Kathy NOT the new moderator on The View?

[Max]

They just announced the new moderator as Whoopi Goldberg.

They haven't said anything about the second chair yet...

[caryscott]

Kathy was never being considered for the Moderator role. Her chances of taking over for Star have just increased dramatically as she isn't necessarily the wrong ethnicity anymore and she has an affable relationship with Whoopi. I have speculated before that the Fall hole in Kathy's tour is because she was asked to make herself available to sit in on The View and get a real try out. I think for Shepherd the more time she spends the more suspect her chances become - they don't need another Christian and she seems disconnected from a lot of the current affairs stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if they try a few different people out to see how they fit with Whoopi. Expect to see the other post filled by Liz's maternity leave in November. I also expect that Whoopi's deal allows her a voice in who gets hired. I suspect Kathy has known what was happening for quite a while.

[Ren Fisk]

What would happen to "My Life On The D-List" if she was on The View? Would we never see another season of that again?

And why do they all have to be dames? What's up that?

[Bornalittlelate]

What would happen to "My Life On The D-List" if she was on The View? Would we never see another season of that again?

And why do they all have to be dames? What's up that?

I dont think we will see MLODL season 4 either way, Kathy said she couldnt do it without her father.

[Sprinkles]

Well with the talk today that Shepherd is OUT because she wanted to be paid the same as Whoopie, I think that makes Kathy even more favored! I certainly hope so.

[amandainma]

Please Kathy. If at all possible, DO THE VIEW!

[caryscott]

I don't buy she wouldn't do a fourth year if nothing better comes together.

On to The View:

TMZ is reporting that In Touch claims Shepherd wants 2 mill and ABC is balking because that is what Whoopi is getting. BS - as stone cold as Whoopi's career is there is no chance she is doing that show for 2 million - I would guess more in the 4-5 range. Also if ABC wanted to do a deal with Shepherd it would be done, she's desperate for the gig and she doesn't have a lot of irons in the fire - I don't think she's the one but if she is they should be able to get her for around 1.2 mill tops. I don't have a clue whether Kathy wants it but my feeling is they are still talking to her. I would have thought she would consider it for the low twos.

[Ren Fisk]

D-List is one of the best shows on Bravo. Crap... I'll argue that it's her best work.

[Max]

OK I heard that Roseanne wanted 6 million which is what Rosie O'Donnell was offered to stay. So, I would think you could be right about Whoopi being in the 4 or 4.5 range.

[Sandra]

ITA Ren - Kathy's show is the best - on the view all they do is bitch. It reminds me when I'm sitting having a latte and I hear the cackling hens next to me talk about mindless sh*t - no thanks!!!!

[caryscott]

I don't see Kathy and The View as a great fit (though with Whoopie on board it looks a little better) but what does a female stand-up do after her surprise hit reality show on a small cable network? Reality shows don't run forever and they don't pay that well. She isn't going to get a shot at late night and primetime is a crapshoot where her best shot is going to be in a supporting role (a la Wanda Sykes) if she can convince anyone to cast her. Plus at some point her D-List schtick is going to get tired.

The View is a legit steady gig which will certainly keep Kathy in the spotlight.

On the money front you know Whoopi and Kathy both know how much they were willing to fork over for Rosie - she probably faxed them the paperwork from her negotiations. Kathy can make more cash on the road now but for how long - sitting around at The View is a lot cushier job with more perks. It's sort of win win for Kathy because if it doesn't work out she can go back to what she was doing.

[Redmist]

Caryscott, I think you just hit the nail on the head.

[SOT]

I sort of disagree for the following reasons:

1. The d-list stuff might get old, but as she climbs the ladder, wouldn't it be interesting to see what happens?

2. The View is a steady gig IF you don't get fired, quit, or self-destruct. How long was Star on the view? Rosie? Whoopie is there for three reasons, in no particular order. She is safe, fairly funny, and black. By safe I mean that she is not going to get into a confrontation with Babs and the like. She's been working morning radio for pete's sake...this is a dream come true for her at this point in her career.

3. She's hot on the "circuit" right now...if she moves to the View, she loses that, and then would have to build it back up. Certainly the argument could be made that The View would enhance her value per show, but if she's making $6MM now, take a step back to $1-1.5MM would be a HUGE income loss, and there are not that many perks that can make up for that.

4. Myself I think she is rying pretty hard to follow the Susanne Somers model. I mean who knew Jennifer Flavin even had a job? It's those quiet money makers that really bank the jing.

5. We have not really discussed production side, what if KG wants to get out of the comedy and the touring altogether and she's just building money to start producing things v. being the center of the project?

[GroovyYaYa]

SOT, are you kidding with how this must be a dream come true for Whoopi because her career is in the toilet? With ALL due respect (seriously) I don't think Whoopi is as pathetic as you make her seem, nor is she as "safe" as you state. It might very well be a dream, but not because she needs a shot in the arm for her career - but I suspect because she feels she has a lot to say/discuss. Whoopi has always been outspoken AND controversial. Did you see her recent stand up special? Her edge has CHANGED, but she definitely still has an edge. I think she did radio because (a) it wasn't centered around looks and (b) it let her speak her mind without traveling around and doing standup ALL the time.

I also think she is so laid back in style, and has a few more years on her, that while she may feel the same way as Rosie did on political issues, she'll be able to do it more calmly. I do NOT mean this to be a "dis" against Rosie. I am actually a big fan, and agree with her on MANY issues. Her greatest strength is also her greatest weakness... she feels things so emotionally, so passionately that she doesn't always express herself in the best way on a panel like the View. (BTW, you asked how long Star lasted, as if she burned out fast... she was on there for NINE YEARS. Rosie was only on there for one, but she sure as hell had an impact.

Now, as for Kathy, I completely disagree that it would be a step back. She would be seen by MILLIONS of people EVERY DAY... and as evident by the show, she seems to be constantly working. There is NO reason why she couldn't do stand up on the weekends - like Joy Behar has been doing for YEARS (It IS the 10th Anniversary, and she has been on there just about the whole time).

Also, while I don't mind Sheri Shepard and honestly it would be nice if they had two minority women (they couldn't find a Latina?), I do think Kathy could easily fit into the mix, and would make a nice addition... childless, up on the political issues, BUT also willing to totally jump in on the celebrity gossip, etc. The show, being on daytime every day, has to be able to jump from politics, Hollywood, women's issues, home decorating, etc. and back again sometimes in the same episode. Kathy would clearly be great at that.

I will say that I think EH will have a harder time with Whoopi than she did with Rosie, and I am soooo looking forward to that.

If they pick Kathy or not - I hope the announcement is made soon. I'm getting anxious!

[caryscott]

I think it is already straining around the edges - the original Laugh Factory gigs go back to 2003. Fans of the show, but not necessarily Kathy, are grumbling on-line that the show doesn't have quite the same energy it used to have. No comics material lasts forever.

I don't see how you get to Suzanne Sommers from here? If Kathy wants that she is going to have to sell a slightly softer more palatable persona - what better place to build that than on The View?

If Kathy wants to keep her edgey outsider status I am in for the long hall but I'm not sure given her HSN ambitions that she is married to her current counter culture credibility. Ask Joan Rivers, the headlining gigs don't last.

I believe Kathy may be grossing 2-2.5 million on the road doing 150 cities a year. With her TV cash and whatever else you probably get 3-4 mill. Anything over that is a combination of speculation and bravado in my book. If she could score 2 mill annually plus a far more realistic base to from which to launch her empire it might not be such a bad deal. Doing the show doesn't stop Kathy from taking outside gigs - Kelly Ripa starred in a bad sitcom for 3 years while doing Regis + Kelly. Joan R. launched her merchandise when she was doing her syndicated talk show.

Star was fired after 8-9 years (16-18 mill for Kathy if she was hired at 2 mill without even factoring in a raise). Viera left on her own (to get 10 million annually for the Today show) as did Ling and Rosie. Kathy may not be able to kiss a$$ but if she could keep her job on SS for 4 unfunny Seasons then she is very capable of diplomacy.

I don't see Kathy producing except for herself - she has a pretty out and proud me first focus.

However it falls out neither outcome is bad fo Kathy. I hope it works out the way she wants.