Celebrity | Reality

Rosie O'Donnell Rumored To Be Returning To TV As Julie Chen's Replacement

CBS/ABC

When it comes to talk shows, there are many that we all remember. We obviously know the classics icons like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Joan Rivers, but there was another huge talk show host in the 90s that people can't forget.

Rosie O'Donnell had one of the biggest daytime talk shows of the 90s. Her show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show ran for six seasons with over 1,100 episodes.

The show ended in 2002, but in 2006 she returned to television as one of the moderators on The View. O'Donnell's time on the long-running series was highly controversial. She got into many fights with her fellow co-stars due to their opposing political views, as well as a very public feud with Donald Trump.

ABC

O'Donnell left the show in 2007, but that wasn't the last time that she would make her way onto TV.

The Oprah Winfrey Network tried to make her a new show simply called The Rosie Show, but it was cancelled after one season due to low ratings.

But after all these years, O'Donnell is once again in talks to come back to television, as a part of one of the most popular talk shows on TV.

Julie Chen's sudden departure from The Talk has left a vacancy on the panel of women, and apparently CBS has O'Donnell on the short-list to  replace her.

CBS

Chen has left the show due to the allegations surrounding her husband, former CBS chairman Les Moonves, and while it surprised many, the show must go on.

There are four other hosts on The Talk, including Sheryl Underwood, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, and Eve. Sources say that her track record of controversy is actually what's drawing the network's eye to her.

"She has a proven track record, from her own show to her time on The View, and despite being polarizing she brings in viewers," the source told DailyMail.

They explained that these dramatic moments are exactly what the show needs for its ninth season.

ABC

Another source also pointed out that her relatability would be an asset. "Rosie can be a bit intense when it comes to politics, but she is incredibly good at connecting with an audience, and would be an ideal fit."

Not only that, but O'Donnell's former booking agent Deirdre Dod is the new talent producer for The Talk, giving her that extra edge.

It's suspected that The Talk will wait until late October or into November before the show makes their official announcement so they can take advantage of the Sweeps-Week ratings boost.

Other potential hosts on the short-list include Carnie Wilson, Ann Curry, Debbie Matenopolos, and Lisa Ling.

There are also rumors that Kris Jenner and Mayim Bialik are being approached, but given their schedules it would be unlikely they would have the time.

Carrie Ann Inaba, current judge on Dancing With The Stars is apparently in consideration, but the source notes that she has no children and because the show claims to be "through the eyes of a mother" she may not fit.

We should find out soon enough, but for now we will just have to wait and see.

Who do you think should be the new co-host?

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