Jerry O’Connell Is Close to Replacing Sharon Osbourne on The Talk

Please, oh please, let them seal the deal on Jerry O’Connell having a permanent spot on The Talk! Sources say they are all but crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s on what is sure to be that special pinch of magic to spice up the daytime show. If you are not familiar with O’Connell’s work post Stand By Me, you are missing out! The man is a riot. He’s exactly what the show needs, a male perspective mixed with a great sense of humor and the gift of gab. Jerry O’Connell will be perfect for lightening up the mood amidst the shakeup in March that ultimately found Sharon Osbourne without a seat at the table.

During a March episode of The Talk, while discussing Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Sharon Osbourne defended British talkshow host Piers Morgan’s negative comments about Markle, saying that he had a right to his opinion. Underwood challenged Osbourne, noting that many people took Morgan’s comments to be racist. Osbourne reacted as though she herself was being accused of racism, while Underwood tried to explain that wasn’t the case.

CBS announced that Osbourne was stepping down from her hosting position in a statement that reads, “The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home. As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.”

“We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts,’ CBS said, responding to allegations from Osbourne’s camp that she was ‘set up to fail’ by being blindsided into the debate by producers.

“At the same time, we acknowledge the network and studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race,” the statement added.

“During this week’s hiatus, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew. “Going forward, we are identifying plans to enhance the producing staff and producing procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers,’ CBS said.

Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth are the remaining co-hosts on The Talk. Carrie Ann Inaba has also taken a leave of absence from the series. Previous co-hosts on the long-running talk show include Julie Chen (who now goes by Julie Chen Moonves), Sara Gilbert, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini, Aisha Tyler and Marie Osmond.

Rumor has it that CBS is hoping Jerry’s addition will help perk up the show’s ratings, which dipped after Osbourne’s departure. Jerry O’Connell has been a guest host on the series several times over the years, but this year in particular he appeared over 25 times. Come on! We love him!

O’Connell currently hosts the game show Pictionary on select Fox stations. He also voices a character on the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Go check out his Instagram for so many giggles. Watch his Drunk History episodes. Did I mention he’s in Piranha 3D? This story comes from E! Online.

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