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| Photo Credit: ABC-TV |
"Take A Little Time To Enjoy "The View", the tagline from the show "The View" is one I take to heart and usually do religiously in the mornings when I'm home. So when news broke last Thursday afternoon that Joy Behar , one of the original cast members, would be leaving at the end of her contract this summer, I was shocked. What? Why? Joy Behar leaving?
Even when I was working at CBS News my office television was always on at 11am to hear what the ladies of "The View" were chatting about. I've watched the show from its debut and today still look forward to the gabby crew who now consist of Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and original members Barbara Walters and Joy Behar sharing their of views on any and everything ranging from politics to pregnancy. During its 16 1/2 year run, "The View" has had several cast changes, some worked and others didn't -but one thing remained constant at the table, original cast mates Joy and Barbara.
When the news broke, I called my Aunt Joyce, another faithful viewer, right away. The first thing she said was "What, that's impossible. Why would Joy leave? I'm going to stop watching the show. It won't be the same without her." She could not believe it. Aunt Joyce and I spent a good half hour trying to figure out the breaking news and decided it must have been a breakdown in Joy's salary negotiations. With my extensive television background, I played out all the possible scenarios that could have taken place at the bargaining table and then Auntie and I tried to figure out who can replace Joy at the table.
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| Photo Credit: ABC-TV |
What would we do without our morning dose of Joy Behar? Of course, Friday's episode of "The View" was taped so the next time the ladies would be together live on set would be after the weekend.
But then another bombshell was dropped on Friday afternoon. News broke that Elisabeth Hasselbeck would not be returning to "The View" at the end of her contract. Even though show reps said "Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a valued member of "The View" and has a long-term contract," news ran wild that Hasselbeck had been fired from the show.
Auntie and I were back on the phone trying to figure out what was going on. The news about Elisabeth leaving blamed her dismissal on her divisive personality when it came to her politics. But wait, isn't that why they liked her and hired her in the first place? Two big bombshells from one show dropped at the same time. It was a shock, especially since there had not been any media rumblings about friction behind the scenes. As far as viewers knew, all was well and everyone in front of the camera was taking time to enjoy "The View."
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| Photo Credit: ABC-TV |
Monday morning couldn't come fast enough. Auntie and I were glued to our respective television sets at 11am when all the ladies walked out and sat at the table. At the top of the show, Barbara Walters addressed the elephant in the room and confirmed that Joy would be leaving. Barbara said "It was very bittersweet, I want what's best for you. I want what's best for all of you." when discussing Behar's decision to leave. In typical Joy fashion she made light of her departure by reading her own "Top Ten" list of why she's leaving and everyone laughed. But something didn't feel right to me. Joy didn't say what her futures plans are- not that she has too reveal anything. But we've been her loyal fans, why keep us in the dark?
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| Photo Credit: ABC-TV |
As for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Barbara looked right into the camera and told viewers she wanted to end the rumors circulating around Elisabeth and her status on the show.
Barbara went on to say "There is a particularly false story that keeps getting picked up about Elisabeth's alleged departure, saying that we don't approve of her conservative views. The truth is we love Elisabeth. I like her personally and she's just a wonderful person. But beyond that, we value and appreciate her point of view because Elisabeth helps give the show perspective and balance. ... So we have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show." The last line of this statement jumped out at me..."So we have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show." These words seemed too carefully chosen. Barbara did not say Elisabeth IS NOT leaving the show.
Joy, I'm in reinvention mode and it is no joke. You are braver than I am I can't imagine trying this at your age. I hope you left on your own terms and have something amazing planned for your next act. If you do, your fans will be watching if not, I hate to say it this latest move may be a big mistake.
As for Elisabeth Hasselback remaining at "The View" time will tell. In the meantime, we'll just stay tuned and continue to "take a little time to enjoy "The View."
TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an Emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and is currently a member of the James Beard Broadcast and New Media Awards Committee. If you are a brand interested in blogger outreach campaigns, a blogger or personality interested in television placement follow Debbie Mitchell @TVProducerDeb or contact TheBloggerConnection.com.
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