NBCUniversal’s hit rookie daytime talk show “Steve Harvey” has received a renewal through the 2015-16 season on a number of station groups, with the renewals bringing the show to 65% market penetration, B&C reports.

Station groups renewing the show include the NBC Owned Television Stations, Hearst, Cox, Media General, Fox, Sinclair, Gannett, Local TV, Allbritton, LIN, Nexstar and Raycom.

In a statement, NBC Broadcasting Chairman Ted Harbert said: "Steve is one of the best entertainers in the country and his first season has been a tremendous success because of the personal connection he makes with the daytime audience. It’s so great to see Steve’s very funny and substantive show being rewarded with long-term commitments from our station partners."

Also in a statement, Valari Staab, president of the NBC Owned Television Stations, said: "Steve Harvey’s engaging, funny and warm style has been a hit with our audiences, and we couldn’t be happier to continue our partnership with Steve and his great team. Steve Harvey has strengthened our daytime lineups and proven to be a strong lead-in to ‘Ellen’ and, in turn, our local newscasts."

B&C notes: “In its debut season, ‘Steve Harvey’ was the only new show to build over its lead-in and improve upon its year-ago time period averages. Across the metered markets in May, ‘Steve Harvey’ improved over its lead-in by 24% in households, and by 25% among daytime’s key demographic of women 25-54. Compared to May 2012, ‘Steve Harvey’ improved 44% in households and 42% among women 25-54.”