Could Rosie Become the Next Oprah? Readers Spar
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.
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Its as easy to not watch Rosie as it is to not watch Oprah. Who really cares. Both of these women think way to much of their own opinions. Having your own TV show and money does not make you any smarter than the average person.
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She could replace Oprah only if she replaced her totally obnoxious Metro New York attitude!
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both of these broads just need to go away...
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Your right they are both very brrrrroooooooooaaaaaaaaaad. aka FAT
ARE YOU KIDDING ME,Rosie O'Donnell HA Ha Ha. Can't stand her,
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Please forget Rosie and Oprah...give us an upbeat, classy quick witted personality!
We don't want to hear about their political opinions!
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one lesbian taking over a show for another. too nasty.
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HELL NO
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One fat ugly pig for another.
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Put Joel Mchale on; funny guy
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funny how the networks pick up the trash all the time
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Rosie? You've got to be kidding! She's a pig! And Oprah? Well, she's lost her edge and time for her to go. New blood needed and certainly Rosie is not the one
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Why do the networks keep wanting to bring back old faces that had an average following back in the 90's. They can't find at least one celebrity out there that has carisma, who's funny and really talented to do a daytime talk show gig? There's a new generation of daytime TV viewers. Rosie had her fame. Now, she needs to spend some serious time with Dr. Phil and put Jenny Craig on her speed dial.
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Rosie is rude, bitter, loud mouthed, and belligerent. I will never watch her. I don't watch Oprah because she's so egocentric. I used to like her until her money and attitude went to her head. Good riddance to both of them!
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Oprah is a deep broadminded eclectic benfactor of humanity. Rosie is an egocentric histrionic person who truly believes her personal life is something to use the airwaves to disseminate to the world. She contributes to charities, yes, as anyone with extra money should. Otherwise, not in the same universe.
Racerx, how on earth could you possibly see Oprah as a racist? She is so incredibly non-racist, you'd have to practically be Buddah to be any less discriminatory.
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Don't we already have a lesbian gunning for Oprah's slot?
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Rosie is just angry and confrontational
She cannot replace Opah
What about Bonnie Hunt She has a great show
and is kind to everyone and has respect from her guests
She is going off the air
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Rosie sucks and will never fill Oprah's shoes!
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Why do people who want to make a statement say it in such a way that what they say will be totally discounted? I call it trash talk. A lot of trash talk about these ladies. There is a way to say everything without being trashy.
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Give me a break. Let's just forget the two ladies and may be they will just go away. Too much junk on TV these days and we sure do not need ODonnell putting our junk. Thanks.
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