Rosie O’Donnell Is Out… Who’s Next?

With her departure from The View coming three weeks early, Rosie O’Donnell has left a Rosie-shaped-hole in the cast roster at the hugely popular talk show.  As producers scramble to find temporary replacements for the outspoken co-host, the permanent replacement question has come up.  Who will replace Rosie?  There are several options.

There’s no denying that Rosie was the type of personality that had enough edge to bring in ratings.  Her water-cooler appeal will be tough to recreate.  But it’s possible, according to The View’s producers. 

There are a few obvious choices right off the bat: Roseanne Barr, Whoopi Goldberg and Bette Midler. Other names on the shortlist include former talk show host Ricki Lake, comedians Kathy Griffin and Wanda Sykes, Oprah Winfrey’s best friend Gayle King and genial actress Sherri Shepherd.

“After dealing with Rosie for a year, Barbara and the producers may prefer someone who’s easier to manage and less dramatic,” noted In Touch magazine’s Dan Wakefield, who said the even tempered Shepherd is popular with the show’s producers. Above all, he said, “the most important thing is ratings.”

I’d love to see Sharon Osbourne fill the spot.  She’s witty and has a wealth of real-life experience that you can’t fake.  Or perhaps Marie Osmond.  She’s a firecracker who’s not afraid of any topic.  Nevertheless, the producers at The View have their work cut out for them.

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