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THE TALK hosts have “checked out” like it’s “senior year” as they film their final few weeks of the daytime show before it ends for good this month, a source told The U.S. Sun.
Though the five TV personalities who are currently at the helm of the canceled CBS talk show still have until December 20 to film their final episode, some on set have already “given up”.
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Season 15 of The Talk has been led by returning hosts Sheryl Underwood, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, and Jerry O’Connell – who has been on the show since Sharon Osbourne’s messy firing in 2021.
In the years since, the daytime series has struggled with declining ratings, and in April of this year, CBS announced The Talk would end for good after season 15.
According to a production source, “It’s very senior year vibes on set right now” as they wrap up the final few weeks.
“They have just a handful of filming days left. Half of the staff are pouring that much more effort into everything because they love it and care so much.
“The other half are already checked out. And that goes for people both in front of and behind the camera.
“I’m sure you can tell watching the show who on the stage is checked out and just wants to be gone and who does this because they love it and care about the people,” they claimed.
The insider continued: ”It’s unfortunate some people have, in a way, given up already when there’s still work to be done.
“The energy with the hosts has dropped, it wasn’t what it was but I don’t think that’s a secret. The audience can tell when someone isn’t into it anymore, they’re not dumb.”
The news of the on-set tension comes after a source claimed to The U.S. Sun that Sheryl, 61, had been seen in recent weeks “sitting alone on her phone” while her co-hosts “talked and laughed” amongst each other.
While the insider said Jerry, 50, is “for sure the most loved” amongst the cast with “both the crew and the audience,” the same could not be same for the actress and comedian.
“You won’t meet a more charismatic guy on set than Jerry and not a single person ever has anything bad to say about him.
“He will join the other hosts sometimes and they will all talk and laugh amongst themselves.
“Sometimes Sheryl is included but oftentimes she will go backstage by herself and isn’t included in the lighter conversations,” the source claimed.
They continued: “When the full cast is all on set and on the stage, Sheryl is oftentimes sitting alone, texting on her phone and keeps to herself while the others will get up to talk to each other.
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“When just Jerry is out and walking around, the vibe is super fun. When Sheryl came out it seemed noticeably tenser with both crew and the on-camera cast.
“Everyone gets more serious too, it’s just a different vibe. Almost like when the principal is in the classroom and everyone has to be on their best behavior and can’t relax.”
The U.S. Sun reached out to a rep for The Talk for comment.
In April, CBS shocked fans when it announced The Talk was coming to an end after 15 drama-filled years.
Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, and David Stapf, president of CBS Studios, released a joint statement to Deadline.
The Talk broke new ground”
Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment
“The Talk broke new ground when it launched 14 years ago by returning daytime talk to CBS with a refreshing and award-winning format.
“Throughout the years, it has been a key program on CBS’ top-rated daytime line-up as it brought timely, important, and entertaining topics and discussions into living rooms around the globe.”
She continued: “It goes without saying that hosting and producing a year-round talk show is no easy task, and we express our sincere gratitude to our amazing hosts.
“We also want to acknowledge our former show hosts and colleagues who contributed throughout the seasons.
“We truly appreciate the skill, creativity, and dedication everyone involved brought to the show every day,” the statement read.
The Talk series finale will air on CBS on December 20, 2024.
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