Wanda Sykes heading to Fox

Aside from being a very funny performer, nobody would ever accuse Wanda Sykes of being a shrinking violet. She's a strong, determined and no-nonsense woman and if I was in a foxhole, I'd want her with me.

Therefore, it's my belief that Sykes' deal with Fox for a Saturday night late night show will succeed. It won't be easy, going up against the giant of Saturday night comedy Saturday Night Live, but Wanda's a good bet to give them a good challenge.

The proposed hour comedy show, which is being called topical and will include a panel to discuss issues like The View, would premiere this fall. It'll be taking over for MadTV. In addition to the free-wheeling conversation, Wanda will also venture outside the studio for field segments. Knowing Sykes' comedy style, the out of studio bits will be a cut above Jay-walking.

In fact, if the show is anything like Wanda's stand-up, I predict the Fox censor will be quick on the trigger. She is ribald and raw in concert and completely hilarious. Nothing is off-limits.

While I'm thrilled for Wanda getting her own show, I'm hopeful that this doesn't mean that The New Adventures of Old Christine will not be returning. The latest buzz is that CBS has been satisfied with the performance of Julia Louis-Dreyfus' sitcom in the Wednesday lead-off spot and were leaning to renew the show. If so, the show has to find a way to keep Wanda Sykes in the mix as Barb, Christine's on-again/off-again wife and full-time best friend.