The countdown to the end has begun. Oprah announced last Friday that her show would be ending its 25 year run on September 9, 2011. But I ask, who will tell me what books to read? How will I know what movies to watch and which celebs to follow? What if I want to know which presidential candidate to vote for? I'm going to have to go to someone else for this information I guess.
There has been plenty of talk about who might fill the void left by the talk show phenom. Possible names that have been dropped - Ellen (that's a little obvious), Rachel Ray (right, because when I think of EVOO I think of pop culture), Whoopi Goldberg (I'll pass), even Sarah Palin has been suggested (I'd appreciate a 2x4 wallop to the head before sitting down for an hour of that talk show). But who would I REALLY like to watch for an hour? Someone who's interesting enough, someone who has the good shows, the good interviews? This year alone Oprah's had some of the best interviews! The lady who lost her face after being attacked by a chimpanzee, Taylor Swift, Mike Tyson, Stephanie Meyer - these people don't just go talking to anyone (well, maybe Mike Tyson does).
My ideas for who could fill Oprah's shoes? Heidi Klum. She's a mom. She has hosting experience on “Project Runway.” She's bilingual, which could come in handy, and it looks very impressive on a resume. (Although I'd really rather not watch my talk shows in German). What about Jennifer Lopez? She already has a ton of money so right off the bat she could start giving away cars. Although that would be copying and I'm sure J.Lo's not into that. What about Alec Baldwin? He cracks me up. I bet he'd have some interesting things to ask people. Could you imagine if the only interview Patrick Swayze's widow had done was with Alec Baldwin? I think I might not have cried as much. Okay, that's my vote. Give Alec Baldwin a talk show!
The truth of the matter is you could give Angelina Jolie her own talk show and it wouldn't hit the amazing heights that Oprah has in the last quarter decade. Her show has blown every other show out of the water. No one can be Oprah. No one will ever be Oprah. When Oprah leaves that will be that. End of story. The end of talk shows as we know it? Probably not. But it might be a while before we even see another talk show come close to the success Oprah has had. She's a living legend. And no one else's list of "favorite things" could get me as excited to get stuff! Why? Because, well, she's Oprah.
BYLINE:
Bry Schulz is a writer, photographer, and mother who really hates squash. Not necessarily the game but definitely the vegetable. Email Bry at bry@zoiksonline.com.
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