CBS renews 'The Talk' for second season

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- CBS says it has renewed its U.S. chat show "The Talk" for the 2011-2012 television season.

Hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete and Leah Remini are to return for the second season of the series, which examines topical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of five female hosts who are all mothers.

"After only a few months on the air, 'The Talk' has delivered creative and ratings growth and established a strong profile in daytime," Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement Wednesday. "The co-hosts have clicked together, the topics have connected with the audience and the show has added a new dimension to our top-rated daytime lineup. We're excited about its current success and the potential to grow and evolve 'The Talk' even further."

"We're proud that 'The Talk' has emerged as a unique player in the daytime arena," added David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios. "The goal was always to create a show that offered different perspectives to issues facing families. The show's success is largely due to our hosts' chemistry and we're thrilled that the topics we are addressing are resonating with audiences."