Could Rosie Become the Next Oprah? Readers Spar

By The Pop Chorus Posted Mar 28th 2010 02:00PM

Rosie O'Donnell's new show may try to fill the gap Oprah leaves behind

Rosie O'Donnell aims to return to daytime TV shortly after Oprah's exit in the fall of 2011 -- with a program sounding suspiciously similar to O's, featuring hour-long, single-topic episodes. "I would like this show to make a difference in people's lives, to be real, uplifting, authentic and focus on life, love and laughter," O'Donnell told the Associated Press.

In light of this, we turned to our ever-growing Pop Chorus to see if they think Rosie might be the new Oprah. After the jump, two of our readers -- both men, interestingly enough -- sound off. One has followed Rosie's highs and lows and believes in her next move; the other thinks Rosie is exactly what daytime television doesn't need.

Rosie's Done Good and Bad -- Maybe Now She Can Be Great
By Peter Gordon

I loved Rosie O'Donnell's last talk show and the freshness it brought to afternoon television. As a middle-aged man, I'm not Rosie's typical audience, but I found myself asking my wife to tape the program for me every day. Rosie clearly had fun hosting the show, and her studio audience, guests and viewers enjoyed themselves as well. I was very sorry when she decided to call it quits.

Sadly, Rosie hasn't done much to endear herself to viewers since. Her short, angry turn on 'The View' was embarrassing, and her prime time variety show, which NBC aired in 2008, was a disaster. My family and I were amongst the few that viewed it, and we sat with our mouths agape like we were witnessing a car crash.

That's why I was glad to hear Rosie plans to return with a serious, one-issue show to potentially replace Oprah. Rosie has had some talk show success, but not nearly the experience Oprah has. Let's remember that Oprah didn't start as a national icon -- she spent years honing her craft in Chicago, and later on-air in syndication, before she dominated afternoon talk.

Perhaps we need to dial down our expectations. No one can really replace Oprah, but Rosie has a better chance than most. I'll be pulling for her.

Right Idea, Wrong Person
By Ryan Merkel

Rosie O'Donnell hosting her own Oprah-type talk show will be a debacle. She's a remarkable comedienne and has a natural celebrity presence, but she is no Oprah. Trying to cash in on Oprah's vacancy from the TV world is a good strategic move, but Rosie is the wrong player. Rosie needs to stick to what she knows -- namely, comedy.

While on 'The View,' Rosie proved she had interviewing talent and a witty way about her. Ironically, Rosie's fallout on 'The View' is the reason I can't take her seriously anymore. She proved to be loud, opinionated and overbearing. Those ingredients don't mix to form a feel-good, listen-to-the-public-and-solve-their-problems type of show. Watching Rosie help a couple of teenagers sort out what it feels like to be different for an hour does not appeal to me. I might watch the first episode, but only out of sheer curiosity, for the same reason someone wants to look at a bus accident -- you really don't want to see, but you know you'll have a good horror story to tell your friends.

The world doesn't need another Oprah. What we need is an Oprah/Ellen love child that will make us laugh and get us to think by bringing important matters into our living rooms each day -- a brand of TV where we get to see the celebrities plug their latest achievements but still focus on the world's issues. I wish Rosie nothing but the best in her endeavors, but this venture is on its way to becoming a colossal mistake.

Tags: oprah, rosie odonnell, the pop chorus

Comments

(141)

Sunday 28 March

By tench

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Rosie's sponsors will be boycotted. She is certified INSANE!!!

By pbgardenpet

The big fat ass has already buries her previous show, so anothe is no big deal. She is worthless.

By G-Spotter

I hope they don't let this crazy woman back on TV. She obviously has very serious mental issues, and seriously needs professional help. She's even admitted childhood abuse, so why would anyone put any creedence into what she says? Pleeeeese! Stop the insanity. Surely the networks have somebody more constructive and productive that could actually put something on the tube that is interesting, makes sense and provides legitimate entertainment to people who are not addicted to the daytime crap that has brainwashed those who are weak and are prone to fall for this stuff.

By jwestgate02715

I liked her until she showed her true colors. Rosie should have stuck to the "Queen of Nice" routine and maybe she'd have a future in show business or the talk show industry. The 180 she pulled made her look like such a phony and the drunken, foul- mouthed internet rants cemented her place in the public eye.

Monday 29 March

By Carol

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NOT Rosie - please. Not again. The woman just can't listen and be nonjudgemental. Oprah conducts great interviews and even when you know she doesn't agree with a guest, or share their beliefs (can you say Sarah Palin?), she is still capable of conducting an interesting and calm interview. Rosie can't do that. She is way too opinionated and can't help but insert her beliefs and opinions into an interview. I, for one, would not watch her. And I think there are millions out there who would agree. I'm sure the people who work at "The View" are SO much happier that she's not there any longer and are far happier with Whoopi and Sherry on the scene. Spare us this O'Donnel woman, oh network gods.

By Jalapeno

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Imagine Oprah as a Rolls Royce, and Rosie("THE PIG")as a rusted up old wagon. Would you trade the Rolls even up for that rusty wagon?

By donna

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I LOVE Rosie and would be thrilled to have her back on TV!! She certainly is controversial.....and we never know what to expect, but that makes for great TV!!!

By Ken Siemers Sr.

GO AWAY ROSIE. PLEASE GO AWAY AND STAY AWAY.

By KAREN PETRANOVICH

ARE YOU KIDDING, ROSIE, SHE SHOULD NOT EVEN BE ALLOWED IN PUBLIC

By nothanks

Rosie is a self loathing bully.

By Kitty

We really need Rosie back, I think she is great and has done alot for children and Good Luck to her on her new upfoming show. If you don't like Rosie DON'T WATCH .

By henery

We need Rosie like we need leprosy. Or any other skin eating eating disease

By becky

ROSIE NEEDS TO STAY HOME AND RAISE HER KIDS..... GO AWAY ROSIE YOU ARE OLD NEWS.............

By bert

rosie is a joke that is why i didnt use a capital R in her name

By mstruck30

I DIDNT WATCH EITHER OF THEM AND DONT INTEND TO WATCH EITHER OF THEM!!

GOOD RIDDANCE TO BOTH.

By Bev C

OMG....NO WAY....NO HOW....NO ROSIE
Please say it isn't so.
I use to love Oprah until she stepped into politics.
That did me in. Ellen would be a better candidate.

By Richard

Please GOD save us.....

By duke

Every time Rosie opens her mouth, it reminds me of a blow up doll, only fatter. But at least she would have more whites on the show.

By bill

They are both idiots, but NO WAY do I watch a freak loudmouthed lesbian. (not that I watch the freak loudmouth straight one either.)

By Renie

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Rosie will be fine and daytime talk will get better!

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