Viewing "The View" from a Different Angle

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

17 May 2008 02:47 PM

They've tried doing the show with a loud-mouthed dictator at the helm. And prior to that they tried to keep audiences while a self-absorbed, shoe-loving diva sat at the table. Now "The View" is trying a different tactic to score viewers--give fans V.I.P. backstage access to the show.

Producers say it has never been done before (at least on their show) and so come Memorial Day the chatfest will make history by airing an unusual experiment that will give viewers a chance to see what happens behind the scenes at the daytime talk show.

According to ABC bigwigs, in two weeks "The View" will rerun one of its shows from an entirely different view.

So here's the deal: The Memorial Day episode is being taped a week earlier (the episode will feature an interview with Dina Lohan and daughter Ali, and a performance by Ryan Cabrera) and then on Friday, May 30, "The View" will air a version of that show with backstage footage that explains what went into making it.

So you at home will only see about half of the original show on that particular day. The rest of the show will illustrate what goes on behind the scenes to put the show together, such as the meeting where the co-hosts discuss, which "Hot Topics" make it on air and what role producers, associate producers, directors and camera crews play during the 60-minute live show.

Bill Geddie, executive producer of "The View" says he believes the special episode will be a success because fans of the show are "savvy and will appreciate the extra access."

However, if you are planning to tune in to catch a glimpse of the ladies pre-makeup you'll likely be disappointed. Geddie says cameras will not be going into hair or make-up while co-hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Sherri Shepherd are getting primped for the show.

So much for all access.

Geddie says if the special episode is a hit fans can look for more of its kind in the future (either on air or as an online companion). Otherwise he says, "If it really (stinks), we won't do it again."

Will you be watching?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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