Star of ‘Three’s Company’ explains why she declined to co-host ‘The View’ with Barbara Walters.

Suzanne Somers Reveals Why She Turned Down Co-Hosting “The View”

Barbara Walters Wanted Her as Co-Host

“Three’s Company” star Suzanne Somers recently revealed that the late Barbara Walters had asked her to co-host the early days of “The View.” During an episode of the podcast, “Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef,” the 76-year-old actress shared that Walters, who founded the show in 1997, had asked her to relocate to New York to help launch the series.

Why She Walked Away

Despite the opportunity, Somers turned down the offer. “I was originally asked to be on the original ‘View’ with Barbara Walters and whoever else, and I turned it down,” she said. “And everyone said, ‘Why would you turn that down? It is a national show.’”

“First of all, I have to live in New York. I don’t really wanna live in New York. I like the weather down here, and I like the vibe down here,” Somers explained. “But secondly, I don’t do well vying for time. And there, you gotta interrupt and butt in and butt out. It’s just not my personality.”

Former Co-Hosts Speak Out

“The View” has had a variety of co-hosts since it started. Former co-host Rosie O’Donnell recently spoke out about her experience on the show, saying it’s not something she plans to do again. “I know this — it’s not the best use of my talent to get in a show where I have to argue and defend basic principles of humanity and kindness,” O’Donnell said.

Other former co-hosts have also shared their good and bad experiences on the show. Barbara Walters was a host on the show for 17 years before she stepped down in 2014 while remaining as executive producer. In December 2022, she passed away at the age of 93.

• Suzanne Somers turned down the opportunity to co-host “The View” with Barbara Walters.
• She didn’t want to live in New York and didn’t like the idea of vying for time on the show.
• Former co-host Rosie O’Donnell said it’s not something she plans to do again.