14 DAY TRIAL // ABC’s The View is looking to shake things up a bit to improve ratings and, after the genuine bloodbath that took place a few days ago, which saw Sherri Shepherd, Jenny McCarthy, and longtime producers being let go, it’s time to bring some new faces on board.
Make that old-new faces. For the past week or so, there’s been a lot of speculation on whether Rosie O’Donnell would be asked back as co-host and confirmation comes now from TMZ that this is exactly what will happen.
The network will be making an announcement shortly, the e-zine says: O’Donnell, who first appeared as co-host between September 2006 and May 2007, will return on the panel which, so far, only comprises Whoopi Goldberg, the only one left standing after the aforementioned bloodbath.
“The deal is now complete. Rosie will join Whoopi Goldberg on the show. As we reported, producers are also looking for a Latina and a conservative. Two conservative candidates who are being scoped are Abby Huntsman and Margaret Hoover,” TMZ reports.
As for who else could come on board as co-host, rumor has it that Sarah Palin is being wooed by ABC with an offer and that she’s not exactly thinking of turning it down. Palin and O’Donnell, that should make an interesting combination, especially since neither is exactly known for mincing words especially on topics close to their heart.
In fact, other reports claim, this is why ABC wants O’Donnell back: she may be hated by some viewers for a variety of reasons, but she is almost guaranteed to stir up controversy by simply speaking her mind.
Network bosses hoped this would happen with McCarthy, who was the latest addition to the show after Elizabeth Hasselbeck left for Fox News. Ratings didn’t improve with the former VJ on board but, in her explanation for her departure the other day, she made it sound as if she was leaving by choice, having already found a better job somewhere else.
She said she would finally get to do that which she was good at (talk) without interrupting anyone else. So she’s probably getting her own talk show.
Meanwhile, Sherri appeared to be completely heartbroken by the idea that she would not be back for another season of the show, after spending 7 years with this amazing team. She thanked everyone for everything and burst into tears when she declared her love for the project, the team, and the loyal viewership of The View.