Katie Couric books E.L. James, Barbra Streisand for new talk show

By Meredith Blake

Aug. 28, 2012 12 AM PT

Katie Couric’s syndicated talk show isn’t scheduled to launch until Sept. 10, but producers of “Katie” on Tuesday announced her upcoming guest lineup. Not surprisingly, given Couric’s place in history as the first woman to anchor a nightly network news program on her own, the confirmed guests skew toward alpha females, including Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Lopez and Heidi Klum.

According to a news release, the premiere episode will feature a sit-down with tabloid fixture, fashion mogul and occasional TV star Jessica Simpson, who will discuss “some of her most intense challenges, including losing the weight she put on during her pregnancy.” (You knew that was coming, didn’t you?) Singer Sheryl Crow is also to show up on Sept. 10.

In a move that seems sure to attract plenty of female eyeballs, Couric has also booked E.L. James, author of the phenomenally successful “Fifty Shades of Grey” series. Lopez is also scheduled to make a visit to “Katie,” opening up about life after divorce and (fingers crossed) her relationship with that Casper guy.

But Couric’s biggest “get” so far may be the interview with Babs herself. Among other topic, the superstar is expected to discuss her return to Brooklyn for her first performance there in more than 50 years.

If that doesn’t leave you verklempt, consider the other guests “Katie” in the wings: “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara, comedian Chelsea Handler and actress Susan Sarandon.

Who needs men anyway?

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