to discuss their new movie.

42 min

D-Nice

The multi-talented D-Nice joins Jennifer to discuss his New Year's Eve concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and fifth anniversary of his iconic "Club Quarantine" sets. Up next, Jennifer welcomes the inspiring Coach Martin Bacon from San Dimas, California. Martin has been a dedicated football coach at Covina High School, where he credits the sport with transforming his life. Growing up in a single-parent household, Martin found father figures in his coaches, who not only guided him but also instilled lifelong values. Motivated by their influence, Martin now pays it forward by mentoring his players both on and off the field. Finally, the one and only Jennifer Hudson will perform "Find the Love" from her holiday album "The Gift of Love."

42 min

Karamo

Television host Karamo stops by to talk about the new season of Netflix's "Queer Eye." Plus, tune in for even more from Jennifer's recent chat with former First Lady Michelle Obama in this never-before-aired bonus content!

42 min

Joe Manganiello, Tiffany Boone

Actor and host Joe Manganiello visits the show to talk about the newest season of "Deal or No Deal Island." Actress Tiffany Boone makes an appearance to talk about the highly anticipated Disney film "Mufasa: The Lion King." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Ladia Yates and 10-year-old Zamira Bankhead from L.Y.E. Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. After a successful professional career, Ladia wanted to create a safe place where dancers could have opportunities to excel. The dance studio has become a staple and positive example in the community. Her student Zamira's dance videos have been going viral for years.

42 min

O'Shea Jackson Jr., Lee Jung-Jae

Actor and rapper O'Shea Jackson Jr. drops by to talk about his new film "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera." Emmy-winning actor Lee Jung-Jae chats with Jennifer about the highly anticipated new season of Netflix's "Squid Games." Jennifer also welcomes Air Force veteran firefighter Durrell Council from Chesterfield, Virginia, to the stage. Durell was recently diagnosed with ALS and hopes to share his story with Jennifer, including how he chooses to let go of fear, speak with joy, and enjoy every moment of life.

42 min

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jennifer welcomes actress Jodie Turner-Smith to the show to chat about the hit series "The Agency."

42 min

Stephanie Hsu

Actress Stephanie Hsu stops by to talk about Peacock's new comedy series "Laid." Plus, TikTok content creator Ace Green from Los Angeles, California, visits the stage and teaches Jennifer and the audience a dance! Ace has gone viral for his livestreams teaching dance moves to different groups of people, including veterans, kids, healthcare workers, and more.

42 min

Zachary Quinto, Aloe Blacc

Actor Zachary Quinto visits to talk about his new show, "Brilliant Minds." Singer and rapper Aloe Blacc stops by to chat about his upcoming album "Stand Together." Plus, tune in for a special performance of his song "One Good Thing." Jennifer also welcomes Berhanu Dallas, aka "Dr. Drip," from Atlanta, Georgia, to the show. Dr. Drip is a marketing education teacher at Forest Park High School. Recently, he has gained lots of attention on social media for his humorous videos with his students and how he connects with them.

42 min

Lalah Hathaway, Harlem Globetrotters

Grammy award-winning R&B legend Lalah Hathaway will discuss her latest album, "VANTABLACK." Travel expert Justin Walter from Los Angeles, CA, will share some of his winter travel tips on how to tick off your bucket list on a budget. The legendary Harlem Globetrotters will give a show-stopping performance and chat about their upcoming 2025 tour.

42 min

Chris Perfetti

Jennifer welcomes "Abbott Elementary's" Chris Perfetti to the stage to discuss the fourth season of the popular show and more. Plus, tune in to watch Jeffrey Wall from Dayton, Ohio, teach Jennifer some martial arts! Jeffrey is a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati. He founded Golden Age Karate, where he leads free martial arts classes for senior citizens. His practices build self-esteem, promote empowerment, and help keep everyone social, happy, and healthy.

42 min

Janelle James, Mayan Lopez

"Abbott Elementary's" Janelle James is welcomed back to the "Jennifer Hudson Show" stage! Jennifer and Janelle talk about the fourth season of the hit comedy series. Actress Mayan Lopez stops by to talk about the third season of NBC's "Lopez vs. Lopez."

42 min

Tasha Cobbs, Mario

Two-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard drops by to talk about her latest book, "Do It Anyway Devotional: 60 Days to a Bolder Faith." R&B sensation Mario chats about being on tour with Mary J. Blige and his album "Glad You Came." Plus, he will perform a medley of "Keep Going" and "Let Me Love You."

42 min

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Jennifer welcomes actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar to talk about the second season of his show "Found." Next, couple Aki and Koichi from Irvine, California, stop by. They've gone viral for the "outfit of the day" videos their daughter Yuri posts of them. Within months, the couple gained over a million followers on Instagram. They've been flown to Europe for brand campaigns, appeared in Vogue, and more! Jennifer also welcomes Trell Thomas, founder of Black Excellence Brunch, to discuss his brunch events inspired by Sunday dinners at his mother's house in South Carolina. After moving to Los Angeles, he transformed his gatherings into a platform to showcase the achievements and contributions of Black professionals worldwide.

42 min

Andra Day

Singer-songwriter Andra Day makes a special appearance to talk about her song "Bricks" from the film "Exhibiting Forgiveness." Plus, Gina Zapanta and Mike Alder from Los Angeles, California, visit the show. The married couple are lawyers and have long been dedicated to giving back to their community. During the Los Angeles fires, they helped book free hotel rooms for those in need and have collected donations to distribute to disadvantaged people. Jennifer also welcomes back Inglewood, California, community leader Tyrone Nance. Tyrone is the founder of It's Bigger Than Us, a nonprofit organization that provides solution-based resources to underserved families in South L.A. During the devastating Los Angeles fires, Tyrone and his team bravely stepped into action to help first responders and fire victims.

42 min

Debbie Allen, J. Ivy

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" partners with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to host a special episode focused on the National Day of Racial Healing. The special hour is dedicated to helping people of all identities and backgrounds come together, reflect, and begin or continue their journey of healing from the effects of racism. Actress and dancer Debbie Allen joins this special episode and will discuss the impact of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Plus, tune in for a performance from Grammy-winning poet J. Ivy!

42 min

Shemar Moore, Ryan Destiny

Jennifer welcomes back actor Shemar Moore and they talk about his show "S.W.A.T." Actress Ryan Destiny stops by to talk about her film "The Fire Inside."

42 min

Beth Behrs

Actress Beth Behrs stops by to talk about the CBS show "The Neighborhood." Plus, tune in to watch Jennifer and Beth test out the latest social media food trends!

42 min

Christina Haack, Tarek El Moussa, Heather Rae El Moussa

Jennifer has an exclusive interview with Christina Haack and Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa to discuss their HGTV hit series, "The Flip Off." Jennifer welcomes Ashley Benton, founder/CEO of The Green Team Helping Hands Inc., from Greensboro, North Carolina. The nonprofit organization accommodates families, unhoused individuals, and veterans with meals, clothing, and daily necessities. Now, Ashley is feeding hundreds of people monthly, has dozens of volunteers, and receives donations from people and organizations around the world. And tune in for a special demonstration with "The Great American Baking Show" winner Mackenzie Rubish, where Mackenzie and her family teach Jennifer how to make a traditional Samoan cake called puligi!

42 min

Lil Rel Howery

Stand-up comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery drops by to talk about the upcoming family film "Dog Man." Jennifer welcomes 2-year-old logo expert Devin and his parents, Trevor Derose and Tatiana Gipson, from Chicago, Illinois. Devin has memorized thousands of logos across various categories, including luxury designers, food and beverage companies, entertainment, and technology. When Devin was 18 months old, he learned the alphabet and became fascinated with learning different words that start with each letter. From there, he became interested in advertisements and logos. Plus, a Beauty Alert with Emmy Award-winning hairstylist Kiyah Wright. Tune in for celebrity hairstyling tips!

Kelly Rowland

Singer and actress Kelly Rowland joins the show. Jennifer welcomes Hadiyah Cummings from Conway, Arkansas. A video of Hadiyah celebrating with her family after finding out she passed the bar exam recently went viral. She says passing the bar was a significant milestone for her being that she grew up in a low socioeconomic household and was a first-generation college student.

Keke Palmer

Actress Keke Palmer drops by to chat about her new film "One of Them Days." 10-year-old Grayson and his mother, Terica Roberts, from Altadena, California, join Jennifer to share their inspiring story. Grayson, who is legally blind due to a chromosomal disorder, lost his home in the Altadena Eaton Fire, evacuating with his family with only a few belongings. Despite losing his Braille items and beloved drum set, Grayson remains positive in a now-viral video, sharing his love for his neighborhood. In 2023, music lover Grayson was surprised by Travis Barker while raising money for visually impaired kids in Ghana. Most recently, Travis gifted him a new drum set! Grayson and his family are looking forward to rebuilding and playing music again.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Teddy Swims

Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and her son Etienne Maurice visit the show! Sheryl chats about the hit series "Abbott Elementary," and her son discusses his organization WalkGood LA, which has been helping survivors of the recent Southern California fires. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Teddy Swims stops by to talk about his album "I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2)." Plus, Jennifer welcomes viral sensation Charlie Campbell from Birmingham, Alabama. The 12-year-old went viral after a video of him singing "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims at a basketball camp caught the attention of Teddy himself!

42 min

Usher

R&B legend Usher visits Jennifer to talk about his new Audible project and more. Plus, the Southern University and A&M College Marching Band from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, appears on the show. Jennifer talks to the band director, Dr. Kedric Taylor, about their performance at the Honda Battle of the Bands at SoFi Stadium.

42 min

"General Hospital" Cast

Jennifer welcomes "General Hospital" cast members Finola Hughes, Laura Wright, Cameron Mathison, Donnell Turner, Tanisha Harper, and Maurice Benard to discuss the show's 62nd season. Next, 9-year-old Denzil Irving III, also known as "Professor D3" from Fort Pierce, Florida, joins the show to discuss his journey as an aspiring chemist. He teaches chemistry on his Instagram and YouTube channels, where he shares his love for STEM.

42 min

Sheila E., Heather Headley

Grammy-winning artist Sheila E. will join Jennifer to chat about her new album "Bailar." Singer and actress Heather Headley is in the studio to dish about the newest season of her show "Sweet Magnolias." Plus, 6-year-old food critic Reese Jackson from New Orleans, Louisiana, stops by to taste some Super Bowl-themed snacks.

42 min

Super Bowl Episode

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" hosts a special Super Bowl episode! Actress Gina Torres stops by to discuss the final season of "9-1-1: Lone Star." Plus, Jennifer gets Super Bowl predictions from the adorable "Puppy Bowl" puppies!

42 min

Colman Domingo

Award-winning actor Colman Domingo visits to talk about his Oscar-nominated film "Sing Sing." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Royal Ramey from San Bernardino, California. Royal is the co-founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), a nonprofit organization that provides career support to formerly incarcerated firefighters and those currently incarcerated in California's Conservation Camps who are interested in careers in the wildland and forestry sector. Their mission is to increase wildfire personnel from non-traditional and underrepresented communities, providing them the training, skills, resources, and experience needed to secure gainful employment.

42 min

Michelle Williams, Grant Ellis

Actress and singer Michelle Williams stops by to talk about her role in "Death Becomes Her" on Broadway. Bachelor star Grant Ellis sits down with Jennifer to talk about the newest season of "The Bachelor." 10-year-old kid conservationist Liddy Cleve from Savannah, Georgia, joins the show and shares how she was inspired at 6 years old to start hosting monthly community beach cleanups and become an ocean advocate. Through her nonprofit Save Sea Life with Liddy, she donates trash cleanup stations to local schools and creates bracelets made from recycled trash to inspire others.

42 min

Johnny Gill

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Johnny Gill visits Jennifer to chat about New Edition's residency at The Wynn in Las Vegas. Jennifer welcomes 3-year-old Ace and his mother, Melissa Morris, from Detroit, Michigan. Melissa shares how Ace, an old soul with a passion for ’50s to ’80s music, amazed her with his knowledge at just a year old, quickly becoming an online sensation.

42 min

George Lopez, Sexyy Red

Iconic comedian George Lopez and Jennifer talk about his final comedy stand-up special "Muy Católico" on Prime Video. Rapper and singer Sexyy Red drops by to talk about her new music. Astronaut and bioastronautics researcher Kellie Gerardi from Jupiter, Florida, joins the show. As director of Human Spaceflight Operations at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), she was one of the first payload specialists on a commercial spacecraft and the 90th woman in space. In 2026, she'll lead an all-female suborbital flight with Virgin Galactic. Kellie is dedicated to paving the way for future generations.

42 min

Valentine's Day Episode

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" celebrates Valentine's Day! Music legend David Foster joins Jennifer to discuss the upcoming Broadway musical "BOOP!" 8-year-old Bella Baker from Los Angeles, California, returns to offer love and relationship advice. Jennifer also welcomes Brian McShea and his fiancée, Stephanie Raynor, from Altadena, California, to share their remarkable story of resilience and love. They lost their home last month in the Eaton Fire. Brian was out of town when the flames erupted, while Stephanie narrowly escaped with their pets. Returning to the ashes, Brian miraculously discovered the engagement ring he had hidden and proposed on the spot. A neighbor captured the emotional moment, and the photo quickly went viral, offering a glimmer of hope amid heartbreak. As they plan their wedding, Brian and Stephanie are committed to rebuilding their future alongside their beloved Altadena community.

42 min

Bill Bellamy

Actor and comedian Bill Bellamy stops by to talk about his upcoming comedy dates.

42 min

Tyla

Singer-songwriter Tyla visits to talk about the remix of her song "Push 2 Start" with Sean Paul. Jennifer also welcomes 13-year-old Judah Scott from Ottawa, Canada. Judah has gained social media fame for covering songs and posting them and performing with one of his favorite bands, LANY.

42 min

Mikey Madison, Druski

Oscar nominee Mikey Madison will talk about her film "Anora." Plus, comedian and actor Druski stops by to talk about his upcoming reality dating series "Coulda Been Love." Next, educators Stanley Alston and Tiffany Davis from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, join the show to share their inspiring work at Achieve Academy East, a transitional school for students struggling in traditional settings. Dean of students Stan and special education teacher Tiffany help students improve behavior, attendance, and academics before they return to their home schools. Two years ago, Stan began celebrating students' achievements and birthdays by bursting into classrooms with a boom box — videos of which have since gone viral. They say these small celebrations boost confidence and self-esteem for kids who often feel forgotten.

42 min

Anthony Mackie

Actor Anthony Mackie comes down to talk about the newest Marvel film "Captain America: Brave New World." Jennifer also welcomes Brian McShea and his fiancée Stephanie Raynor from Altadena, California. Brian and Stephanie lost their home in the Eaton Fire last month. When they were cleared to visit where their house once stood, Brian was able to sift through the rubble and miraculously find the engagement ring he planned to give to Stephanie and proposed to her on the spot. Their story went viral on social media.

42 min

Coco Jones

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" throws a surprise celebration — for Jennifer Hudson! Singer-songwriter and actress Coco Jones drops by to chat about her new music.

42 min

Tina Knowles

Ms. Tina Knowles joins the show for the first time to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her hair care brand, Cécred, and discuss its remarkable success. 6-year-old rap sensation Savannah "Van Van" McConneaughey from Charlotte, North Carolina, joins Jennifer to chat and perform a song from her debut album!

42 min

Adam Levine, Aldis Hodge

Adam Levine stops by to chat about the new season of "The Voice." Actor Aldis Hodge discusses his successful series "Cross."

42 min

Jesse Palmer, Cast of "The Family Business: New Orleans

Host Jesse Palmer will drop by to talk about the new season of ‘"The Bachelor." Jennifer welcomes the stars of "The Family Business: New Orleans," including Lela Rochon, Yvette Nicole Brown, David Banner, Brandon T. Jackson, and Pooch Hall. 9-year-old boxing prodigy Mia Perez from Miami, Florida, joins the show to share her journey from picking up the sport just 11 months ago to becoming a viral sensation. She hopes to inspire young girls to break barriers and pursue their dreams.

42 min

Ego Nwodim, Chanel Iman

Actress Ego Nwodim stops by to chat about the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live." Supermodel Chanel Iman sits down with Jennifer Hudson and shares how a bold wink at Anna Wintour helped land her on the cover of Vogue. She also opens up about motherhood, her daughters, and celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary with her NFL beau. Dancers Storm DeBarge and AhniYah Berry from Los Angeles, California, join the show to share their experience starring in Kendrick Lamar's "Squabble Up" music video — and teach Jennifer some of their signature moves!

42 min

Peter Krause

Actor Peter Krause drops by to chat about the new season of "9-1-1." Dr. Tiara Moore, a marine ecologist studying water quality and human impacts on the ocean, joins the show to share her journey. Inspired by a college ecology course, she pursued marine biology but faced racism during her doctorate, motivating her to drive change. In 2020, she founded Black in Marine Science (BIMS) to celebrate and connect Black marine scientists worldwide. Now a nonprofit with 350+ members across 30+ countries, BIMS continues to grow.

42 min

Eric McCormack

Actor Eric McCormack visits to talk about his new thriller series, "Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue." Jennifer also welcomes "Chicago's Lemonade Girls," who are helping their community on the South Side of Chicago with their lemonade stand. During a local heat wave last summer, Brittany Powell's daughters Jade, 12, and Joy, 11, started a lemonade stand to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Jade, who has type 1 diabetes, knows firsthand the challenges of spending time in the hospital and felt inspired to uplift other children facing similar experiences. The sisters had such a positive response to their fundraiser that they started helping other deserving causes. Plus, one-armed archer Gabriel George from Jacksonville, Florida, stops by to demonstrate his archery skills with Jennifer!

42 min

Regina Hall, Jordan Chiles

Actress Regina Hall stops by to talk about Searchlight Pictures' new film "O'Dessa." USA Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles also visits the studio to chat about her upcoming memoir, "I'm That Girl."

42 min

"Matlock" Cast

Jennifer welcomes the new "Matlock" cast — Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis — to talk about the reboot series. Plus, tune in to watch Jennifer learn how to play the bagpipes with Trevor Takahashi and two drummers from the City of Angels Pipe Band from Los Angeles, California! Trevor is the pipe major and creative director of the band, which was founded in 2021 to promote diversity within the international arena of competitive pipe bands.

42 min

Howie Mandel, Parvati Shallow

Comedian and host Howie Mandel and reality competition star Parvati Shallow stop by to talk about Season 2 of "Deal or No Deal Island."

42 min

Nicole Avant

Producer and author Nicole Avant discusses the Netflix film "The Six Triple Eight" and her book "Think You'll Be Happy." Jennifer also welcomes sleep expert Dr. Cheri Mah from Sunnyvale, California, who shares tips on how to get the best sleep possible.

42 min

Kevin Hart, Jennie

Iconic comedian Kevin Hart drops by to talk about the new adult animated series "Lil Kev" on BET+. K-pop superstar Jennie (from BLACKPINK) discusses her debut solo album, "Ruby."

42 min

Melissa Rauch

Actress Melissa Rauch stops by to talk about NBC's "Night Court." Plus, Jennifer chats with Michele Byrd-McPhee from Jersey City, New Jersey. Michele is the founder of Ladies of Hip-Hop, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and girls within hip-hop culture. And Jennifer welcomes singing wedding couple Ethan and Sophia Elms from Cincinnati, Ohio. The newlyweds recently went viral for their surprise duet of "Endless Love" at their wedding reception.

42 min

Laverne Cox

Actress Laverne Cox visits to chat about her new Amazon Prime comedy series, "Clean Slate." Jennifer also invites top-rated stylist and color expert Rayne Parvis from Los Angeles, California, to explain what color analysis is and how to find your most flattering shades.

42 min

Big Sean, Brenda Song

Award-winning rapper Big Sean stops by to talk about his new book "Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace." Plus, actress Brenda Song chats with Jennifer about her new Netflix show, "Running Point."

42 min

Alfonso Ribeiro

Actor and host Alfonso Ribeiro drops by to talk about "America's Funniest Home Videos." Jennifer welcomes bracket expert Mariah Rose from Atlanta, Georgia, who shares her breakdown of March Madness and tips on how to create a bracket. Mariah is a sports content creator with over 700K followers on socials and has a podcast called "Hoops for Hotties." She has gained popularity for posting videos where she explains sports and provides commentary for people who don't regularly watch. Plus, Italian operatic trio Il Volo performs "Who Wants to Live Forever" as they embark on a world tour.

42 min

Kat Dennings, Kate Flannery

Actress Kat Dennings stops by to talk about the ABC series "Shifting Gears." Plus, actress Kate Flannery teaches Jennifer about St. Patrick's Day traditions!

42 min

Antoni Porowski, Gina Torres

TV personality Antoni Porowski visits Jennifer to chat about his upcoming National Geographic series "No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski." Actress Gina Torres stops by to discuss the final season of "9-1-1: Lone Star." Jennifer also welcomes Jake and Lauren Beck from Toledo, Ohio. The two recently went viral for a video of the moment Jake found out Lauren is pregnant. The couple has struggled with infertility in the past, so they were overjoyed to learn they were able to conceive naturally after previously undergoing fertility treatments.

42 min

Gabriel Iglesias

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias chats with Jennifer about his new Netflix special "Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen from Redondo Beach, California. Dr. Allen is an emergency medicine physician and the founder of Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care, the first African American-owned urgent care facility in the United States, with a chain of locations serving Greater Los Angeles and Orange County. Believing that building strong connections with patients and fostering community is just as important as the clinical aspects of health care, Dr. Allen has spent over 20 years ensuring accessible and equitable care for underserved populations in Southern California.

42 min

Mario Lopez

Host and actor Mario Lopez stops by to discuss his national radio show "On with Mario." Plus, Dr. Tommie Mabry from Jackson, Mississippi, visits to share the inspiring story of how he made his way out of one of the roughest neighborhoods in Mississippi by pursuing higher education. Now, as an educator and public speaker, he mentors and trains other educators, principals, and superintendents across the country on how to support students who face challenges. Dr. Tommie also established a scholarship out of his own pocket at his alma mater, Tougaloo College, where he has been able to support students like himself in pursuing their education.

42 min

SZA

Grammy Award-winning artist SZA joins Jennifer to talk about her highly anticipated tour with Kendrick Lamar and the release of "SOS Deluxe: Lana," the expanded edition of her chart-topping album. Jennifer also welcomes the Taylor family: Stephan, Erion, and their three children, Stephan II, Gianna, and Josephine, from Altadena, California. After losing their home in the Eaton Fire, the Taylors remain focused on what matters most: family, community, and rebuilding together. Known for their volunteer work with local youth, they inspire others with their strength and positivity. Their children say their resilience is a daily motivation, and Stephan and Erion believe Altadena's history reflects its close-knit, unbreakable spirit. Despite losing everything, the Taylors say they have everything.

42 min

Uzo Aduba, Billy Zane

Actress Uzo Aduba stops by to talk about her new Netflix series "The Residence." Actor Billy Zane chats about his new film "Day of Reckoning." Jennifer welcomes Kandee Lewis, CEO of Positive Results Center, to discuss her nonprofit's work in fostering healthy relationships and healing trauma. Since 2014, their annual prom attire giveaway has provided over 600 teens with free dresses, tuxes, and more. This year's event on March 29 will also support wildfire-affected families, but donations are slow — so Kandee hopes Jennifer can help spread the word!

42 min

Randall Park, Mel Robbins

Actor Randall Park and Jennifer discuss his new Netflix series "The Residence." Plus, Jennifer welcomes New York Times best-selling author Mel Robbins to talk about her podcast "The Mel Robbins Show" and her upcoming book "The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About."

42 min

Omari Hardwick, Shemar Moore

Actor Omari Hardwick joins Jennifer to chat about his film "Star Trek: Section 31." And actor Shemar Moore stops by to play a game with Jennifer!

42 min

Nathan Fillion

Actor Nathan Fillion stops by to talk about his hit series "The Rookie." Plus, Jennifer welcomes the viral Los Negrete family from San Fernando, California. Jaime, Cindy, Heloisa, and JJ went viral for their at-home musical performances on TikTok. Tune in to watch an exclusive performance from the family!

42 min

Chelsea Handler

Actress and comedian Chelsea Handler drops by to talk about her new Netflix comedy special "Chelsea Handler: The Feeling" and her upcoming book "I'll Have What She's Having." Founder and CEO of STEM from Dance Yamilée Toussaint joins the show to share how her nonprofit empowers girls. Her free programs in nine U.S. cities engage girls ages 8 to 18 with mentorship and hands-on projects, blending computer science, coding, and choreography. By integrating STEM into dance, Yamilée inspires girls to see themselves as future engineers and innovators. Plus, a new Fashion Beauty Alert with Rebecca King Crews. She'll share some styling tips and a peek at her fashion line Rebecca Crews.

42 min

Adam DeVine, Peyton List

Actor and comedian Adam DeVine joins Jennifer to talk about Season 4 of Max's "The Righteous Gemstones." "School Spirits" star Peyton List stops by to discuss the hit show's success. Plus, Jennifer welcomes the viral granddaughter-grandmother duo Emma Grace and "Memama" from Port St. Joe, Florida. The two have over 1.4 million followers on TikTok and are known for their cute relationship, sugary recipes, and Southern style.

42 min

Dermot Mulroney

Actor Dermot Mulroney drops by to chat with Jennifer about his new film "When I'm Ready."

42 min

Ellen Pompeo

Actress Ellen Pompeo stops by to talk about her new Hulu show "Good American Family." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Dr. Richard Bridgewater from Miramar, Florida. Dr. Bridgewater is an obstetrician-gynecologist and for the past 30 years, he has been known for speaking words of affirmation to the newborns he delivers. Videos posted by his patients of these sweet moments have recently gone viral. He shares his positivity and encouragement with each baby so they are reminded of their worth and the love with which they are welcomed into the world.

42 min

Seth Rogen, Lauren Rogen, Dove Cameron

Actors Seth Rogen and Lauren Rogen stop by to talk about their documentary "Taking Care" and Seth's new Apple TV+ show "The Studio." Plus, singer and actress Dove Cameron joins Jennifer to talk about her recently released single "Too Much."

42 min

Normani

Actress and singer Normani joins Jennifer to discuss her upcoming film "Freaky Tales." And 8-year-old salsa dancer Angelo Fabricio Munder from Miami, Florida, stops by to talk about his viral dancing videos. Plus, tune in for his showstopping performance!

42 min

Simu Liu, Benny Blanco

Actor Simu Liu stops by to discuss his new competition reality series "Got to Get Out." Multiplatinum artist, record producer, and songwriter benny blanco chats with Jennifer about his new album with fiancée Selena Gomez, "I Said I Love You First."

42 min

Noah Wyle

"The Pitt" star Noah Wyle drops by to talk about the hit series on Max. Plus, Jennifer welcomes 8-year-old Olympic weightlifter Rayya Howard from Nashville, Tennessee. She recently made headlines by breaking three American records for USA Weightlifting, earning the title as the strongest girl in the U.S. for ages 13 and under. She is currently the youngest person to hold this title. Tune in to watch her demonstrate her weightlifting skills.

42 min

Barbara Corcoran, Montana Jordan, Emily Osment

Business mogul and TV personality Barbara Corcoran and Jennifer talk about the 16th season of "Shark Tank." "Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage" stars Montana Jordan and Emily Osment drop by to talk about the show.

42 min

Christina Ricci

Actress Christina Ricci and Jennifer chat about the season finale of "Yellowjackets."

42 min

Jay Ellis, Kamohai Kalama, Tristyn Kalama

Actor Jay Ellis and Jennifer chat about his new film "Freaky Tales." Kamohai Kalama and Tristyn Kalama kick off HGTV Week by showing Jennifer some of their skills and discussing their show "Renovation Aloha."

42 min

Drew Scott, Jonathan Scott, Page Turner

HGTV Week continues with the Property Brothers, Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott, discussing their new show "Chasing the West." Page Turner stops by to chat with Jennifer for HGTV week. Plus, Ladies of Hip-Hop founder Michele Byrd-McPhee from Jersey City, New Jersey, stops by. Ladies of Hip-Hop is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and girls within hip-hop culture.

42 min

Cast of "G20", Ty Pennington, ENHYPEN

Jennifer welcomes the cast of "G20," including Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, Antony Starr, Marsai Martin, Ramón Rodríguez, Christopher Farrar, and Sabrina Impacciatore, to talk about the new film. HGTV's Ty Pennington and Jennifer chat about his show "Rock the Block." Plus, tune in for a performance from K-pop group ENHYPEN!

42 min

Denis Leary, Egypt Sherrod, Mike Jackson

Actor and comedian Denis Leary stops by to discuss his sitcom "Going Dutch." HGTV's Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson give a demo and talk about their show "Married to Real Estate." Jennifer also welcomes the Sample family — Steven Sample, Sheila Sample, Keirrah Randle, and Jake Randle-Sample — from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A video of Jake surprising Steve on his birthday with the news that he was adopting Steve's last name recently went viral. Jake said he wanted to honor Steve and carry on his legacy by changing his last name to Sample. Though Steve is not their biological father, they say the video shows that family is defined by love.

42 min

Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" hosts a spring celebration! Country music superstar Luke Bryan stops by to chat about "American Idol." Grammy-nominated artist Jelly Roll joins Jennifer to talk about his new single "Heart of Stone." 7-year-old food critic Reese Jackson from New Orleans, Louisiana, is back to sample the season's favorite dishes! Plus, Jennifer's longtime friend and piano player Charles Jones joins in on the fun!

42 min

Cast of "The Wedding Banquet"

The cast of "The Wedding Banquet," including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan, and Kelly Marie Tran, stops by to discuss the new film with Jennifer. Plus, Jennifer welcomes back 4-year-old flag expert Vincent Palmer and his mother Jane Palmer from Dayton, Ohio. Tune in to watch Vincent demonstrate his flag knowledge and more!

42 min

Tayme Thapthimthong

"The White Lotus" star Tayme Thapthimthong joins Jennifer to talk about the show's third season. Next, Kira Abboud from Coral Springs, Florida, stops by with a Beauty Alert. Kira is a fashion and lifestyle content creator who goes by "Kira's Fashion Finds" on social media. Tune in for her advice on how to transition your wardrobe from spring to summer.

42 min

Penn Badgley, Robyn Hurder

Actor Penn Badgley drops by to chat about the highly anticipated final season of "You." Plus, the star of Broadway's "Smash," Robyn Hurder, talks about the new production.

42 min

Tamar Braxton, Ms. Evelyn Braxton

Singer Tamar Braxton and Ms. Evelyn Braxton are in the studio to discuss their show "Cooking Sessions with Tamar and Ms. E." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Gil Jay — aka "Mr. Dimples"— from Bakersfield, California. The owner of Dimples Food and Ice Creams truck went viral on TikTok for his cooking videos, earning over a million likes.

42 min

Jeannie Mai, Bert Kreischer

Emmy Award-winning TV host Jeannie Mai and Jennifer chat about her series "America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation." Comedian Bert Kreischer stops by to talk about his Netflix stand-up special "Lucky." Jennifer then welcomes Marley McNealy from San Francisco, California. At just 15 years old, Marley is a 19-time national boxing champion and a four-time Junior Olympic gold medalist. She's currently ranked number one in the country for her weight class and age group. She's also a member of the junior USA Boxing National Team.

42 min

Joshua Jackson

Actor Joshua Jackson stops by to talk about his show "Doctor Odyssey." Jennifer also welcomes DeMira Pierre from Compton, California. DeMira is a volunteer youth basketball coach at the city of Carson Youth Sports program. One year ago, she founded Compton Fest, an event aimed at bringing resources to Compton and restoring pride in the community. Through this initiative, she aims to change the stigma surrounding the area by providing valuable resources such as health and wellness awareness, access to education, and opportunities for economic development and advancement.

42 min

Tisha Campbell, Finesse Mitchell

Actors and stand-up comedians Tisha Campbell and Finesse Mitchell stop by to talk about the Dayum Gina! Comedy Tour. Jennifer welcomes Rachel Nieves, owner of Buddies Coffee in Brooklyn, New York, who went viral after sharing that her shop might close due to rising rent and a big café moving in next door. Since then, thousands of people, including celebrities Joe Jonas and Liza Koshy, have shown support in person and online. Plus, 9-year-old Janiya Smith and her mom Shirley from Sanford, Florida, drop by. Janiya and her mom wrote in to the show because they are huge fans and wanted to tell Jennifer about Janiya's rapping skills and the book she wrote called "Yes, I'm a Girl with Locs." Also known as Yung MKE, Janiya recently won Apollo night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has gained a lot of attention online for her freestyles. Tune in to watch Janiya freestyle rap!

42 min

Joel Kim Booster

Jennifer chats with Joel Kim Booster, host of the Bravo show "Love Hotel," about the new reality dating series. Jennifer welcomes Dr. Adedamola Badewa from Dallas, Texas, who went viral for graduating from Georgetown medical school while pregnant and carrying her toddler with her. The first doctor in her family, she now mentors young Black medical students and secured a top residency — all while balancing motherhood.

42 min

The Temptations, Leon Thomas

Legendary vocal group The Temptations stop by to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their number one song "My Girl." Plus, tune in for a special performance by the group! Singer-songwriter Leon Thomas drops by for his first talk show interview and discusses his upcoming album "MUTT Deluxe: HEEL." Plus, Jennifer welcomes Natalie Mott from Houston, Texas. Natalie is the founder of Lullabies and Chaos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and emotional support to expectant mothers. The organization was born out of Natalie's own experience of becoming a mom at age 18 and working three jobs as a single parent to make ends meet. Her organization helps moms and threw a "Bundle of Joy Bash" for them — a surprise baby shower where they receive brand-new essential items like clothes, baby gear, nursery furniture, and more.

42 min

Mike Epps

Comedian and actor Mike Epps chats with Jennifer about his comedy tour and the series "Good American Family," which he executive produced. And Andrea Dalzell, widely known as "The Seated Nurse," from Brooklyn, New York, visits. Andrea was diagnosed with transverse myelitis at age 5, causing her to be fully wheelchair-dependent by the time she was 12. She is the first wheelchair-using registered nurse in New York state and now serves as the head of oncology nurse at the New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in Brooklyn. Beyond tending to patients, Andrea has used her platform to champion disability rights, inspiring countless individuals through her advocacy work, and earning accolades such as New Mobility's Person of the Year in 2021.

42 min

Sheryl Underwood

Comedian and actress Sheryl Underwood talks with Jennifer about her Mix & Mingle Tour. Also stopping by are Holly Allgood and Jamie Lynn Dorr from Tupelo, Mississippi. Jamie's adopted son, Bowen, is on the autism spectrum and was born with a rare metabolic disorder that requires constant care to prevent serious neurological damage. In 2023, Bowen joined a preschool for kids with special needs, where his teacher Holly quickly became a source of strength and friendship for Jamie. When Bowen's condition worsened and he needed a liver transplant in early 2024, Holly made a life-changing decision — she offered to be his donor.

42 min

David Oyelowo

"Government Cheese" star and executive producer David Oyelowo makes an appearance. Plus, Jennifer welcomes the Sterner sisters, Kara and twins Alisha and Liz, from Macomb, Michigan, who became nurses in honor of their late mother, Kim, who passed away from appendix cancer when they were children. While their mom was undergoing chemotherapy, the sisters (then 10 and 11) took on the responsibility of helping her with everyday tasks and making her comfortable. They credit seeing the nurses care for their mom with sparking their desire to pursue careers in nursing.

42 min

Maren Morris

Celebrate "The Jennifer Hudson Show's" 500th episode! Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris stops by to talk about her new album "D R E A M S I C L E." Plus, first-grade teacher Emily Gilreath from Pleasant Grove Elementary in Birmingham, Alabama, joins the show with her 7-year-old student Brooklyn Coleman. When Brooklyn couldn't attend the school's "Sneaker Ball" because her mom had to work, Emily stepped in, covering the costs and taking her herself. A video of their special night went viral!

42 min

Lil Nas X, Lori Greiner

Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X and Jennifer discuss music from his new album "DREAMBOY." "Shark Tank" star and entrepreneur Lori Greiner stops by to share delicious treats from her brands The Pizza Cupcake and Y'all Sweet Tea.

42 min

Taraji P. Henson

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" celebrates Mother's Day! Jennifer sits down with award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson to discuss her film "Straw" and her Italian wine brand, Seven Daughters Moscato.

42 min

William Stanford Davis

"The Jennifer Hudson Show" celebrates Nurses Week with an unforgettable surprise! Actor William Stanford Davis stops by to talk about the hit comedy series "Abbott Elementary."

42 min

Kesha

Multi-platinum artist Kesha drops by to chat about her upcoming album ". (PERIOD)." Jennifer welcomes Brad Edwards and Kyra Betts from St. Louis, Missouri. Brad and Kyra are the co-founders of Dads to Doulas, a program that provides doula-level training to equip Black men and expectant fathers with the knowledge and skills to advocate for their families from pregnancy through infancy.

42 min

Niecy Nash Betts

Actress Niecy Nash Betts and Jennifer talk about her show "Grotesquerie." Then, Jennifer welcomes 4-year-old LaR'iyah Jesireé, aka Ms. Shirley, from Starkville, Mississippi. Ms. Shirley has loved to dance ever since she was a baby, and at age 3, she began teaching herself the viral dances on TikTok. In February, Ms. Shirley's "Boots on the Ground" dance video went viral and has received over 16 million views.

42 min

En Vogue

Vocal group En Vogue talk with Jennifer about their new tour. Plus, tune in for a special acoustic performance of "Hold On."

42 min

Cedric the Entertainer, Kali Uchis

Comedian Cedric the Entertainer and Jennifer chat about his lifestyle brand AC Barbeque. Grammy-winning Latin/pop/R&B artist Kali Uchis stops by to talk about her album "Sincerely." Plus, the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs an excerpt from "Cry." Next, Jennifer welcomes Vanessa Imani and her dad, Antonio Truyols, from Queens, New York. Growing up with parents who are both professional musicians, Vanessa has been immersed in music since she was a baby. Antonio started posting videos online of Vanessa singing, and it didn't take long for her songs to go viral — her followers call her an "improv genius"!

42 min

Bobby Brown

Singer-songwriter and rapper Bobby Brown and Jennifer talk about his Bobby Brown Coffee brand. Plus, tune in for a military homecoming surprise!

42 min

Elisabeth Moss, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch

"The Handmaid's Tale" star Elisabeth Moss and Jennifer discuss the final season of the show. "Sesame Street's" very own Elmo and Oscar the Grouch also make an appearance!

42 min

Tabitha Brown

Actress Tabitha Brown visits Jennifer to talk about the third season of her show "Tab Time." All the way from Surrey, U.K., 11-year-old Jake Collisson stops by to chat with Jennifer about his viral moment at a music festival playing guitar with the band RPJ.

42 min

Questlove, Cast of "Smash"

Drummer and producer Questlove and Jennifer discuss his new special "Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music." Tune in for a performance of "Let's Be Bad" with the cast of "Smash." Jennifer also welcomes Nexstar's Remarkable Women of 2025 finalists from across the country.

42 min

Curtis Stone, Julia Michaels

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone teaches Jennifer recipes using his line of cookware. Next, singer-songwriter and hitmaker Julia Michaels and Jennifer chat about her new EP, "Second Self." Then, 8-year-old mariachi singer Alessandra Gutierrez from Bakersfield, California, stops by. She has captured the heart of Internet users on TikTok with millions of views and over 6 million likes. Tune in for her special mariachi vocal performance!

42 min

Jessica Williams, Kevin Olusola

"Shrinking" star Jessica Williams and Jennifer discuss the dramedy series. Pentatonix member and vocalist Kevin Olusola stops by to chat about his upcoming solo album, "Dawn of a Misfit," and performs with a cello! Next, Jennifer welcomes 6-year-old JoJo Resta, aka "JoJo Moto," from Thornton, Colorado. He is best known for being energetic and for his impressive motocross skills, which have gone viral on Instagram.

42 min

Chloe Fineman

"Saturday Night Live" star Chloe Fineman stops by to talk about the hit show and to discuss her new film, "Summer of 69." Plus, Jennifer chats with Jordan Lloyd and his daughter, Noah, from Suffolk, Virginia. A video of Jordan talking to his daughter about her vitiligo and embracing her skin recently went viral.

42 min

Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, Tim Story

Jennifer welcomes "The Pickup" stars Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer and director Tim Story to chat about the film.

42 min