'The View' Names Raven-Symoné as New Co-Host
By Tony Maglio
Raven-Symoné has officially joined The View as a full-time co-host.
The former That’s So Raven star is now a constant colleague of Whoopi Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez, whom she’s been guest-hosting with for a while now — 37 times to be exact.
“The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true! Being a part of The View family will be a wonderful growing experience for me,” said Raven-Symoné. “The cast and crew are warm and welcoming and has made the transition into daytime talk easier.”
“I have a lot to learn within this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host,” she continued. “I want to thank ABC, ABC News and The Disney Company for believing in me and my potential! Let’s have some fun!”
The announcement was first made on Wednesday’s episode.
“Raven is smart, funny and genuine. We’ve loved getting to know her, and we’re all thrilled she’ll be part of The View every day,” said Executive Producer Bill Wolff. “She brings a fresh perspective on the hot topics of the day, and she’s a lively, welcome addition to our conversations and interviews.”
“Raven-Symoné is a welcome addition to The View,” added creator and Executive Producer Barbara Walters. “She is happy, amusing and well informed, and has already brought a unique perspective to the program that has resonated with our audience.”
The one-time child star, who got her start on The Cosby Show, has recently appeared on ABC’s Black-ish and Fox’s Empire.
The hiring of the show’s most-regular guest panelist as of late still leaves one chair open. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Wrap to expect more news before the show exits the airwaves in August.
The View, which airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET, has had a revolving door of talent at its table lately. With a number of full-time co-hosts departing in recent years, the one-hour ABC talker took its time with this round of “auditions,” trying out quite a few guest hosts in the open chairs.
Rosie O’Donnell left the show (again) in February, while Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd departed together last summer. Around the same time, show founder Barbara Walters retired. Her producing partner Bill Geddie also walked away.
Previously, Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck exited the program in 2013. Of course, there were others, but we won’t bore you with the full roster.
The gabfest itself has even been shifting about. “The View” moved under the ABC News umbrella in October. So with new offices and a new starting five in place, can the late-morning show rebound to become the daytime strength it once way?
The View is directed by Ashley S. Gorman; Goldberg serves as moderator.
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