Rosie O'Donnell leaving The View

[AwallaceUNC]

Looks like Roseanne is the new favorite:

RO-PLACEMENTS
LINE FORMS TO LEFT FOR OPEN 'VIEW' JOB; ROSEANNE EARLY FAVORITE

By DON KAPLAN

Among those faces being talked about to fill Rosie O'Donnell's chair on "The View" are Roseanne Barr, Connie Chung, Whoopi Goldberg and Joan Rivers.

April 30, 2007 -- A Rosie is a Rosie is a Rosie.

Roseanne Barr has emerged as the top contender to replace Rosie O'Donnell next year on "The View," sources say. A rep for Barr says she has not been approached.

"It's almost like that rumor that spread last month about how she was going to be on 'Desperate Housewives,' " said Barr's spokesperson. "She's a piece of work, she's a character, she says what's on her mind and she's funny," said a source with knowledge of ABC's sudden and desperate search to find a new co-host to replace O'Donnell who quit the show last week.

"They're missing strong personalities on that show, and that's what they're going to need if they want to keep it going," an ABC staffer close to the situation told the Post.

During an appearance on "Larry King" last week, Roseanne danced around the question of joining the "The View." "I'm not looking for the job," she said at one point - and joking at another, "Well, I want $10 million, like Rosie."

But she never said she wouldn't take it if offered. Since last week's announcement when Rosie said she planned to leave the show in June, several names have surfaced as possible replacements.

Among them are Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathie Lee Gifford and Connie Chung. Out of all of them, Roseanne seems to be the best fit. "It's going to be hard for them to follow Rosie," says an industry insider. "Roseanne could be the only one capable of pulling it off."

Industry insiders have also suggested Bette Midler and D-lister, Kathy Griffin.

The job is particularly hard to fill for more reasons than just the difficulty of finding a new, strong personality. The open chair is the No. 1 seat on the show, requiring a star who can, in effect, be the show's quarterback - moving the discussion along, introducing guests and other duties that a TV neophyte might not be able to pull off believably.

O'Donnell said Wednesday that she's leaving "The View" after one year because she and ABC could not agree on a new deal.

Insiders have said she wanted more control over the show and decided to quit when that was denied. O'Donnell had replaced former "View" co host Meredith Vieira. Starr Jones, who also left the show last year, has yet to be replaced.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04302007/tv ... kaplan.htm

Roseanne would be interesting, especially considering that she has recently stated that she is a Republican. Socially, she still seems to lean pretty far left, but it seems like the show's balance could shift a little. Of course, I'm still hoping for Whoopi.

-Aaron

[xxhplinkxx]

OMG, ROSEANNE!!! YESS!!! AAHAHHH!!!OMGOMGOMG!!!!!! ROSEANNE, KATHIE, I DONT CARE, JUST PUT ONE OF THOSE B****ES ON THAT CHAIR!!!

[Lazario]

Okay...

I can't even believe Bette Midler would be considered. She has no background in journalism whatsoever, as well as not too much TV, and almost seems like a gratuitous nomination - another Gay Icon to replace their outgoing Gay Icon, but an obvious one. Probably the most obvious one of the bunch of potential contenders (who are almost all gay icons as well).

At first, I couldn't believe Whoopie was nominated / approached. But then, remembering the talk-show... I have to change my tune. She would probably be the best choice out of the others. For the purpose, that is, of returning The View to what it once was, pre-Rosie, pre-Elisabeth. Connie Chung would be the Ultimate Replacement to get it back to Barbara Walters-territory. But I doubt it will happen.

Kathy Griffin is, without question however, the Very Best nomination for New Co-Host. She is a Walking Riot, everywhere she goes. She's funny, courageous, a little crude, gracious, very real, and while not being as apt as Rosie to turn the entire discussion political, she's without question the most likely to make the show 100% Guaranteed Feel-Good Atmosphere. IF SHE IS CHOSEN, the Nation Will Become as Obsessed with Her as They Are with Ellen. And she deserves it! You can put my Solid-Gold Word on that.

Roseanne will not be as controversial as Rosie. That I can promise you. And I seriously doubt she'll be chosen.

Joan Rivers... ug. I don't like her. I saw her comedy special on Bravo, and it was straight-up depressing. Way too crude, way too mean, and too desperate for laughs. I can promise you she'll drive down viewership. Unless that is, she has a Personality Transplant. Her daughter Melissa would be a better choice. And would certainly be a good chance to get a younger commentator on the show.

Kathie Lee Gifford? Ouch. She's too...stiff. Too boring.

[xxhplinkxx]

Kathy Griffin is, without question however, the Very Best nomination for New Co-Host. She is a Walking Riot, everywhere she goes. She's funny, courageous, a little crude, gracious, very real, and while not being as apt as Rosie to turn the entire discussion political, she's without question the most likely to make the show 100% Guaranteed Feel-Good Atmosphere. IF SHE IS CHOSEN, the Nation Will Become as Obsessed with Her as They Are with Ellen. And she deserves it! You can put my Solid-Gold Word on that.

Ok, so it's agreed then, Kathie it is. I'll call ABC right now!!

[PatrickvD]

Roseanne is ten time cooler than Rosie. Didn't know she's a Republican though. I'd love to see her with Rosie in some sort of celebrity Death Match

[Siren]

I thought Joan Rivers died. Freaking walking dead. I can't stand her. You won't hear an "AWWWW" from me when she does.

[azul017]

Kathy Griffin is, without question however, the Very Best nomination for New Co-Host. She is a Walking Riot, everywhere she goes. She's funny, courageous, a little crude, gracious, very real, and while not being as apt as Rosie to turn the entire discussion political, she's without question the most likely to make the show 100% Guaranteed Feel-Good Atmosphere. IF SHE IS CHOSEN, the Nation Will Become as Obsessed with Her as They Are with Ellen. And she deserves it! You can put my Solid-Gold Word on that.

I honestly think Kathy Griffith is too good for a show like that. I'd rather see her center stage in her reality show My Life on the D-List -- and every one of her stand-up specials just make me laugh really hard to the point of crying. She's so candid about life, crude, and hugely funny but presents herself as a really nice, talented woman who hasn't been given a fair share in the entertainment industry. Not to mention she'd have to water herself down if she got the gig, but who'd want that?

And besides, didn't she make fun of Barbara Walters and The View in one of her stand-up specials?

[PapiBear]

It'll never happen, but I'd like to see someone like Attallah Shabazz as a regular on the show. She'd be way more interesting than Rosie or Whoopi.

One who might actually be a primo choice would be Jasmyne Cannick.

[Lazario]

It'll never happen, but I'd like to see someone like Attallah Shabazz as a regular on the show. She'd be way more interesting than Rosie or Whoopi.

One who might actually be a primo choice would be Jasmyne Cannick.

Yes it would be great for The View to get some real ethnic diversity on the show. But those suggestions... Can they be funny?

I honestly think Kathy Griffith is too good for a show like that.

Yes. But that's the whole point. If she got on The View, it would be the Best The View it could possibly be.

I'd rather see her center stage in her reality show My Life on the D-List -- and every one of her stand-up specials just make me laugh really hard to the point of crying. She's so candid about life, crude, and hugely funny but presents herself as a really nice, talented woman who hasn't been given a fair share in the entertainment industry.

And that's exactly why she should have the National Exposure. She's irrepressible. They can't bottle her up, they can't tone her down. She's a firecracker. And she's unbelievably hilarious. And we could enjoy her every day The View would have aired!

Not to mention she'd have to water herself down if she got the gig, but who'd want that?

I don't know... Did Rosie ever water-down? No, she got even spicier. What would Kathy have to water down, her celebrity jokes? Will Whitney Houston come to the show and try to run her over with her car?

And besides, didn't she make fun of Barbara Walters and The View in one of her stand-up specials?

Sure. But Kathy makes fun of everyone she meets and gets away with it. I can guarantee you, Barbara Walters holds no ill-will toward her. Most celebrities have a sense of humor about themselves anyway. Except of course... Star Jones.

[PapiBear]

It'll never happen, but I'd like to see someone like Attallah Shabazz as a regular on the show. She'd be way more interesting than Rosie or Whoopi.

One who might actually be a primo choice would be Jasmyne Cannick.

Yes it would be great for The View to get some real ethnic diversity on the show. But those suggestions... Can they be funny?

Not really a concern. Barbara Walters isn't a comedian. Neither is Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Neither was Star Jones (who already provided some ethnic diversity to the show, to some degree, at least). Is the purpose of the show merely to make people laugh? If so, dump Walters and Hasselbeck, because neither of them are comedians.

I'm sure Jasmyne Cannick has a great sense of humor and can cut up as well as anyone, but she's also known for being an engaging and opinionated public speaker, and by being a Black lesbian, she sort of crosses a couple demographics, and has a perspective that doesn't often get a lot of airtime.

Attallah Shabazz, on the other hand - no idea if she has a strong sense of humor. She's a very elegant, regal woman, though, and very highly educated. She'd probably be an interesting guest host, at least.

[Lazario]

Point taken.

However you will notice that in the response listing what women had been approached / considered for the position, that they're basically looking for someone with a real audience-tested and approved sense of humor.

I'm sorry they don't appear to be looking for someone a little more culturally well-versed or dignified. Believe me, I think they would suit the show most likely better than Kathie Lee Gifford or Joan Rivers.

[jennydumas]

I thought Joan Rivers died. Freaking walking dead. I can't stand her. You won't hear an "AWWWW" from me when she does.

Same here!
I cannot stand Joan Rivers...

[PapiBear]

However you will notice that in the response listing what women had been approached / considered for the position, that they're basically looking for someone with a real audience-tested and approved sense of humor.

Oh, sure, but that's hardly surprising. Most people, when asked, just want the same reassuring pablum given to them. Few want to be challenged in any way. This explains quite a bit, when you look deeper into it.

I'm sorry they don't appear to be looking for someone a little more culturally well-versed or dignified. Believe me, I think they would suit the show most likely better than Kathie Lee Gifford or Joan Rivers.

Yeah, me too, but like I said, I doubt it would happen anyway. What could be a very engaging & informational daytime talk show is really little more than a very bland, typical hen-clucking kaffeeklatsch. I'm actually amazed there isn't a million more of these kinds of shows all over the channel spectrum.

[Anthony]

My vote to replace Rosie is Joan Rivers.

[Lazario]

Oh, sure, but that's hardly surprising. Most people, when asked, just want the same reassuring pablum given to them. Few want to be challenged in any way. This explains quite a bit, when you look deeper into it.

Completely agree.

Although Rosie certainly was a challenge to the show and often for the show's viewers. Which is why I say they need to keep it up with as strong as replacement as possible. Why I look at this the realistic way. What's perhaps the best solution? Either Whoopie or Kathy. They have the best personalities out of the women selected.

[AwallaceUNC]

A number of news outlets are reporting that "anonymous sources" from inside "The View" are telling them that Whoopi has been chosen to take Rosie's place:

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/feature ... View_.html
http://cbs2chicago.com/zwecker/local_bl ... 13832.html
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/pu ... 4003.shtml
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19192557/
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007630688



I'd rather see Whoopi back in theaters, but that simply hasn't been happening lately. It will be nice to have a place to see her every day (especially since her radio show is just too early for me to hear on a regular basis) and hopefully this will revitalize her career.

-Aaron

[MadonnasManOne]

A number of news outlets are reporting that "anonymous sources" from inside "The View" are telling them that Whoopi has been chosen to take Rosie's place:



I'd rather see Whoopi back in theaters, but that simply hasn't been happening lately. It will be nice to have a place to see her every day (especially since her radio show is just too early for me to hear on a regular basis) and hopefully this will revitalize her career.

-Aaron

I'm with you on this! I would love to see Whoopi back on the big screen. That's really the only screen big enough for her personality. However, I'll settle with seeing her on the The View, should they offer her the position. In fact, I would probably start recording it, just to see her! I love me some Whoopi! She's got my vote.

[littlefuzzy]

And Virginia Tech is proof positive that whatever theory people like you have about gun privilages... isn't working out. People who commit mass murders are still having access to guns. That must be controlled. Some how. Seriously now, what's your theory? Just leave it be? Don't do anything, leave things the way they are? That's why Virginia Tech happened. And I'm glad Rosie said something.

First of all, I don't like hypocrites. We all know how passionate about gun control Rosie supposedly is. But, as most of you remember, in May 2000 it was revealed that her bodyguard had applied for a concealed carry permit. So, she fired the bodyguard, right? Of course not. Even though she once stated that guns should be outlawed and gun owners should go to prison, she claimed that it was ok for him to carry a gun because she and her children needed protection. That sort of thing should be infuriating to anyone, regardless of which side of the gun control issue you take.

You have a point there. And a pretty good one.

But think about this for a moment - she's a gay, female celebrity with a "big mouth" who has children. Psychos love to murder women, celebrities, people with big mouths, and gay people, especially with children.

I agree with the idea of practice what you preach. But should her entire family die for other people's zealotry? Imagine how many death threats she must get per day. Would you want to be her? Would you take those chances? Especially with children?

I agree with you, on principle. And if I were her, I would have done a lot of things differently. But she's not stupid. Hypocrite or not, she can't afford to risk the lives of her children for ideals.

Even though Laz is suspended right now and can't reply, I wanted to point this out...

It seems like he is saying two different things.
A. Psychos shouldn't have access to guns, so guns must be controlled.
B. Some people deserve more protection than others, especially "women, celebrities, people with big mouths, and gay people, especially with children."

As the law stands right now, I am legally able to own a gun and protect myself and my family. I can't afford to hire a bodyguard, unlike Rosie. Should the law be changed so that only celebrities who can hire bodyguards can protect their families?

[AwallaceUNC]

Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd have officially been offered the replacement spots for Rosie O'Donnell and Star Jones Reynolds, respectively. Both stars are expected to accept and are in negotiations, finalizing their contracts, and their hiring is expected to be announced next week.

http://www.thinkfashion.com/blogs/stylo ... -view.aspx

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtra ... as-27.html

http://theedge.bostonherald.com/tvNews/ ... id=1013734

I'm very happy with this. As I've said before, I hope it doesn't keep Whoopi from the big screen or other projects, but I suppose she isn't doing much outside of radio lately. I like Sherri Shepherd a lot too, so I'm thrilled that she's been given a spot too. I'll undoubtedly be watching "The View" a lot more often next year.

-Aaron

[Lazario]

I'm half and half on this news. I think it's a huge come-down for Whoopi, after the failed radio show. It's not worthy of her. But I am ecstatic about Sherri Shepherd. I think she's exactly what that show needs. And she's too smart and no-nonsense to let it get bogged down by the sort of backstage cattiness that Star Jones indulged in during her final months. Hopefully, Whoopi will be able to bring as much attitude and ballsiness that Rosie did. No one should have to go vanilla for something as sad as The View. Joy alone was never enough to make that show interesting enough to watch.