Popular ABC talk show "The View" may have it's eyes on Hoda Kotb to take Joy Behar's place, fueling the talk about major changes to the cast, according to The New York Post's Page Six.
Behar, who will be leaving the show this summer, will have hosted for 16 years.
The Post claims a "media expert" explained Kotb "addresses several of their needs. She has news experience, which is something 'The View' has not had since Meredith Vieira left. She also adds some diversity to the panel."
Elisabeth Hasselbeck left in July to join the cast of "Fox & Friends" and was famously replaced by Jenny McCarthy, whose selection caused controversy due to her stance on vaccinations. Barbara Walters will be exiting the talk show next year.
Although ABC denies the rumors, many are skeptical that there is no truth behind Kotb joining the show due to reports of issues on NBC's "Kathie Lee and Hoda." TMZ originally reported that problems arose over a potential location change to Los Angeles, something Lee advocated for but Kotb was against. An NBC spokesperson claimed that accusations of tensions between the two hosts were completely false.
According to The Huffington Post, Kotb's contract with NBC expires this fall, making it convenient for a switch in shows to happen. Entertainment Weekly also learned in April that Kotb was "expanding relationships" with other people in the industry, although no serious decisions were made. She has hosted "Kathie Lee and Hoda" since 2007.
Although Behar leaves big shoes to fill as one of the more politically opinionated hosts, Kotb clearly has the television experience to contribute. Prior to hosting "Today," Kotb worked as a correspondent for "Dateline" since 1998. Moreover, considering McCarthy's polarizing views on vaccinations, Kotb could work perfectly as the moderate cast member to balance the strong opinions held by the rest of the crew.
