‘The View:’ ‘Ladies Who Punch’ Being Made Into A Miniseries, ‘A-List Actresses to Play Walters and Her Co-Hosts’
ABC’s popular daytime talk show The View is known for its revolving co-hosts over the years, as well as its behind-the-scenes drama. Now with the steady panel of Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Meghan McCain, the show has found some momentum the past few seasons and become a must-stop for political figures on the campaign trail.
In a tell-all book published last year, much of the program’s off-camera action was described through a myriad of interviews with past and present co-hosts. The material has just been scooped up to play out all the salacious details in a television miniseries.
‘Ladies Who Punch’ hits the best seller list
Ramin Setoodah’s 2019 book Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View’ was filled with first-hand accounts of hirings, firings, auditions, and contentions with the many co-hosts that have served on the show. Since the program’s launch in 1997 by show creator Barbara Walters, The View became renowned for its tumultuous environment.
Quickly making The New York Times Best Seller list, Setoodah interviewed panelists from the original crew including Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, and Debbie Matenopoulos, to co-hosts who later joined the show such as Jenny McCarthy and Nicolle Wallace.
Rosie O’Donnell, who served on the panel in 2006 and again in 2014, takes up several chapters in Ladies Who Punch due to her infamous outbursts and temperamental demeanor. Setoodah also interviewed longtime executive producer Bill Geddie, as well as those who tried out for a seat at the table like S.E. Cupp. Current co-hosts Behar and McCain also gave their feedback for the book.
‘The View’ goes to the small screen in another form
Variety recently reported that Ladies Who Punch was just optioned for a television miniseries to Erik Feig’s media company PictureStart.
“It started as a bet nobody thought would ever work,” Ryan Lindenberg, PictureStart’s executive VP of production, told Variety. “But when icon Barbara Walters created The View 23 years ago, she also began a conversation that has not ceased in breaking ground, pulling in audiences and guests around the world and remaining a cultural juggernaut.”
Lindenberg recognizes that Setoodah’s exploration into the daytime talk show’s inner workings translates into great TV. “Ramin’s amazing book is the perfect fodder for an addictive, juicy, wickedly smart and provocative series that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, wanting more,” the PictureStart exec said.
Lots of roles to fill for ‘The View’ dramatization
Speculation is certainly about to start swirling on who to cast in the upcoming miniseries. “The TV series will cast A-list actresses to play Walters and her co-hosts,” according to Variety.
Following the news, Setoodah’s Twitter account received raves from followers as well as suggestions on casting. Jane Fonda and Sissy Spacek were mentioned to play Walters, Reese Witherspoon was a thought for Sara Haines, and recommendations on Meredith Vieira included Marisa Tomei and Sarah Paulson.
Considerations for Joy Behar included Bette Midler and even Julia Roberts. Margot Robbie was listed by a Twitter user to play Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Time will tell who ends up landing these coveted roles, but The View miniseries is sure to be a ratings hit!
