A New "View" Starts Today

[Jane2]

The feeling I have about the show now is "you can't go back." Meaning the show was good for several seasons. Then it started to go downhill, and now, after so many cast changes, they can't seem to recover the original vibe. I think they should put it to sleep.

[Auggie27]

S.E. Cupp and Nicole Wallace together? I don't think so.

[Luscious]

Put a fork in it. This is show is done.

[Jane2]

Today is a milestone for me. I've been watching the View since it started, in 1997. I don't sit in front of the tv, but I have it on in the background while I get ready for my day. Well I QUIT!

I don't know what I'm switching to as yet, but I'm not watching the View anymore. It stinks now.

[JerseyGirl2]

So, what, if I may ask, was the straw that broke the camel's back?

[Jane2]

lol, it's been building for days now. Each day I had a little less interest, until finally I thought "why am I even bothering"

[Auggie27]

It's been an especially dreary week, though Whoopi got appropriately exercised today, and as she worked up her case against Guiliani, I missed O'Donnell. Rosie would've taken on Nicole's sidestepping of the core issues with specifics that Whoopi missed. Still, a little fire was good news.

[Tag]

Who knows how much of this is true, but it's a shame that Whoopi wasn't the one that left. If this is true, if shows that ABC has no clue what they are doing.
ABC Blocks Whoopi From Leaving The View

[Auggie27]

I agree that ABC has no idea how to make this show work. It plays now like a premise in development; we see little of original concept. Even if Walters rigidly maintained the boundaries of the format, it created a certain definable brand. You knew what you'd tune in to get. Now, we get a lot of Whoopi, some Nicole, and these strangely chosen younger people who, with the exception of Padma (very present and opinionated) simply sit and smile and nod before and after pushing their CD/series/whatever.

[ucjrdude902]

I've been really enjoying Padma, she's def got an opinion and isn't afraid to share it.

[FindingNamo]

Here's what I would do if I were ABC. For the April 1st show the panel should be moderated by RuPaul, the panel should include Bianca del Rio, The Lady Bunny, Willam Belli and in Barbara Walters's old chair, Charles Busch.

Just try it, just do something. It would all be very funny and light. There could be some nice moments of seriousness, such as a Hot Topics discussion of Mary Cheney's unending desire to be a blackface performer.

Obviously there would be some challenges. Could this crew be ready to go at 11? In the MORNING?

Still, I think it would be worth it.

[ACL2006]

Whoopi has denied that she want's to leave "The View". But there are rumors she's no longer part of the new sitcom for ABC either.

[SmokeyLady]

She is doing it. they are shooting in New York and they are working around her schedule.

[ACL2006]

that's good to hear. I think Whoopi has one more year on her contract at "The View". If the sitcom takes off, she could depart "The View" in 2016.

[ucjrdude902]

For those still interested in this circus, tune in this week if you want a glimpse at the panel they're debating.

[Jane2]

tell me now, please? I don't want to tune in!

[Tag]

Is Stacey London seriously considering a panel spot? She could easily lead her own daytime style/lifestyle show (beyond her TLC show). She's got that 'thing'.

[ljay889]

Looks like Stacey London and Samantha Ponder all week.

[ucjrdude902]

By all means it's only Tuesday but Ponder and London are doing great and the show and energy is flowing well. Not to mention, they seem to be doing a lot more political topics.

[nasty_khakis]

Is it weird that I want better for Stacey London? I've met/worked with several stylists/tv personalities and she is, by FAR the nicest, funniest, most natural, and kindest. Being the 234th View host seems like a weird step for her, but I imagine they'd give her style, fashion, and make-over segments to utilize her talents.

To be fair, her post What Not to Wear shows on TLC have all been utter duds.

[ucjrdude902]

If London was smart she'd take the job and turn into a branding venture. I could see her with lines for HSN down the road. I was impressed with Anne Rice being at the table today, Sam Ponder seemed to hold her own. Speaking of Ponder, one thing I do like is she isn't afraid to cut off Whoopi or contradict her.

[ACL2006]

yes, Ponder & London have been great this week. Nice energy, great chemistry & the show is really flowing nicely. Just hire both of them already.

[Tag]

Watching today and seeing them talk about the Fashion Police 'scandal' made me think that London would have been a fantastic Rivers replacement instead of (the fashion clueless) Kathy Griffin.

[ucjrdude902]

What I hear from backstage at The View is they are having a lot of fun backstage and even when the camera is off. Wouldn't be shocked if they were hired though I'm not sure if Ponder may have a problem with her ESPN contract.

[nasty_khakis]

Tag, I actually agree with you, but the show is focused on comedy first, style credibility second. It's legitimately classified as a comedy show and Kathy fits that much better than London, who is also very funny off the cuff. They also needed someone who wasn't afraid of offending someone. On some shows it's very clear people are afraid of saying "so and so looks ugly" because they want so and so to be a guest later or work with them in other venues.

Not to mention Joan had spoken with Melissa and Kathy and firmly said if anything ever happened she wanted Kathy to take over.

[lovebwy]

LOL I'm so happy Joan gave her thoughts on the Fashion Police line of secession before she died.

Damn, Whoopster is not looking great these days.