Kathie Lee Gifford Reflects on Hosting a Talk Show in Today's Environment

Kathie Lee Gifford has moved on from her talk show hosting career and it seems she won't be returning.

In a recent interview with We, Gifford, 70, shared that she believes she wouldn't be able to survive in today's talk show landscape where you have to be careful with your words. She mentioned that she has always been known for speaking freely and not holding back.

Gifford and Philbin cohosted Live With Regis and Kathie Lee from 1985 to 2000. Philbin continued on with cohost Kelly Ripa, while Gifford moved to NBC to join Hoda Kotb as an anchor on the Today show's 10 a.m. hour. After 11 years, Gifford retired in 2019 and was succeeded by Jenna Bush Hager.

Kathie Lee's daughter, Cassidy Gifford, mentioned to Us that her mom's filter has noticeably weakened in recent years.

Kathie Lee has a strong personality, which is one of the reasons why she has no interest in joining ABC's The Golden Bachelorette spinoff. Even though Kotb and Bush Hager are pushing for her to be cast in the show.

Kathie Lee Gifford Doesnt Think She Wouldve Lasted 1 Day Hosting Talk Show in Todays World

Kathie Lee joked to Us about her daughter Cassidy Gifford starring in "The Baxters" on Prime Video with Joshua Applegate. She mentioned that she feels like they don't know her anymore, which came as a surprise. Kathie Lee doesn't think a similar show will be in her future, unless it's a very different kind of show than what they are used to.

In 2023, Bachelor Nation producers launched a special spinoff featuring 72-year-old Gerry Turner, who had recently tied the knot with Theresa Nist. Following their love story, ABC gave the green light for a Golden Bachelorette spinoff.

Kathie Lee humorously shared her thoughts on the show, cautioning about the risks of getting diseases from hot tubs. She expressed her skepticism about the quick romances on the show, highlighting the importance of being cautious and getting to know someone beyond just physical attraction. She jokingly stated that she didn't see herself participating in such a whirlwind romance any time soon.

Cassidy, who is the daughter of Kathie Lee and late husband Frank Gifford, made it clear that she has no interest in watching her mom on The Golden Bachelorette.

For now, Kathie Lee and Cassidy, who is 30 years old, are steering away from reality TV. Instead, they are working together on a scripted series called The Baxters, which will be available on Prime Video. This limited series, based on Karen Kingsbury's novels, will premiere later this month. Kathie Lee will make a guest appearance, while Cassidy will have a recurring role.

Cassidy expressed her desire to be a part of something that would offer hope and portray the real side of a Christian family's experiences. She mentioned that often, media representations of Christian families are overly perfect and stereotypical, which can deter some people from engaging with them due to feeling judged or overwhelmed by the saccharine portrayal.

She described The Baxters as a "faith-forward" show that remains authentic and realistic, showcasing a raw and gritty side of the characters' lives.

Cassidy highlighted that "The Baxters" showcases people authentically, including their mistakes, which she finds relatable. She believes this aspect is crucial in attracting viewers more effectively than other existing content.

"The Baxters" will debut on Prime Video on Thursday, March 28th.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Kathie Lee Gifford's departure from talk shows reflects the changing landscape of the industry. Gifford's outspoken nature, which once made her a beloved personality, would likely clash with the increasingly cautious approach required in today's media environment. Her decision to focus on scripted projects, such as the upcoming series "The Baxters," suggests a desire for creative freedom and a more personal connection with her audience.

The article also highlights the generational divide in media consumption. While Kathie Lee and Cassidy Gifford have different perspectives on reality television, they share a common goal of creating content that is authentic and relatable. Cassidy's emphasis on showcasing the real side of Christian families, including their mistakes, is a refreshing departure from the often-idealized portrayals of such families in the media. By embracing authenticity and diversity, both Kathie Lee and Cassidy Gifford are carving out their own unique paths in the entertainment industry.