“Government Cheese” star and executive producer David Oyelowo makes an appearance. Plus, Jennifer welcomes the Sterner sisters, Kara and twins Alisha and Liz, from Macomb, Michigan, who became nurses in honor of their late mother, Kim, who passed away from appendix cancer when they were children. While their mom was undergoing chemotherapy, the sisters (then 10 and 11) took on the responsibility of helping her with everyday tasks and making her comfortable. They credit seeing the nurses care for their mom with sparking their desire to pursue careers in nursing.

Celebrate “The Jennifer Hudson Show’s” 500th episode! Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris stops by to talk about her new album “D R E A M S I C L E.” Plus, first-grade teacher Emily Gilreath from Pleasant Grove Elementary in Birmingham, Alabama, joins the show with her 7-year-old student Brooklyn Coleman. When Brooklyn couldn’t attend the school’s “Sneaker Ball” because her mom had to work, Emily stepped in, covering the costs and taking her herself. A video of their special night went viral!

Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X and Jennifer discuss music from his new album “DREAMBOY.” “Shark Tank” star and entrepreneur Lori Greiner stops by to share delicious treats from her brands The Pizza Cupcake and Y’all Sweet Tea.

Angela Bassett of 9-1-1 stops by. Next, the MUSYCA Youth Choir of Los Angeles, California, performs in-studio. Jennifer then welcomes Sherllay Debe Petion from Cape Coral, Florida, who gave birth to her daughter, Bithiah, at 35 weeks in the back seat of a rideshare. With her husband away, Sherllay called a rideshare to get to the hospital but went into labor en route. The driver pulled over, and Bithiah was born under a Miami highway during rush hour. Sherllay wrote in to thank the two female officers who helped her that day.

Marlon Wayans joins Jennifer in the studio to discuss his "Wild Child" comedy tour and more. Jennifer then welcomes 5-year-old drill team captain Kenzley Reign of Sophisticated Sounds & Steppers Drill Team & Drum Squad from Los Angeles, California.

Leslie Jones stops by to talk about her comedy tour. Jennifer welcomes 6-year-old Alaya Armbrister from Broward County, Florida. Alaya won the 400 meters gold at the 2024 AAU Nationals, making her the fastest 6-year-old in the country. Her viral race videos have been shared by ESPN SportsCenter celebrities, and even Olympic athletes. Fans already line up for photos with her at meets. Her dad and coach, DeAndre, noticed her talent at age 3, and Alaya dreams of competing in the Olympics one day.

Dave Bautista visits to chat about his new action-comedy film, "The Killer's Game." Jennifer also welcomes Ralmon McAfee and his 11-year-old daughter, Ma'Kynzeigh, from Houston, Texas. Ralmon made headlines after sharing an emotional video of himself crying tears of pride over his daughter's academic achievements.

Demi Moore joins the studio to chat about her new critically acclaimed film, "The Substance." Jennifer then welcomes Terrica Williams and her son, 9-year-old Czar Glanton Jr., from Polk County, Florida. A heartwarming video of Terrica running football drills with her son after work has gone viral. Four years ago, when Czar first started playing football, Terrica noticed he wasn't getting picked for games. Determined to help him improve, she took matters into her own hands. Despite a demanding schedule as a full-time single parent working at a nursing facility, Terrica taught herself the game and began running extra practices with Czar. Now, this special time they share is not only helping him thrive but also bringing joy to people everywhere and inspiring moms across the country.

Rob Lowe from "9-1-1: Lone Star" and "The Floor" stops by. Jennifer then welcomes Zalah Vallien, a student from Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts in Norwalk, Connecticut, whose viral video singing the national anthem in her school's cafeteria earned her the nickname "powerhouse." Zalah opens up about Jennifer's influence on her life and how meeting her is a dream come true. Originally from central Louisiana, Zalah only sees her family once or twice a year. Raised by her young single mom and pastor grandmother, she shares a close bond with her younger sister, whom she calls her "baby," and is her biggest fan.

Terrence Howard drops by to chat about his new miniseries, "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist." Next, the 8-year-old "Green Twins," Marnie and Mylah Green, join Jennifer. These adorable kids from Burnley, England, are famous for finishing each other's sentences. Over the summer, they became internet sensations when their hilarious reaction to the price of two ice creams (£9) went viral. The sisters are enjoying their newfound fame and dream of opening an ice cream shop where kids eat for free and adults pay affordable prices. In addition to their viral stardom, they're also competitive dancers who have won multiple European championships.

Power couple Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe discuss their podcast "We Don't Always Agree." "The Curse of the Necklace" stars Violet McGraw and Madeleine McGraw chat with Jennifer about their film.

Flavor Flav joins Jennifer in the studio. Jennifer then welcomes Terrica Williams and her son, 9-year-old Czar Glanton Jr., from Polk County, Florida. A heartwarming video of Terrica running football drills with her son after work has gone viral. Four years ago, when Czar first started playing football, Terrica noticed he wasn't getting picked for games. Determined to help him improve, she took matters into her own hands. Despite a demanding schedule as a full-time single parent working at a nursing facility, Terrica taught herself the game and began running extra practices with Czar. Now, this special time they share is not only helping him thrive but also bringing joy to people everywhere and inspiring moms across the country.

Saweetie is here! Jennifer also welcomes 2-year-old math prodigy Devan Defreitas and his father, Duane, from Queens, New York. Devan became a viral sensation at 15 months for his math skills, with his first word being "seven." Now at age 2, he's solving sixth-grade math problems and memorizing over 160 digits of pi.

Alfonso Ribeiro from "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos" is here. Jennifer then welcomes Stephany Faublas and her daughter, Cadence, from Charlotte, South Carolina, whose viral video has millions of views. Stephany, a single mom, replaced Cadence's iPad with educational activities before kindergarten and was surprised by her daughter's positive reaction. Cadence now feels ready for school and dreams of getting a "good job" to buy a dog and her dream car.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff sits down with Jennifer in the studio. Next, Jennifer welcomes Angel Everett and her mother, Dorothy Johnson, from Montgomery, Alabama, to share their family's breast cancer journey. Angel cared for her sister Eboni through treatment and later faced her own diagnosis, undergoing a double mastectomy. Though both were declared cancer-free, Eboni's cancer returned, and she died in July. The family now honors her memory by continuing her advocacy for early testing and establishing a scholarship in her name

Gwen Stefani visits to chat about "The Voice." Jennifer then welcomes back etiquette expert Myka Meier. "Love Island" Season 6 winners Serena Page and Kordell Beckham also stop by.

Common and Pete Rock will join Jennifer in the studio to perform their song "A GOD (There Is)" from their latest album, "The Auditorium, Vol. 1."

Oscar winner and voice of Asha in Disney's Wish, Ariana DeBose is here to chat about her new film, "House of Spoils." Jennifer then welcomes Suborno Bari from the Bronx, New York, who recently made headlines as the youngest student in NYU's 200-year history. On a full-ride scholarship, Suborno is double majoring in math and physics, set to graduate in 2026, with plans to earn his Ph.D. by 2029. Jennifer also chats with Johnny Rodriguez from Orange County, California, a former pro lacrosse player and head coach at Mater Dei High School. After leading his team to national recognition, Johnny stepped down following an ALS diagnosis last October, just as his wife was expecting their second child. Despite the diagnosis, he remains positive and advocates for ALS awareness, partnering with Augie's Quest to launch "Athletes vs. ALS."

The one and only Jimmy Kimmel from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" stops by the show. Tems sits down for a chat and also performs "Love Me JeJe" a song from her album "Born in the Wild." Jennifer also welcomes Dr. Brian Rambarran, a urologist from Buffalo, New York, who is also a dedicated pilot. Once a month, Dr. Rambarran flies rescue missions to save animals, with a viral video of him unloading puppies garnering millions of views. For the past 12 years, he's been rescuing dogs from kill shelters and euthanasia lists in Asheville, North Carolina, and transporting them to Nickel City Canine Rescue in Buffalo. As a urological cancer surgeon, he saves lives — and he gives dogs a second chance at life, too.

Let's Make a Deal host Wayne Brady and members of his blended family, including Maīle Brady, Mandie Taketa, and Jason Fordham, stop by to discuss their reality series "Wayne Brady: The Family Remix." Khalid is here to talk about his album "Sincere." Jennifer also welcomes Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. Currently on the front lines of Hurricane Helene relief, Feeding America partners with food banks and local programs to provide food for those in need and advocates for lasting solutions to hunger.

Kristen Bell (the voice of Anna in Disney's Frozen), Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, and Sherry Cola join Jennifer to chat about their Netflix series "Nobody Wants This." Jennifer also welcomes Maria Niemetz from Ontario, California, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Maria is an NICU nurse, grandmother, and breast cancer survivor. We'll show a heartfelt nomination video from her daughter Rosanna and former daughter-in-law Cristina, both in the audience, and invite them to join Maria onstage. To top it off, Maria's whole family, including her grandchildren, will walk out and surprise her.

Josh Groban is here to talk about his nonprofit Find Your Light Foundation and its upcoming annual Find Your Light Benefit Concert for Arts Education. Jennifer also welcomes William "Billy" Green Jr. from Harlem, New York. A proud Puerto Rican, Black, Italian, gay, and nonbinary teacher, Billy has taught chemistry and physics for over 20 years at A. Philip Randolph, a Title I high school. Named the 2023 New York State Teacher of the Year and Grand Marshal of the Queens Pride Parade, Billy's passion for teaching, shaped by his experience with homelessness, drives him to serve underserved schools, as well as the prison on Rikers Island. He also co-leads the school's LGBTQ affinity group and founded an LGBTQ youth support center in East Harlem.

Tia Mowry stops by the studio to chat about her reality series "My Next Act." GloRilla is also here to discuss her album "Glorious."

Actor and host Joel McHale stops by to chat about the new season of "Crime Scene Kitchen." Jennifer welcomes 12-year-old award-winning inventor Anirudh Rao from Lone Tree, CO. Anirudh will share the inspiration behind his groundbreaking invention — an early tornado detection system that extends the warning time from 15 to 45 minutes. His innovative work has earned him recognition across the STEM community.

R&B sensation Victoria Monét unveils the details of her highly anticipated album "JAGUAR II: Deluxe Edition." HGTV's hosts Keith & Evan stop by to chat about the new season of "HGTV's Bargain Block: New Orleans." NOTE: Blair Underwood ended up not appearing on this episode. He appeared on a later episode (October 30).