Sunday, April 25, 2021

The #Sexy #Nerd #Review...Ladies Who Punch...#Gossip #TheView #DaytimeTV #Media #Journalist

Like Fire & Fury, the gossipy real-life soap opera behind a serious show.

When Barbara Walters launched The View, network executives told her that hosting it would tarnish her reputation. Instead, within ten years, she’d revolutionized morning TV and made household names of her co-hosts: Joy Behar, Star Jones, Meredith Vieira and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. But the daily chatfest didn’t just comment on the news. It became the news. And the headlines barely scratched the surface.

Based on stunning interviews with nearly every host and unprecedented access, award-winning journalist Ramin Setoodeh takes you backstage where the stars really spoke their minds. Here's the full story of how Star, then Rosie, then Whoopi tried to take over the show, while Barbara struggled to maintain control of it all, a modern-day Lear with her media-savvy daughters. You'll read about how so many co-hosts had a tough time fitting in, suffered humiliations at the table, then pushed themselves away, feeling betrayed—one nearly quitting during a commercial. Meanwhile, the director was being driven insane, especially by Rosie.

Setoodeh uncovers the truth about Star’s weight loss and wedding madness. Rosie’s feud with Trump. Whoopi’s toxic relationship with Rosie. Barbara’s difficulty stepping away. Plus, all the unseen hugs, snubs, tears—and one dead rodent.

Ladies Who Punch shows why The View can be mimicked and mocked, but it can never be matched.


The  Sexy Nerd's Review

I’ve never been one to watch daytime TV and I think that is in part due to the fact my time is still not my own in the day. I was either in school during the day or working, so daytime TV was something I watched if I was off or had some type of break, but otherwise, it just never piqued my interest. But, that’s not to say I wasn’t aware of this exclusive club of daytime watchers.

Barbara Walters is an icon and pioneer for so many women in the media today. She paved the way for many women before her, which is a feat in and of itself. I remember when she was talking about The View and when it began. I figured the show would be a success because Miss Walters always reminded me of a person who had it together and was a no-nonsense type of person, and as I read this book, I learned my intuition was correct.

Anytime you put two or more women in the same room and/or panel, as was the case, you are bound to have major sparks. Miss Walters wanted to dispel those stigmas that women couldn’t get along, but unfortunately, for all her efforts she put forth proved to be in vain because there were just some personalities that would never mesh. As was the case with Rosie O’Donnell. Out of all the shouting matches, drawn out, knock down cat fights that took place behind the scenes, as well as on screen at times, Rosie was the most controversial. But in defense of Rosie, I totally got her feelings especially since she was a woman who had come out at a time when it was still raw for America to deal with. Rosie, like her mentor, was a pioneer of sorts too!

I was very surprised to learn of the backstabbing and firings of Star Jones, Joy Behar and a host of other firings that just seemed so underhanded. For everything the ladies did on screen, it appeared that what they did off camera was way worse and unimaginable at times. After having read this novel, I’m curious to see how the show does now with the new group of ladies? I’ve always respected Whoopi and I know she’s very intelligent just from her comedic delivery, so as a Moderator, I can only imagine how she keeps that show poppin’!

At the end of the day, I found this book to be quite entertaining and quite the eye opener to a show in which I’ve never had the pleasure of watching a full episode, although I’ve seen quite a few snippets and caught a few videos on The View’s YouTube channel. In fact, one of my comments was pinned by Whoopi which I thought meant a lot since she liked my opinion on one of their topics at that time. Too bad many of their viewers didn’t agree with my assessments, but I’ve never been one to shy away from my opinion regardless as to who does and doesn’t agree with it.

The Sexy Nerd gives Ladies Who Punch four punching bags! If you’ve never watched The View and you’re looking for some insight as to how the show came to be and what it is today, I’d highly recommend reading this novel. There are some funny stories, as well as some sad ones, but overall this was a really good read. Until next time. . .you know what to do!








Open a Book and Get Mind Blown!


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