Jerry O’Connell replaces Sharon Osbourne in ‘The Talk’ and viewers have some ideas

CBS’s “The Talk” announced a new co-host this week, which drew a mixed response from its viewers.

Comedian Sheryl Underwood, who has been on “The Talk” since 2011, announced on Tuesday that Jerry O’Connell would join the daytime talk show as a full-time co-host, making him the first man to do so. .

The “Jerry Maguire” and “Stand by Me” actor will replace Sharon Osbourne, who left the show in March following a heated exchange with Underwood that sparked accusations of racism.

O’Connell, 47, is expected to appear on the show for the remainder of the week, after which he will take a hiatus to film a new movie. He will join the series full-time for Season 12, which is set to debut later this year.

“Ladies, you’ve been so welcoming to me,” O’Connell said on Wednesday’s episode, shortly after Underwood’s announcement. “I came here as a guest months ago, and just from the moment I walked in… you’re just gracious, you’re nice, you’re fun… and it worked. And here we are. We will have lots of fun. “

Viewers, however, seemed divided on the news. Some, including Andy Cohen, hailed the decision to add a male voice to the mix.

“It’s interesting”, a person tweeted. “I think a male voice would be a different dynamic than the convo. I wonder if other daytime talk shows would consider this move. “

Others, however, were less fortunate that Osbourne’s vacant post was filled with a cisgender man.

Executive producers Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews said in a statement that O’Connell would bring “a unique and entertaining perspective” as co-host.

“We are more than delighted that Jerry O’Connell is our new host,” the statement said, according to Deadline. “We loved his contagious enthusiasm, humor, open-mindedness and ideas as a guest co-host and we look forward to him bringing these dynamic qualities to the show every day now.”