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Sherri Shepherd: The new 'View' co-host?

Jan 4, 2007, 06:21 PM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: Morning Madness, Television

175736__sherri_l The blogosphere (specifically, Ellegedly, Jossip, and Canada.com) is abuzz with the rumor that former Less Than Perfect star Sherri Shepherd has bagged herself a permanent slot as The View's fifth resident yackmeister. (She's been guest-hosting all this week; here she is, pictured at left, on today's edition, along with Barbara Walters, guest Michael Urie of Ugly Betty, Joy Behar, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.) And while PopWatch is still awaiting a return call from ABC to confirm the news, I've got my hip flask out on the desk, ready to heartily toast what I think is a brilliant move by the show's producers.

If you don't understand or share my enthusiasm, then click here and check out this four-minute clip of Shepherd's substitute-hosting appearance on the show's Nov. 21 "Claygate" episode; note she's the only cohost who doesn't get steamrolled by Hurricane Rosie, and better still, that she manages to defuse Rosie's off-base accusation of Kelly Ripa's "homophobia" by boldly placing her hand on O'Donnell's breast. In other words, she's not afraid of ruffling the alpha bird's feathers, and she's capable of scoring a laugh while she does it.

Of course, even if you're not on Team Shepherd, there's still reason to cheer. As my colleague Alynda Wheat notes, "Really, the only saving grace is that Hasselbeck will never get another word in." So what say you, PopWatchers? Is Shepherd the right woman for the job? Quick, weigh in now before Barbara comes out of her hyperbaric oxygen chamber and inks the deal!

UPDATE: Sorry to disappoint, folks, but a source close to the show tells PopWatch that the rumors calling Shepherd's signing a done deal are "complete hogwash," and that we'll be seeing a number of subs in the Star Jones seat before a final decision is made. Still, they should totally hire her, right?

Janelle Adams Mon, May 28, 2007 at 04:36 AM EST

Sherri is literally the MOST stupid person the view has EVER had guest host NEXT TO that idiot Elisabeth taking-too-much-valium Hasselbeck. SHAME on the view for PICKING THIS idiotic, simple-minded ("Al Gore . . I mean, I know what he's talking about with the Greenpeace and everything") woman and it makes me FURIOUS that the racist VIEW would pick this ignorant, subintelligent human as their ONLY representative of African American women or women in color at all. WHY this idiot? Because she sings a pretty song like all black girls should. Why couldn't they find a woman of color WITH A BRAIN. Because Disney and ABC are UNBLIEVABLY RACIST -- they haven't even created a black princess in over 70 years. They are the most racist network there is. And they picked this borderline mentally disfunctional person to be their "Starr Jones" replacement. Starr Jones is an abberation, but at least she could complete a thought. My grandmothers, in heaven, are holding their heads in shame.

Winnie McCarthy Sat, Mar 31, 2007 at 03:07 PM EST

I realize this is an old post, but I just interviewed Sherri and she talked about this rumors. You can read about it here: http://www.watchingtheview.com/exclusive-sherri-shepherd-interview-part-three-behind-the-scenes-at-the-view/

Nick Fri, Feb 23, 2007 at 01:27 AM EST

No thanks to Ms. Shepherd. I think the show needs a more informed view to balance the others, someone from Barbara Walters's neck of the woods. In January, there were many tv journalists who had guest slots, and I think a bit of class, wit, intelligence, and integrity is what the show really needs. Rosie O is great, but a balance (and perhaps some tension) would be the best idea.

KK Tue, Feb 20, 2007 at 06:36 PM EST

It is exactly what the View needs...A warm & friendly soft spoken & extremely hilarious person like Sherri Sheperd who also seems very down to earth & brings her point of view across nicely!! It is the reason I like the show again!! Sign her to a long contract to pump some life back into the View!!!

Laverne Tue, Jan 16, 2007 at 01:55 PM EST

Why do they always have to have a overweight black women. Does it make them feel more comfortable.

lisa Tue, Jan 9, 2007 at 04:26 PM EST

A! B! C! HIRE SHERRI!

Alice Tue, Jan 9, 2007 at 01:06 PM EST

Love watching The View when Sherri is on. Love her wit and charm. I can be having a bad day and she always make me smile and feel better. She should be a permanent fixture.

Ms. MK Sun, Jan 7, 2007 at 10:45 AM EST

I tried watching the view once before and it did nothing for me. A friend called when they saw sherri on the show and told me she rocks. Sherri should be hired. Not only is she funny, she keeps it real, she is not overbearing and she does not offend people. I know she will be a great addition to the show. I'm pretty sure the ratings were higher this week with her on the show. Make the girl an unrefusable offer.

Ms T Sun, Jan 7, 2007 at 10:35 AM EST

Sherri Shepherd needs to be hired. I didn't start watching the view until I caught her on a guest appearance. If you want some variety and she is hilarious, you need to add her to the show. Sherri definitely got it going on.

Kathy Sun, Jan 7, 2007 at 08:02 AM EST

I think Sherri Shepherd is great, and I think she would be a great addition to "The View." But what's with all the criticism of Elisabeth (and Barbara)? I'm very liberal but I like Elisabeth, and she adds a conservative point of view, which helps give the others someone to argue with. The whole point of the show is to have people of different ages, backgrounds, and opinions.

angie Sat, Jan 6, 2007 at 03:23 PM EST

YES, That's a go for Sherri! She is exactly what's needed on the show. I find Rosie to be a little over the top at times. Sherrie would be a perfect addition to keep things on a even til. Also, she knows who she is and not afraid to speak her mind while KEEPING ME LAUGHING MY BUTT OFF. Honestly, Rosie seems not to be so funny anymore..... her comments are a bit too much....i.e.. Donald Trump

mikie Sat, Jan 6, 2007 at 10:20 AM EST

elisabeth is a vital part of the show, calm, smart, conservative, but Sherry is also a Christian and that might not get her the job.

jill Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 11:18 PM EST

YES YES YES they should absolutely hire Sherri!!! And I would *love* it if they got rid of Elisabeth, too... not sure if they will, but a girl can dream, right? Anyway, YES to Sherri! She's fantastic!!

Brian Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 05:43 PM EST

I Absolutely LOVE Sherry Sheppard! She adds so much life to the show and shes really funny. I SAY YES YES YES TO SHERRY SHEPPARD!

B

Ryan Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 04:49 PM EST

Sherri could be good for the show but please just get rid of that sappy crying brat Elisabeth! She always act's like the spotlight has to be on her just because she was on Surivor.

Joe Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM EST

ugh.. incomplete sentence. What I was saying, is like that idiot congressman from VA, Virgil Goode who is afraid that more muslims will be appointed to office, many christian republicans think it's ok to rag on others that are NOT christians but whine and complain whenever someone picks on them. Learn to tolerate others if you want others to tolerate you. Also, if someone who is appointed to office in our government has to swear to protect and uphold the constitution of the United States, doesn't that mean that he also has freedom to practice whatever religion he chooses? Isn't that guaranteed by the Constitution? If so, then why is it so bad that he swore his oath on a quoran and not a bible?

Hypocrites.

Joe Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

"malren Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 10:48 PM EST
"Elisabeth adds the view of a young, conservative, Christian woman. " That's EXACTLY what people like Slezak want to silence. It's all about the free exchange of ideas unless those ideas happen to be conservative. Then it's about shutting people up."

Not very pleasant when the shoe is on the other foot, is it? Listen, I don't think that Slezak or anyone else for that matter want to shut republicans up but you guys have to losen up a bit. The world isn't made up of CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS as much as they would like it to be that way. It is comprised of many different people of different cultural backgrounds, races, colors, creeds, religions... tolerance is key. Conservative Christians like that idiot congressman from VA who is afraid more muslims will be appointed to office in our government. God forbid we make a similar comment about a Christian because then it's "unfair".

mjmsam Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 02:44 PM EST

Funny, I had been thinking that Sherri would be perfect for the spot. Can't they get rid of Elizabeth? Does anybody really like Elizabeth?

j9 Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 12:11 PM EST

For heaven's sake, Slezak, call your contacts at ABC and advise them to get their thumbs out of their butts and sign Sherri already. She is funny, less abrasive than you-know-who, gets a word in now and then, and is obviously striking the right chord with viewers if you can believe the popwatchers. Just sign her already and quit subjecting viewers to this endless parade of blah try-outs.

Nancy Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 11:23 AM EST

So all Midwestern Republicans are non-thinking, crazy people? Come on, people. Snark may sell, but it does not connote truth. You are proving my point -- tolerance is tough for everybody. I believe (despite the ridiculousness of your liberal views -- just kidding, just kidding!) that Maya Angelous is right, and we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. Peace out. And to the people at the View -- hire Sherry!

Scott Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 11:22 AM EST

Shari is one of the funniest women on TV. I love to watch her everytime she is on Ellen. The View is crazy if they don't hire her immediately.

KATE Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 11:05 AM EST

Just saw the clip.write her into the script.

Ryan Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 10:46 AM EST

I caught a rerun when Sherri was taking about her cheating ex, she was hilarious.

lola Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 10:41 AM EST

God, every time I see that clip i'm reminded of what a loudmouth Rosie is. I love/hate her -- it's fun to see her bully Elizabeth and go after Donald Trump but when she gets on her Serious Soapbox it's so annoying. As for Sherri Shepherd, any woman who can make Rosie shut up, even for 3 seconds (which she did by grabbing her ta-ta during Claygate) is a clear Must-have on the show.

Jae Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 10:37 AM EST

Love Sherri. Love the site makeover. Love YOU Slezak!

Angela Lillebo Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 10:26 AM EST

Sherri is great...I hope she gets the gig!...She is a great addition...and like someone mentioned the only reason I watch is because rosie is on now...Sherri is just as watchable!..and they are great together!...Luv Joy also!...Elizabeth could go....and it would be even better...guess you have to have representation from the non-thinking side of society!

Mike Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 10:20 AM EST

I love Sherri and think she deserves this more than anyone.

biggems Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 10:19 AM EST

Monique was a great guest host too. She could definatley put Rosie in her place.

Vanessa Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:41 AM EST

Sherri is good but that would make three very outspoken comedians. I don't want to imagine Joy, Rosie and Sherri screaming all at once. What happened to that very attractive tall black lady? She was on a few times. I forgot her name but she also said she was divorced with two kids. I think she was formerly married to an athlete. She seemed to have a lot of class - something that show really needs now.

lily Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:29 AM EST

I love SS. Wasn't going to watch with Rosie off and BW there all week, but when I saw SS there all week. I am working around "the view" ~ pathetic as it sounds, I am hooked all over again!

Marlene Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:28 AM EST

I love Sherri on every sitcom I've ever seen her on! She is great on The View. I hope she can work out her parenting situation, because it would be a treat to see her on TV every morning.

HmmHe Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:18 AM EST

The new layout for this site is kinda wierd. But a welcome change I guess. The colors remind me alot of the new VIBE and PEOPLE layout for thier sites. Blue, Yellow? But um yeah Sherri is a good choice of a host, I like Jacquie Ried as well. She is a more seasoned journalist, but since comedians are the IT journalist these days. Give it to her.

Marc Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:17 AM EST

Oh.. and GOOOOO Sherri!

Marc Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:16 AM EST

I dont mind Elizabeth personally... every time she opens her mouth, it makes me realize how crazy Republicans and redneck Americans are! Makes the rest of the girls look normal. Go Canada!

Joey Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:12 AM EST

Elizabeth is the best part of the show - frankly, I've grown tired of Rosie - she's more annoying than entertaining.

Nancy Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 09:06 AM EST

Jeez, people, what's with all the Elisabeth bashing? Tolerance is tough for everybody, isn't it? Love, love, love Sherri. Hope this rumor is true.

jayne Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 08:55 AM EST

If Rosie has to stay, Sherri is the perfect one to put her in her place.

Angie Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 08:50 AM EST

Love Sherri Shepherd! She makes me howl! My only concern is that ABC won't want a third comic on the roster, but I doubt Rosie (who I also love) will be back next year, so maybe they'll do it. Having Sherri on the show is the only way I'd keep watching it without Rosie.

Denise Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 08:26 AM EST

I have no problem with young conservative Christian women......I have a problem with Hasselbeck's weepy histrionics and inability to make a clear point without sounding like she needs some PMS medication. Same goes for Rosie on the other side. And I'm not buying for one minute that Barbara isn't second-guessing her decision to bring Rosie on board......you can see it in her face every time Rosie opens her mouth!

Duckie Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 06:52 AM EST

"Elisabeth has to stay. She has strong convictions, is a Republican, and a Christian....she represents the Midwest. She may be a little bit bland, but the show has to have someone to counterbalance Joy & Rosie, who frankly are too similar for my liking. Two of them are too much. "

If Elisabeth could put together a coherant thought without shrieking and crying in Barbara's lap, then I would agree with you. If I were a Republican and Conservative and THIS is who was chosen to represent me, I'd be insulted.

I don't mind Sherri in small doses.

jo Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 03:01 AM EST

I agree that Sherri is great (and she is a "strong Christian woman" so maybe Hasselbot won't feel so left out and have to yap incessantly), but I think what David posted makes sense-- since she's going through a divorce and her baby son is her entire world, I don't see her making the move to NY.

Mike Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 02:23 AM EST

Sherri is surprisingly terrific. Who knew a second banana from a third-rate sitcom could be so hysterical. Love Rosie, despite her strident tendencies and love to hate Elizabeth for just being annoying. Joy is Joy.

Wendy Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 01:27 AM EST

Sherri is awesome. I'd love to have her back on tv, and she'd help to take "The View" another step away from repulsive. (Step one was ditching Star Jones).

brandonk Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 01:26 AM EST

Sure are a lot of ads all of a sudden. Frown.

jason Fri, Jan 5, 2007 at 12:01 AM EST

sherri ROCKS!! i was hoping she'd get to be permanent. she's feisty and can handle her own with her volume. i hope this rumor is true.

Juan Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 11:40 PM EST

Miss Sheri has been shining lately on the view, but can the table handle 3 comedians?

Maeve Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 11:09 PM EST

Hey EW, nice overall, the advertisements are bigger and the font is way smaller. Score!

Luke Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 11:06 PM EST

Dang it M. Slezak...this new PopWatch format is different. I like it, but did I miss an obvious link to submit popwatch email topic suggestion.

You're multiple blogs this week, Michael have been food for a starving man.

Sorry this isn't on topic, but like Miss O'Hara, I'll have to think that tomorrow.

JIll Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 10:48 PM EST

Elisabeth has to stay. She has strong convictions, is a Republican, and a Christian....she represents the Midwest. She may be a little bit bland, but the show has to have someone to counterbalance Joy & Rosie, who frankly are too similar for my liking. Two of them are too much. I too am loving Sherri's guest-hosting; she seems very comfortable at the table. I agree with the writer who stated that the "getting to know the new cohost" for the revolving door of ladies is very boring...why waste time talking about someone who won't be there the next day?

malren Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 10:48 PM EST

"Elisabeth adds the view of a young, conservative, Christian woman. "

That's EXACTLY what people like Slezak want to silence. It's all about the free exchange of ideas unless those ideas happen to be conservative. Then it's about shutting people up.

jay Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 10:28 PM EST

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT she kicked Rosie's butt in that Claygate episode.

Jasper Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 10:17 PM EST

I LOVE Sherri, but I HATE The View I hope it isn't true just because I'd hate to see her go down like that. She should just get her own show or something.

Maria Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 08:28 PM EST

Sherri is great! But to those who say Elisabeth "adds nothing" or "has nothing to offer", get real. Elisabeth adds the view of a young, conservative, Christian woman. That is a point of view that none of the other current hosts can, or will, offer. And last time I checked, there were still young, conservative, Christian women living in this country and watching The View. I appreciate Elisabeth.

David Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 08:25 PM EST

Just saw this on IMDB. Don't know if it's legit, but it seems to fit with what she's said on-air.

--- "She has said in the past that she will not join "The View" fulltime because she would have to move to New York. Her and her ex have joint custody and she said she doesn't want to move out of the state and make it harder on the baby than it already is."

Humphrey Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 08:15 PM EST

They NEED to give her that spot. She's the only guest host that didn't bore the audience. I get sick of the 10 minutes it takes to "get to know" each new guest host; such a waste of time.

A Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 07:45 PM EST

She's hilarious. If they have any sense, she'll be permanent. She's legitimately funny without being offensive or telling the same old lame jokes all the time.

David Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 07:44 PM EST

UM WHAT IS THIS NEW EW.COM!?! AWESOME!

But still, Sherri Shepherd. Hire her.

Elaine M. Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 07:31 PM EST

I love Sherri. She is hilarious and would be a great addition to The View. I love Rosie and Joy too. But Elisabeth is perhaps the most annoying host of anything on TV. The whole panel, as well as the audience, kind of just rolls their eyes when she speaks lately. Honestly she adds nothing. And Barbara? I guess it would be too unkind to ask the founder and creator of the show to leave, but sheesh... she is so boring and shows up mainly just to plug her upcoming specials. I love the days when she's out because it's obvious that the others are more comfortable and can let loose.

Jen Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 07:27 PM EST

No other guest co-host has captured the audience's attention like Shepherd. I'm so excited we're getting a black voice on the show, but all the other trial runs have been interchangeable. Shepherd has IT, and they'd be fools to hire someone else.

Miles Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 07:13 PM EST

YES, YES, YES, as much as I hate Rosie, I love SHERRI, so it would be a great balance between good and evil... or just hire SHERRI and get rid of rosie all together... how perfect would that be.

darlene capozio Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 06:57 PM EST

Love, just love Sherri and am keeping my fingers crossed BUT! Elisabeth has to go....I don't want to hear
someone quoting scripture unless I'm tuned into TBN. She
has nothing to offer and with 4 strong women on board who needs her?

Tim Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 06:48 PM EST

Totally agree!! Sherri is really great on The View!!! I hope the sign her soon!

JJ Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 06:42 PM EST

I have been hoping for this ever since she first co-hosted. Not only is she really funny, given her stand up background, but she can also hold her own against Rosie. She is not afraid to speak her mind, or express her 'view' even if it's dissimiliar from the others.

David Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 06:40 PM EST

I wholeheartedly agree that Shepherd MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST get this job. Aside from her amazing ability to go toe-to-toe with Rosie and everyone while getting big laughs from the audience, she speaks for single mothers, divorced women, women who are dating, black families, and Christians who aren't just talking heads but real people with real problems.

My only worry is that Barbara Walters, who I'm assuming has a lot of say in this decision, isn't so funny herself and might not *get* Shepherd the way we all so obviously do. HIRE SHERRI SHEPHERD!

PWeekly Thu, Jan 4, 2007 at 06:34 PM EST

Please let this be true! Sherri Shepard is KILLING IT everytime she co-hosts! Her bawdy personality is a perfect fit with Rosie and Joy.

Make the deal ABC!

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