Friday, December 20, marked the end of an era as "The Talk," the long-running CBS daytime talk show, came to a tearful close after 15 seasons on the air. Hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, and Sheryl Underwood gathered for the series finale, reminiscing about the impact the Emmy-winning program had on their lives and sharing highlights from the show's 2,993 episodes.
The final episode was filled with heartfelt moments, including a standing ovation from the live audience and messages of gratitude from the hosts. O'Connell expressed his appreciation for the supportive audience, while Morales highlighted the show's ability to provide viewers with a break from their daily lives and uplift them with laughter.
Kloots became emotional as she discussed the importance of listening to each other and appreciating different perspectives, emphasizing the show's message of unity and understanding. Gbajabiamila reflected on the show's theme of promoting conversation over confrontation, advocating for respectful dialogue in today's divisive climate.
However, the true star of the finale was Underwood, who was honored for her 14-season run on the series. O'Connell praised Underwood for her mentorship and guidance, while Morales commended the love and respect shared among the hosts. Underwood herself reflected on her journey on the show, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with viewers and share meaningful conversations.
The episode also featured special guest appearances, including Howie Mandel hosting the "Talkies" awards show segment and a touching tribute to Underwood's contributions to the show over the years. The finale concluded with a celebratory champagne toast as the hosts, crew, and audience raised their glasses in appreciation for the show's successful run.
Throughout its 15 seasons, "The Talk" garnered significant accolades, including 56 Daytime Emmy nominations and 11 wins. The show's impact on daytime television was celebrated by CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios president David Stapf, who acknowledged the contributions of past and present hosts and colleagues in bringing timely and entertaining discussions to audiences worldwide.
As "The Talk" bids farewell, CBS announced plans for a new daytime soap opera, "Beyond the Gates," to fill the show's time slot. Developed as a joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP, the upcoming soap opera will feature a predominantly Black cast and debut in January.
As fans say goodbye to "The Talk," they can look back on 15 seasons of laughter, heartfelt conversations, and memorable moments that have left a lasting imprint on daytime television. As the show concludes its successful run, viewers can anticipate the premiere of "Beyond the Gates" and the continuation of engaging storytelling on CBS daytime programming.
