ABC is reportedly considering axing "The View" from its lineup next year. According to Fox411, executives are less than impressed with the show's poor ratings and are reportedly weighing whether or not to bring the show back for Season 19.
The daytime talk show went through a lot of changes before its current 18th season when creator Barbara Walters announced she was retiring and wouldn't be returning. There was also a little bit of drama when Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd both exited the show.
ABC hired Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace to replace Shepherd and McCarthy and asked Rosie O'Donnell to come back to the show she abandoned after an on-air feud with former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck in ... Whoopi Goldberg was the only returning co-host from the previous season and took over Walter's role as moderator.
Despite the fresh faces, the show has been struggling in ratings and ABC is not sure the veteran daytime show is worth keeping.
"You can't keep hiring and firing, trying to save a sinking ship," the source told Fox411.
"There is no leadership on the show," the source added. "It's the news division that pays for 'The View,' so the debate now is whether the show is iconic enough to pour money into revamping, or do away with it all together. At this stage, the feeling is that it's pretty much done. They may test a remodeled version for one more season, but that would require work and top brass aren't sure that it is worth it."
The source also hinted at drama between O'Donnell and Goldberg.
"Rosie and Whoopi don't get along at all. When the cameras aren't rolling, there is no talking between them. But the staff much prefer dealing with Rosie. But is she enough to hold the show if they were to get another new lineup next year? That's the question," the source said. "They threw Rosie Perez in there after Jenny didn't have her contract renewed, but that hasn't helped the show either."
According to Fox411, a second source denied that "The View" is on the chopping block.
"Given all the changes, the show has come a long way and is holding steady in viewership," the rep said. "The pace and energy has picked up, and things are really starting to gel."
