Andy Cohen Says THIS Co-Host Is The Only One Carrying 'The Talk' And Keeping It On Air!
By Favour Adegoke on October 6, 2022 at 5:00 PM EDT
Andy Cohen recently got a little bit too honest with Jerry O'Connell and criticized O'Connell's "The Talk" co-stars by saying he's the only host carrying the talk show. Cohen told O'Connell that CBS "should quadruple" his salary and insisted to the audience that there's no "The Talk" without him.
O'Connell recently became a permanent co-host on the show after serving as a guest and guest host for several years. His co-hosts include Sheryl Underwood, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, and Natalie Morales. O'Connell defended his co-hosts, saying they love each other and are all friends at the studio.
O'Connell is the first man to become a permanent co-host in the previously all-female show. He joined shortly after the show fired Sharon Osbourne due to her controversial comments on racism and her public defense of Piers Morgan. He also hyped up his time on the show to fans, teasing them about what to expect.
Read on to find out more.
Andy Cohen Thinks Jerry O'Connell Is Carrying The Show
O'Connell recently featured on "Watch What Happens Live" With and spoke to Cohen about his time as a co-host on "The Talk" so far. During their conversation, Cohen told the "Stand by Me" actor that he thinks he's the only host doing any work.
He said (per Yahoo), "I have to say, I have been noticing all day, Jerry, because I saw you this morning too, you have been hunched over all day. And I know it's because you are carrying The Talk on your back. Honestly. I'm sorry but CBS should quadruple your salary."
When O'Connell protested against Cohen's statements, the host turned to the audience and insisted that O'Connell single-handedly carries the show. He said, "There is one person carrying the show, and I'm sorry, but he is sitting right here because without Jerry, there ain't no show. There ain't no show without Jerry."
Jerry O'Connell Defended His Co-hosts Against Andy Cohen's Statement
O'Connell co-hosts "The Talk" with Sheryl Underwood, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Natalie Morales, and Amanda Kloots. Throughout Cohen's statements, O'Connell insisted severally that he was completely wrong and that hosting the show is a joint duty.
O'Connell said, "We love everyone at The Talk. I am currently employed there … Andy's words, not mine. I love everyone." He also emphasized that all the co-hosts and crew at "The Talk" are all friends and have great relationships.
The actor further teased Cohen by reminding him that he's "currently employed there" and has to be with his co-hosts "in six hours." O'Connell said, "Andy's words. Not mine. I love everyone. I love the world."
He Joined As A Permanent Co-host
O'Connell first joined as a permanent co-host in 2021, becoming the first male co-host in a show that always had an all-female cast. During the episode announcing his new post, O'Connell said, "It's fun, and it works, and we're going to have a lot of fun."
CBS hired O'Connell shortly after firing original co-host Sharon Osbourne due to her controversies surrounding race and discrimination and her public defense of Piers Morgan, an even more controversial TV personality.
O'Connell also said, "It's real exciting. First of all, I want to say, you ladies have been so welcoming to me. I mean, I came here as a guest months ago, and just from the moment I walked in, you're just gracious, you're kind, you're fun, and it worked. And here we are. We're going to have a lot of fun, we really are."
Jerry O'Connell Spoke On His Experience As A Co-host
O'Connell had previously spoken about his experience as a co-host with E!News Daily Pop. He joked about how disappointed he was that anchor Akbar Gbajabiamila ruined his position as the show's only male co-host.
He said, "I'm sure you know Akbar. He's amazing. He's been doing this for years, but this is the beginning of his about to be very illustrious career. I'm so happy and stoked to be here with Akbar."
The "Star Trek: Lower Decks" actor also said, "But I've also got to give a shoutout to Amanda Kloots. My co-star is going to be on Dancing With the Stars and you're going to win that thing!" He also teased fans that he's bringing the unexpected to the show.
O'Connell continued, "I'm very afraid to talk about my hairline and what is happening. I'm not talking about any sort of plugs or issues with plugs." He concluded, "It's a very exciting time to be on The Talk."