‘The Talk’ concludes on CBS: A warm farewell from co-hosts after 15 seasons
“The Talk” has officially wrapped up.
The lively daytime program from CBS ended its 15-year journey on Friday with a special hour-long series finale.
As the finale began, the audience stood and applauded the hosts – Sheryl Underwood, Jerry O’Connell, Amanda Kloots, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Natalie Morales.
Morales was emotional, wiping away tears, while Underwood warmly blew kisses to the crowd. “This is the last time we’ll have this moment, so let’s enjoy it,” Underwood proclaimed, soaking in the cheers.
O’Connell humorously commented, “Why is everyone being so nice today?” as Morales introduced the show “for the very last time ever.”
‘The Talk’ cast bids farewell to daytime discussion, with Shemar Moore and Howie Mandel extending their goodbyes
The co-hosts fondly looked back on their experiences and shared touching memories.
“When I joined ‘The Talk,’ I am truly thankful to everyone who supported me, as I came from being a substitute teacher on daytime shows,” O’Connell reflected on his entry into the show in 2021. “I thought I knew it all, but I want to express my gratitude to the audience for teaching me both the viewers at home and the live audience who guided me on what it takes. On my first day here, I was so excited; you wouldn’t believe it, but I was practically jumping out of my seat.”
O’Connell recounted the guidance Underwood provided him during that time: “Just behave like you belong here.”
“I truly appreciate you, Sheryl; you’ve been a real gem,” O’Connell expressed.
Kloots couldn’t hold back tears as she expressed her gratitude for the show’s platform and the importance of communication.
“I’m really thankful for this. We must remember to listen to and converse with one another,” Kloots stated, while O’Connell quipped that he would hold a box of tissues for the rest of the episode.
“We offered people a chance to escape,” Morales remarked. “I hope we provided a brief escape from the world’s troubles and a moment to uplift one another. The love and respect we shared here were evident, and I hope you felt that too.”
Gbajabiamila lightheartedly mentioned, “It was always good vibes and wonderful people,” as he teased O’Connell about his bold opinions for the final show.
A montage of memorable moments from the show’s 15 years played during the episode, featuring several celebrity guests who joined to say their goodbyes. Actor Shemar Moore offered heartfelt messages to the cast, while Howie Mandel appeared on air to present the “first ever Talkie Awards” dedicated to his friends.
“Nikki Glaser gets the Golden Globes, and I get this,” Mandel joked while presenting awards such as best competitor to Morales and the “best 1-800 shoutouts” to Underwood.
At the episode’s conclusion, the entire “Talk” crew joined the cast on stage for a celebratory champagne toast with the audience.
Sheryl Underwood reflects on tribute, recalls Sharon Osbourne’s amusing mishap
Underwood was visibly joyful as she viewed a tribute highlighting her 14 years on the daytime show, showcasing both her humorous and serious moments discussing important topics like diversity and philanthropy.
As the longest-serving co-host since its second season in 2011, Underwood expressed her gratitude.
“When I think of daytime, you’re the first person that comes to mind,” Gbajabiamila remarked.
Underwood shared a vivid memory of her first day on set and a particularly funny story about a breakfast meeting with former co-host Sharon Osbourne.
“I had breakfast with Sharon Osbourne at the Polo Lounge, and she ended up vomiting on me,” Underwood recalled humorously.
“I wasn’t going to share this story until she did. But once she mentioned it, I had to join in. At the end of her tale, she said I helped her into her car, and I said, ‘Look, we never met. This did not happen, so you don’t feel embarrassed.’ She got in her car but later admitted she vomited due to a stomach bug in her car,” Underwood explained with a laugh. “I’m so relieved I didn’t offer her a ride home!” she joked.
Celebrating the Original Cast of ‘The Talk’ in the Series Finale
The initial panel of ‘The Talk’ included show creator and “Roseanne” actress Sara Gilbert, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini from “King of Queens,” British TV host Sharon Osbourne, Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Julie Chen Moonves, known for hosting “Big Brother” and married to the now-controversial former CBS CEO Len Moonves.
Additional past co-hosts of the show have included comedian Aisha Tyler, rapper Eve, singing icon Marie Osmond, and “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
<p’Sar Gilbert created the show, which debuted in 2010 during the presidency of Barack Obama. It was introduced as a lighthearted alternative to “The View,” providing a comedic take on discussions around sex, motherhood, and relationships. Unlike “The View,” which often features intense political debates, “The Talk” focused on these topics in a gentler manner later in the day.
However, the show was not without controversy. Following George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020, a disagreement between Osbourne and former friend Underwood on air resulted in Osbourne’s departure from the show in March 2021. This incident escalated during a live discussion about Osbourne’s connection with controversial host Piers Morgan, who was under scrutiny for his remarks about Duchess Meghan.
Later that year, Elaine Welteroth, a former Teen Vogue editor, left the show following the Osbourne situation, disputing claims of a conspiracy against Osbourne. Kloots, a previous Radio City Rockette and fitness enthusiast, joined the cast in January 2021, taking the place of Marie Osmond.
To revitalize “The Talk,” two male co-hosts were introduced to the panel in 2021. O’Connell, a familiar face on daytime television, and Gbajabiamila, co-host of “American Ninja Warrior,” became the first permanent male hosts on the show. Additionally, Morales transitioned from NBC, where she worked on NBC’s “Today,” to take over the moderating role on “The Talk” in October 2021.
Introducing ‘The Gates’: A Black Soap Opera Set to Replace ‘The Talk’
In the coming year, “The Gates” will debut.
CBS confirmed the cancellation of “The Talk” after 15 seasons this past April, making room for “The Gates,” a soap opera that will primarily feature a Black cast.
This new show, created in collaboration with CBS Studios and the NAACP and produced by Procter & Gamble, is set to launch in January and will tell the story of a wealthy Black family living in an upscale, gated community.
Historically, “Generations,” NBC’s groundbreaking soap opera with a predominantly Black cast, had a brief run from March 1989 to January 1991.
“The Gates” will be only the fifth daytime soap opera currently airing on CBS, following “Bold and Beautiful” and “Young and Restless,” which premiered in 1987 and 1973, respectively, as well as ABC’s “General Hospital” (1963) and NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” (1965). Furthermore, this marks P&G’s return to the soap opera scene 15 years after the cancellation of “Guiding Light” on CBS in 2009.
