Kathie Lee Gifford to "Today"
We have news that may thrill you, or chill you, but in TV terms, this is a biggie:
Kathie Lee Gifford - and I think it's fair to say we all know who SHE is - is expected to join "The Today Show," as anchor of its fourth hour, which premiered last fall to poor reviews (mine) and so far flagging ratings.
The news is being reported by a Florida-based subscription website for the news industry, FTV, which suggests that an announcement will come in two weeks. An NBC source tells me - let me add, a RELIABLE and smart NBC source - that the report is true, and that Gifford is set to join.
Meanwhile, here's the FTV post:
"Several high ranking NBC insiders tell FTVLive that the Peacock is about to name Kathie Lee Gifford as a new host of the Today Show.
"'Gifford will work on the 4th hour of Today,' said our NBC source.
"If you are going to hire Gifford it makes sense to put her on the 4th hour of Today. Gifford is definitely going to 'skew older females' when it comes to ratings. The four hour is geared toward the stay at home women.
"Gifford rose to fame in 1988 when 'Live with Regis and Kathie Lee' went national. She spent years hosting the morning talk show and talking about her kids, Cody and Cassidy. Since Cody is now 18 years old, we're guessing we won't hear as much about him on Today (Thank God!)."
Hard to believe but it's been nearly eight years since KLG lost her bully pulpit ("Live!); her last day was July 28, '00, and during that last frenetic farewell broadcast, Reeg said: This "was the most relentless, exhausting farewell in the history of TV." She also told him she wanted to return some day (she did a few years later, for a reunion). "I hope there will be an opportunity to come back" as co-host, she said. "To think I couldn't come back would break my heart more than leaving."
During that show, Reeg or someone also asked her about the relentless tabloid coverage, which (supposedly) hastened her departure after 15 years on "Live!" Those reports, she said, "always come from a miserable heart; I can only feel sorry for a miserable heart." (Actually, those reports came from a truthful heart, but maybe miserable too.)
Anyway, I personally am thrilled KLG is coming back. Without Ro around, it's all become so bland and tired. Yes, of course, Reeg is still great, and sure - I love Babs Walters. But the dear girl isn't on all the time, and when she's not (even when she is) "The View" is so dreadfully polite. What we're missing are some good, honest-to-goodness backstage brawls - the sort of stuff that leaks to the tabs (which always dutifully ended their stories with the line, "a spokeswoman for Ms. O'Donnell, however, denied that chairs were thrown..." )
What I'm really saying here: We need KLG back. We need to read (and write) about the diva behavior, about the dressing room tantrums. We need to hear about Kathie Lee and Al Roker getting into a brawl on the sixth floor (while Jeff Zucker is looking on!)
TV news, or "faux" news, as the fourth hour is, should be a contact sport. And no one hits harder than KLG. (By the way, please read Mr. Borno's comment below: It's one of my all-time favorites and to which I respond: You are correct, sir! My life is, sadly, empty and I desperately DO need a hobby. But, really, there's nothing better than a good, solid catfight between two people who make a total of $20 million per year. Now THAT's entertainment. )
I, for one, couldn't be happier.
Oh, yes, by the way: I've calls out to all the usual suspects (publicists, handlers, and so forth.) You'll get the official statement here first, as soon as I do.
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Comments (17)
There goes the news. Just like picking Jessica Simpson or Paris Hilton. What morons came up with this idea?
she needs to eat a sandwich
KLG back on network television? How desparate is NBC to
score ratings by hiring this self-centered, lack luster and more
importantly, NO TALENT individule. Her only claim to fame
is that she married a much older Frank Gifford and had two
beautiful children, which she spoke about ad-nausium.
With all due respect, Mr. Gay, how empty is your life that you need to see Kathie Lee and Al Roker brawling, or catfights, etc. I think you desperately need a hobby or two, to say nothing about a social life.
While I admit Kathie Lee is highly talent-challenged, she is nevertheless a bright woman, with a decent sense of humor. Just as long as she never sings again. Though I have no need to watch her on TV, I wish her well on her new "Today" stint.
another reason NOT to watch.
She's been unemployed for a long time. She needed a job. I hope she doesn't go on and on about her son, Cody.
Wait, you said Kathie Lee?
Isn't she the one who used to return to that 'sing-the-lyrics' show evry week, despite being unable to sing more than three or four words at a time?
I never understood how she did that... hmm.
Who are they going to punt?
The 4th hour is a total waste. Play Seinfeld reruns instead. Or maybe bring back "Journeyman" and see if this excellent, but cancelled, show gets better ratings than another hour of the latest way to comb your hair, teach your kids to eat their veggies, or deal with the "trauma" of not knowing why men and women deal with things differently...oy vey what nonsense.
What's the matter with you people?!!! Kathie Lee has an absolutely gorgeous voice! And say what you will, but we did want to hear about her kids (you must have listened or you wouldn't have known she was talking about them...and you still tuned in day after day)! Did her persona change somewhat when the sweatshop scandel and oh yes there was that public airing of her wayward spouse ensued...yeah!!! Those things tend to make one a little...well I don't know how she even managed to get up and go to work during that time! She's a better gal than most! Leave her alone! She's a good person and a hard worker and obviously a great mom! MY HAT'S OFF TO HER! YOU GO GIRL...ONLY BEGRUDGING HEARTS WOULD NOT WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN YOUR NEWEST ENDEAVORS!
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Stop the insanity..... !!! Kathy is an old hag that is a has been. I will no longer watch the show !!
What a BIG mistake. I can't imagine this will help the ratings.
My eyes, My eyes!
This woman gives me hives.
Perhaps the Today show should stick to 3 hours!
Get Kathy Lee inside. . . .it's so distracting watching the people behind her wanting to be noticed. Didn't you think of that ahead of time?
Way to go NBC! Something to view besides the view...where all those women talk over each other at one time. Don't they have any manners? I couldn't stand that and most days turned the television off. I'm thrilled Kathie Lee is back. And even more thrilled she's on opposite BaBa Wah Wah.
I still think she's a milf !!!