The Talk has officially replaced Sharon Osbourne with Jerry O’Connell. The actor is the first full-time male co-host of the popular daytime talk show. The 47-year-old is taking over Osbourne’s seat after the cheeky rocker mom resigned in March. O’Connell is the perfect addition because he has been on the show several times and gets along great with the women. Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots, and Elaine Welteroth all adore the loveable guy and even though Carrie Ann Inaba is currently on a leave, she too has nothing but good things to say about O’Connell.
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New & Fresh
The news was announced by Underwood during an episode of the show this week. The actor made an appearance via video to thank his new co-workers. “It’s really exciting. You ladies have been so welcoming to me,” he gushed. “I came here as a guest months ago. From the moment I walked in, you’re gracious, you’re kind, you’re fun and it worked. Here we are. We’re going to have a lot of fun, we really are.” The gig comes after Osbourne was forced to take a step back and reflect on her behavior after lashing out at her co-stars during a discussion about race.
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Race Discussions Are Hard
During the episode, Underwood asked Obourne. “What would you say to people who may feel that while you’re standing by your friend, it appears you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don’t agree?” The British-native did not take kindly to the question. “I feel like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is racist, so that makes me a racist.” Unfortunately, the discussion went left and while Osbourne was only trying to stick up for her friend Piers Morgan for the horrible comments he made about Meghan Markle but she made herself look worse.
It Was Good While It Lasted Sharon
An internal investigation took place resulting in Osbourne saying goodbye to the ladies and a paycheck. A Few days later Underwood addressed the issue on live TV. She shared that she felt “trapped” and treated like “an angry black woman” if she dare talk back. “It’s difficult to go back to that day, because I feel trauma,” admitted the long-time host. “I feel fearful. I feel apprehensive. I thought I was talking to a friend and someone I could trust.” She was not the only one feeling emotional as some of her co-host teared up with her. Fans of the show also expressed their displeasure with how the whole situation went down.
Good Vibes Only
The energy is no doubt heavy AF in that place, but O’Connell’s light-heartedness has the ability to perk it up! The cast shake-up is not something new for the daytime viewers, in the past, the show has recycled host. Some of the former co-hosts and guest hosts include Aisha Tyler, Sara Gilbert, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini, and Marie Osmond. The show is trying to move past the controversy and O’Connell is an integral part of that. Hey, maybe we will get to see more of Rebecca Romijn because that’s the real perk of knowing Jerry O’Connell.
