Wanda On The Small Screen

Wanda Sykes is about to finalize a deal for an hour-long late-night talk show to air Saturday nights on Fox.

The program, slated to premiere in the fall, will succeed the recently canceled sketch comedy show "MadTV." The format will feature Sykes and a panel of recurring guests sparring over issues concerning politics as well as pop culture. Sykes will appear in field segments as well.

Sykes's deal brings a rare female presence to late-night television, which is dominated by white male hosts. The actress, who co-stars on CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine," previously headlined the sitcom "Wanda at Large" on Fox.