“The Talk” launched in 2010 as a daily morning show featuring five women discussing issues important to mothers. It offered a feminine point of view on current trends, family, pop culture, and human-interest stories.
The original format was conceived as an apolitical program and as an alternative to “The View,” the ABC morning show developed by Barbara Walters and led by Whoopi Goldberg. “The Talk” debuted with celebrity co-hosts Sara Gilbert, Leah Remini, Julie Chen, Sharon Osbourne, and Holly Robinson Peete. The Daytime Emmy-Award-winning team has generated lots of spicy controversies, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
‘The Talk’ was Spearheaded by Sara Gilbert
It was executive producer Sara Gilbert who envisioned the program as a show revolving around moms and what they care about. Production of “The Talk” was a passion project of the “Roseanne” (1988) star. As a child actor, she delighted TV audiences playing Roseanne’s spunky daughter Darlene.
The role garnered her two Primetime Emmy nominations. More recently, Gilbert starred on “The Big Bang Theory.” She has since been back with the “Roseanne” cast doing a reboot sitcom called “The Conners.”
The Turnover Rate at ‘The Talk’ Got People Talking
“The Talk” invites controversy, but much of the scathing dramas have sprung from within. The morning show has chewed through every single host from the original panel. Internal quarreling has generated the bulk of the program’s drama.
Each departure stirred controversy, but no exit was more contentious than Sharon Osbourne’s. Her shocking leave on March 26, 2021, produced a media storm that simmered for a long time.
Marissa Jaret Winokur Was the First to Go
Marissa Winokur was dissatisfied as a panelist at the CBS talk show. The Tony-award-winning actress from “Hairspray” and “Dancing with the Stars” felt like she wasn’t getting enough airtime. She complained that the segment she signed up to do, “Mom in the Streets,” was repeatedly bumped as the show evolved away from its mom point-of-view beginnings.
After a year of sharing the desk at “The Talk,” Winokur abandoned her post to host a cable TV show and to focus on launching a clothing line. When she made the announcement, the new format at “The Talk” was soaring in ratings.
Leah Remini Was Not Invited Back for Season 2
Shortly after Winokur’s exit, Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete were let go. The move stirred up internal drama that played out on Twitter. Things got dicey after Remini tweeted that Sharon Osbourne was to blame for the casting shakeup.
Inadvertently igniting a feud, Leah went on to say that Sharon said she and Holly Robinson Peete were “not funny,” and “awkward.” She wasn’t making things up. In a Howard Stern interview, Osbourne said as much. Later, starring on “Kings of Queen,” Leah changed her tune, telling “The Howard Stern Show” she agreed with the network’s decision.
Holly Robinson Peete Was the Third to Go
Holly Robinson Peete’s axing was embroiled in that storm of tweets by Osbourne, claiming she had nothing to do with the firing. In a tersely intoned tweet, Sharon said it’s time for the ladies “to move on.” Holly jumped into that Twitter quarrel years later amongst the firestorm surrounding Osbourne’s axing.
She reminded people that Sharon flung a certain epithet at the co-hosts. Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood would replace the two. Meanwhile, Holly learned she was fired by rumors and wasn’t notified until days before Season 2 launched. She said it was the most frustrating time of her life.
The Founder of ‘The Talk’ Stepped Down
It came as a blow when show creator and desk mainstay Sara Gilbert decided to leave. After nine seasons, she announced on the program that it was time to reorganize priorities. She said that if she was honest with herself, her family life had become “slightly out of balance.”
Her plate was full. She also had plans to do a “Roseanne” spinoff and a Netflix series. The April 2019 announcement hit the panel of co-hosts hard. The emotional goodbye reverberated through the studio audience. By the end of Season 9, she was gone. Marie Osmond took her spot.
Sharon Osbourne’s Surprise Exit
Veteran co-host Sharon Osbourne served ten years at the desk of “The Talk.” She was the outrageous one who spiced it up with quick-witted commentary, yet, ultimately, that was the reason for her demise. She was the last remaining original host, but nothing would save her from her statements on March 10th, 2021.
Her opinions jettisoned her into a media melee. ABC fired the spitfire co-host, best known as the wife of heavy metal rocker Ozzy Osbourne, under allegations of being prejudiced. Officially, she was let go because her behavior did not align with the network’s “values of a respectable workplace.” We will dig into this scandal that played out on television and the Internet.
Julie Chen Left, Amidst Her Husband’s Misconduct Trial
Scandal hit “The Talk” in earnest with Julie Chen’s untimely departure. Being married to CBS CEO and President Leslie Moonves was an asset at first, but after allegations of misconduct came to light in 2018, he was a liability.
Chen supported him, but negotiations about her future at “The Talk” were already brewing. Her husband's downfall came not long after.
Aisha Tyler Left Because She Had Too Much on Her Plate
Aisha Tyler announced she would leave “The Talk” in a sentimental goodbye. She talked about how much she would miss the network of support she felt with the ladies on the panel.
She said she “had to let something go.” Besides the rigorous demands of a daytime talk show, she starred on “Criminal Minds,” voiced a character on “Archer,’” and hosted “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”
Marie Osmond Surprised Everyone Joining ‘The Talk’
It came as an even bigger surprise when the famous 1970s pop singer announced her exit after just one season. She stepped in to replace Sara Gilbert’s spot in Season 10 and was gone the very next season. Osmond cited family reasons for taking a bow, but there were hints of backroom wrangling against the newest co-host.
Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood, according to an anonymous CBS insider who talked with Page Six, were pulling strings to get rid of Osmond. The announcement that she would leave on her own accord was also encouraged by the network, according to the source.
Eve Left ‘The Talk’ in 2020
Rap artist Eve took the spot of Aisha Tyler in 2017 and spent three seasons with the ladies before she announced her departure. Due to 2020 travel restrictions, commuting from her London home to N.Y.C. set was no longer an option.
Eve gave a tear-jerking farewell. Welling up herself, she talked about how much she loves the ladies on the panel, more tears all around the table. Signing off on her last episode, the rapper said it is not goodbye but see you later.
News of Ozzy Osbourne Being unfaithful to Sharon
“The Talk” breeds internal turmoil. Sharon Osbourne has churned up the bulk of it. America got to know the crazy side of Osbournes on the family of five’s MTV reality show. In this case, news of Ozzy’s 2016 affair was tearing up the headlines. It went down during Sharon’s tenure at “The Talk.”
That day, the vivacious redhead took the day off. After 33 years of marriage, she separated from the famous rocker. “I’m 63 years of age, and I can’t keep living like this.” Frustrated with his infidelities (this time with a celebrity hairstylist) she said she did not know if they could work it out.
When Ozzy Was Unfaithful
Trust has been a rocky road and a long-term struggle. As a rock star, women have always flocked around Ozzy Osbourne. But as the decades ticked by and with more than 30 years of marriage, Sharon became less accepting of his escapades.
Ozzy claims he's back on the straight and narrow, and perhaps it’s true. But in 2017, Sharon revealed to the panel at “The Talk” that, at one point, he was with six different women in six different countries. She said he was with a woman in Russia, a masseuse in England, another masseuse in the States, plus their private cook.
Sharon: 'I forgive. It’s going to take a long time to trust'
The Osbournes tied the knot in 1982. Their children, especially Kelly Osbourne, were devastated by the scandal. After kicking her husband out of their Beverly Hills home, Ozzy checked in to therapy and found some time to think.
He said cheating on Sharon was a big mistake and insisted it was one of his greatest regrets. He felt lucky she took him back and grateful she could forgive him. Trusting him again, however, would take a long time, according to Mrs. Osbourne. In 2017, the couple renewed their vows, and Ozzy even gave her a new diamond-studded wedding band.
The Osbourne Family Reality Show
“The Osbournes” premiered in 2002 on MTV. The show ran for four seasons and gave viewers an inside look at a real, live rock and roll family rolling through their daily lives. The show was a massive hit and tapped out with the highest ratings ever for a reality show by the season finale in 2005.
It launched the careers of the Osbourne kids and Sharon. As Ozzy’s manager and wife, they quarreled a lot. But the wildly dysfunctional dad was a big attraction, known for being aggressive, outrageous, and launching F-bombs right and left.
‘The Talk’ Invites LeAnn Rimes to Debunk Tabloid Gossip
Despite the internal drama, “The Talk” is about its guests. LeAnn Rhimes visited the show following her and Eddie Cibrian’s double affair scandal, which ended with their marriage. She talked about negotiations for the “LeAnn & Eddie reality show.” She debunked several items of gossip, exactly as she would on the reality show.
“The Talk” set up a game called “Rimes on the Record.” The panelists take turns citing a rumor, and the country music star debunks it. The first gossip item—that Rimes and Cibrian are expecting—was shot down soundly, but she laughed, saying they should have several children by now, according to the tabloids.
The Target of Sharon Osbourne’s Outburst
Sheryl Underwood was on the receiving end of Sharon Osbourne’s chagrin on the day of that feisty March 10th moment. Underwood simply asked her longtime friend and co-host to explain why she would support Piers Morgan.
Sheryl said Sharon’s response was traumatic and made her fearful. Co-host Elaine Welteroth characterized Sharon’s outburst as going “off the rails into disrespect.”
The Root of Sharon Osbourne’s Public Relations Disaster
Osbourne’s fateful defense of Piers Morgan pitched her life into a pool of chaos. After 10 years, her reign at the desk would be overthrown because of this. Her decision to support British talk show host Piers Morgan came to a head on March 10, the day following his provocative remarks on “Good Morning Britain.”
In that shocking outburst, Piers walked off his own show because fellow journalist Alex Beresford called him out for his past comments. Sharon Osbourne would defend him, tweeting a message of solidarity that led to her tumultuous dismissal by the network.
Sharon Osbourne and Co-Host Sheryl Underwood Lock Horns on ‘The Talk’
The ladies sparred sharply about whether Morgan’s callous comments were too radical to support. The hotly debated issue sprang from the Oprah Winfrey interview with the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex. Sharon insists she cannot understand why Morgan was attacked the way he was.
The evening of the Piers Morgan walk-off, Sharon tweeted a message of solidarity with the British talk show host. She said he was just speaking his truth. The next morning on “The Talk,” Sheryl held Sharon’s feet to the fire. Sharon felt like she was put in “the electric chair” for supporting Morgan.
Osbourne Was Not the Only Co-Host Forced to Leave in Disgrace
Julie Chen, recall, one of the original panelists at “The Talk,” was swept up in her husband’s misconduct accusations. He left his post as CBS president and CEO after allegations published in “The New Yorker” came to light, forcing his hand to abandon his powerful post.
Julie staunchly supported her husband from the start. She claimed his innocence, but that only exacerbated her situation. In a prerecorded announcement to “The Talk,” Chen said she is leaving to spend more time at home with her son and husband. She remained at CBS’s “Big Brother.”
‘The Talk’ Responds to the Les Moonves Scandal
The ladies on the panel agreed that the ouster of the former CBS president, who had been the CEO of “The Talk’s” network, was the right decision. But they supported their friend and colleague Julie Chen unequivocally. Sharon Osbourne led the discussion saying that it is embarrassing to talk about what Julie’s husband did, but necessary.
She asked why it is that powerful men are prone to this sort of mistreatment against women. “Obviously, the man has a problem,” Osbourne concluded, while Sheryl Underwood opined that it must be a blessing to be freed from his lies and secrets.
Osbourne’s Ouster was So Controversial it Forced ‘The Talk’ Off the Air
“The Talk” is a show that loves controversy and courts personal drama, but this time, it was all its own doing. A CBS investigation found that Osbourne’s views were not conducive to the values of the network.
The show was to go off the air for a week, but the studio at “The Talk” stayed silent for several weeks.
The Hiatus That Wouldn't End
Speculations about the future of “The Talk” went wild. In the days following Sharon’s departure announcement, into the unplanned, weeks-long hiatus, ratings for the talk show tumbled.
Sheryl and Sharon’s climactic exchange about whether Sharon and Piers are prejudiced trended on the Internet and lit up media coverage.
Sharon Osbourne Tweets an Apology
On March 11, Sharon went to Twitter to air a statement of apology. She appealed to the black community, and she admitted she was blindsided by her fear. She clearly stated that she does not condone these behaviors.
Her tweet was met with support and derision. However, it would be too little, too late. The media machine had turned harshly against the longtime host of “The Talk.” She would be forced into resigning by March 26, just weeks after the March 10 blowout.
Piers Morgan Demanded an Apology from ‘The Talk’
Piers Morgan took to Twitter two days after Sharon and Sheryl’s blowout on “The Talk.” He complained that Sharon was bullied into apologizing.
In a bold statement, he demanded an apology from the CBS talk show. He says the ladies on “The Talk” accused him of prejudiced insensitivity. And he said he did nothing wrong. The apology, however, would not materialize.
Piers Morgan’s Demise
The scandal that took Sharon Osbourne down also took out Piers Morgan. After 57,000 viewer complaints against Morgan, a record high, the ITV network effectively escorted the “Good Morning Britain” host to the door. However, Morgan was allowed to leave on his own accord during a network investigation into his incendiary comments and his walking off the program on March 9.
Morgan criticized Merkle and went after her for disrespecting British royalty. He also called her a liar.
‘The Talk’ Returns to Its Daytime Slot Sans Osbourne
On April 12, the morning talk show returned to the air. It was the first episode since the flare-up between Sharon and Sheryl on March 10. Then, Sharon expressed her indignation at being called out forcefully and confidently, but her visceral response only served to quicken the impending shutdown.
The April 12 broadcast was essentially a group therapy session with inclusion expert Donald Grant and trauma therapist Anita Phillips. Hosts Sheryl, Carrie, Amanda, and Elaine discuss the incident. It was about empowerment and moving on. Sheryl says despite the trauma she felt, she still loves Sharon and the Osbournes.
Ozzy Osbourne Speaks Out to Defend His Wife
Meanwhile, Sharon was still dealing with the same media storm swirling around Piers Morgan. Ozzy Osbourne hit the airwaves on “Ozzy Speaks,” his SiriusXM radio show, in May and told listeners that Sharon had been run through the mill.
He declared that she is probably the accepting person he knows. He said that this sort of media attention is extremely hard to shake, but he was confident that they would get through it. Ozzy said his wife has been braving the storm and that it’s been a very difficult time.
Threats Prompt the Osbournes to Hire Security
In the fallout surrounding the investigation into Sharon’s commentary on “The Talk” and her defense of Piers, threats to her life began pouring in. People threatened the host, her family, and even her dogs, one of which sat between her and Sheryl Underwood on that ill-fated day.
Private security set up a post outside of her family home. Police also investigated the threats. Sharon had to turn off comments on certain posts to deal with a flood of hateful Twitter and Instagram responses. Threats came by mail and phone calls to her home and office.
Osbourne Speaks Her Mind with Bill Maher
Sharon Osbourne returned to TV on April 16, giving Bill Maher her first interview since the controversial exchange. Sharon was greeted by a supportive audience, warming her heart. She told the late-night host of “Real-Time” that she is angry and hurt but staying strong.
The former judge on “X-Factor” and prior contestant on “The Apprentice” expressed frustration at being called a racist for defending longtime colleague and friend Morgan.
Cyndi Lauper Stands By Sharon
Eighties pop queen Cyndi Lauper stood by Sharon Osbourne during her time in the harsh spotlight. A week after the bruhaha, the “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer said that she has known Sharon for a long time and that she must have misspoken.
Lauper posted a photo of Sharon and her on her Instagram page. She did not deny that the “The Talk” co-host hurt others with her words and also “flubbed” her apology, but she pointed out, the former co-host is being sincere in her efforts to make things right.
The Ladies' Halloween Transformation
The ladies went under disguise for Halloween 2020 when they all transformed into iconic singers. Each came on stage in the most outrageous outfit ready to do some rock-n-roll.
The cherry on the cake was when singer Joey Fatone joined the clan as a guest host for the Lip Sync Special. This was like a breath of fresh air, and ask for it to be repeated annually.
Host Amanda Kloots Talks about Grieving Husband Nick Cordero
Amanda Kloots joined “The Talk” in 2021 as one of the newest remaining co-hosts. In 2020, she became known for her heartfelt and optimistic Instagram posts documenting the ultimately tragic loss of her husband, Nick Cordero.
Cordero, a former stage and television actor, was honored with a Tony nomination for the 2014 musical “Bullets Over Broadway,” the theatre production where the couple met. In this segment, she discusses her grieving process at the ten-month anniversary of Cordero’s death. She shares a coping mechanism from a grief counselor that makes it seem like Nick is still holding, supporting, and caring for her.
FINNEAS Sings a Song on ‘The Talk’
Most of us know by now that FINNEAS is the big brother and songwriter to five-time Grammy winner Billie Eilish. FINNEAS came to “The Talk” for a different reason; he came to perform his song “What They’ll Say About Us,” a song he says he wrote to honor Nick Cordero.
The songwriter talked about how he would check in each day to read Amanda Kloots’ Instagram posts about her husband’s progress and to catch up with her little boy Elvis. It inspired him to really think about how it would be to lose a loved one or watch them suffer.
‘Glee’ Actor Jane Lynch Opens about the College Admissions Scandal
Actress Jane Lynch joined the ladies at “The Talk” to back actress Felicity Huffman who had to do some time for illegally manipulating college admissions to get her kids into USC. The “Glee” star said former “Desperate Housewives” Huffman’s crime was not worthy of jail time.
The ladies on the panel disagreed strongly, siding with many folks, including Michael B. Jordan and John Legend. Both celebs aired on social media the harsh discrepancy between a homeless woman’s five-year prison sentence for lying about her address to get her son into a better school and Huffman’s privilege of receiving a two-week sentence.
Sheryl Underwood Hosts 2021 Daytime Emmys
The ladies at “The Talk” co-hosted the Daytime Emmys ceremony as a team at four different award galas. In 2021, Sheryl Underwood was invited to host the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on her own. Hosting solo was a huge honor.
The 2021 Emmy show is aired on Underwood’s own CBS network. The comedian, talk show host, and actress is an Emmy Award winner, receiving an Outstanding Talk Show Host Daytime Emmy in 2017.
Sheryl Starred on Two CBS Daytime Soap Operas
Sheryl Underwood got her start in the entertainment industry as a comedian. She won a 2005 BET comedy award, and by 2011 she landed “The Talk,” replacing one of the original co-hosts.
Simultaneously, she starred on two CBS soaps, “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” She has since left the soaps and taken a central role on the panel of “The Talk.”
Did Sharon Osbourne Win a Multimillion-Dollar Payout?
After the brouhaha at “The Talk” went down, speculation that Sharon Osbourne would receive a substantial severance package to leave CBS spiked. “Page Six” reported that Sharon departed her spot on the show with a “payout” of $5 to $10 million. “Page Six” also stated that the former host was able to “spin” the exit as her decision to leave.
The hype was not true. A CBS spokesperson told “The Cut” that any payout to the entertainment personality is “False, inaccurate, or untrue,” adding, “Take your pick.” What is true, however, Sharon was luxuriating in a $1 million salary.
Sheryl Memorializes Kristoff St. John on ‘The Talk’
“Our hearts are broken,” Sheryl said, “because CBS daytime has lost one of our own.” Struggling with emotion, she prayed for strength for his family and said that the world is a better place because he was a good man, husband, and father.
He was 52. St. John was nominated 11 times for a Daytime Emmy as Neil Winters on “The Young and the Restless.” Sheryl starred alongside St. John at the “The Young and the Restless.” She said he died of a broken heart, unable to bear the weight of the loss of his son's life in 2014.
‘The Talk’ Celebrates ‘The Young and the Restless’ Heartthrob
It’s not all sad news from CBS daytime soaps. Eric Braeden was invited onto “The Talk” to be congratulated by the ladies for 40 years on “The Young and the Restless.” He captivated audiences as the dashing villainous Victor Newman since 1980.
The ladies asked which script he thought would totally flop, but instead, viewers loved it. He laughed as he recalled reading the script. His character was to catch his first wife’s lover and imprison him in his dungeon, feeding him baked rats.
Sara Gilbert Talked About Roseanne Barr’s Tweet
Roseanne Barr shocked everyone when she compared former White House Advisor from the Barack Obama administration to something out of the “planet of the apes.” ABC yanked the new ‘Roseanne’ reboot from the air. But it wasn’t until Sara Gilbert’s reaction on Twitter that the network announced it had permanently pulled the plug on its No. 1 sitcom.
Gilbert responded, saying that Roseanne’s comments about Valerie Jarrett were “abhorrent” and very disappointing. ABC announced the cancellation soon after. On “The Talk,” Gilbert again addressed the issue, saying she stands by the network’s decision.
The fallout from Roseanne Barr’s Tweet
Deep into the night, Roseanne Barr tweeted up a storm. Ranging from rage to apologies, she even blamed sleeping aid for her outrageous blunder. She lashed out at colleague Sara Gilbert, tweeting, “Wow! Unreal,” for calling her tweet abhorrent. Two hours later, around 4 a.m., Barr said she understands Gilbert’s opinion and forgives her.
Barr admitted she made a mistake by then and sent several more regretful and apologetic tweets. In her final tweet, she apologized to Valerie Jarrett. To no avail, “Roseanne” was canceled soon after, and the mouthy celeb was dumped by her talent agency.
Sara Gilbert Played Roseanne Barr’s Daughter for Nine Seasons
Sara Gilbert was 13 when she landed the “Roseanne” gig. In the show about the Conner family created by Roseanne Barr, Darlene was the smart and sarcastic one.
As the middle child with a plucky personality, she was an integral part of the sitcom. Producers were so fond of her role on the show that they worked with her schedule as the long-running show extended into her college years. Gilbert graduated from Yale in 1997 in art and photography.
The Big Announcement: ‘The Talk’ is No Longer a Panel of Ladies
“The Talk” has evolved a lot since it first aired. Adding a man to the panel was a big move. Jerry O’Connell debuted on “The Talk” as a co-host in 2021.
He has been a frequent guest on the show, but now he is a permanent fixture joining of co-hosts: Carrie Ann Inaba, Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots, and Elaine Welteroth. O’Connell came aboard to replace Sharon Osbourne. The actor has a long list of TV and film credits. He voices Commander Jack Ransom in the “Star Trek: Lower Decks” animated series.
Deepak Chopra Guests at ‘The Talk’
While it’s true that there is no shortage of controversy and drama coming from the CBS morning show, it is also full of heartwarming moments and self-improvement segments. The ladies exuded gratitude as they welcomed this guest.
Deepak Chopra talked to the ladies about his new book. He talked about becoming better people individually and how people can create a better world. He talks about reaching a heightened state of awareness, in part by monitoring our thoughts. He says to “wake up” so you won’t be triggered by those automatic thoughts.
Matthew McConaughey Announced His Stand-Up Aspirations
Matthew McConaughey talked about the excitement of doing a stand-up routine. He says he likes it because, creatively, he has complete control over his performance, compared with making films or writing his book.
The Oscar-winning actor and author also talked about his best-selling memoir “Greenlights.” But mostly, he wanted to talk about the zero-filter medium of stand-up as opposed to film, which has at least four filters of his performance. In making a film, his original expression is filtered by the cameraman, the editors, and the director.
Tyra Banks Talks About the Natural Look
The famous model and reality show maven showed up at “The Talk” roundtable to talk about her new movie, but she also talked about beauty, sans makeup. Once a year, the “America’s Next Top Model” creator posts a photo of herself sans makeup and without a hairstyle.
She has long supported women’s natural beauty. She talked about how many Instagram followers are caught off guard when they find out she’s black. She has pride in being an African American woman from the L.A. area, so she likes to show off her natural beauty in those yearly shots.
‘Celebrity Page TV’ Host James Vaughn Dishes on Hugh Jackman
James Vaughn sat down with the ladies in 2018 to talk about Hugh Jackman. He updates everyone about “The Greatest Showman” star Hugh Jackman and his latest world tour. But what people wanted to hear about is how he made his decades-long marriage with Deborra Lee Furness work for so long.
The secret was that they went to bed angry, and they never spent more than two weeks apart. They set the rules up early in their relationship. Despite this, the couple ended up going their separate ways in 2023.
Sheryl Is a Survivor
Sheryl is a comedienne, but she has had her share in life. Her husband passed away only 3 years after they were married. Her upbringing and childhood are infused with many stories, and she was much more than a sister to her brother.
Losing her good friend Kristoff St. John, co-star at “The Young and the Restless,” was not easy on her. However, Sheryl never complains and says that her life story has made her stronger and that she would never change a thing.