"The Wendy Williams Show" Guest Hosts: How They Doin’?

Filling in on a nationally syndicated daytime television talk show is a monumental task. You want to do a good job, while not coming across as if you’re trying to replace the Talent you’re temporarily substituting. The thirteenth season of “The Wendy Williams Show” was set to premiere on September 20th, but the host’s health issues moved the actual launch date back to October 18th. Since Wendy wasn’t ready to return, the show went back on the air without her instead of continuing to air repeat episodes.

On day one of the fill-in experience (October 18th), four friends of “The Wendy Williams Show” co-hosted: Elizabeth Wagmeister, Bevy Smith, Michael Yo and Devyn Simone. Together, they were fine, but something special happened on October 19th.

When Leah Remini stepped in for Wendy Williams, she opened “The Wendy Williams Show” on her own, and was joined by her best friend Michelle Visage after greeting the audience. While it’s natural to assume Michelle was picked because of her relationship with Leah, it’s the resume that helped Michelle perform well. Michelle Visage is best known for her work as a judge on the Emmy-winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” But before her days on the panel, Michelle worked in New York radio as a host and co-host. As a result, she know how to entertain while not outshining Leah Remini.

Both ladies were fun, dynamic and relatable, and their chemistry was undeniable. Having two fill in for Wendy provided a different experience for regular viewers of “The Wendy Williams Show,” giving them the opportunity to watch Leah and Michelle as your two favorite aunties chopping it up, instead of comparing the performance of one to Wendy.

The second week of guest hosts on “The Wendy Williams Show” featured Whitney Cummings, and instead of having the same co-host by her side, stand-up comics Dulcé Sloan, Michelle Buteau and Ms. Pat took turns. Whitney seemed to have the most fun interacting with Michelle Buteau, but the lack of partner continuity made Whitney’s week-long stint less memorable than Leah Remini’s four-day run with Michelle Visage.

Current “Dish Nation” Talent and former co-host of “The View” Sherri Shepherd will the next guest host of “The Wendy Williams Show,” and a return date for the official host has not yet been announced.