With Erica now at CBS full-time, the big question now is who will replace her. So, here is a quiz asking that very question.
I thought I'd go waaay back to find some banter between Anderson and Erica. Here is Anderson all aquiver being in the studio with Erica for the first time. He even gives a little acknowledgment of his "Anderfans".
Here is Erica drilling the "Jeopardy champion" with a spelling bee.
And finally tonight, here is Erica listing some things she learned about Anderson during an appearance on Regis & Kelly.
All Things Anderson is a blog dedicated to CNN's AC360 and its host Anderson Cooper.
30 comments:
I voted for Anderson doesn't need a sidekick. He's very funny on his own and I'd like to see him do the 360 bulletin, shot and beat 360 himself. It would be a nice change for the program.
Good post, Quitty. Its nice to see those old clips. Love the one of Anderson spelling. He's so competitive. Its cute.
Can't believe Erica thought AC used to be blond. He'd look funny as a blond.
Hi everyone it's been awhile since I've posted anything on here but I thought I'd come by and say hi. I can't believe Erica is leaving. But I think with the ratings the way they are she got a better deal from CBS. She was probably thinking abouyt how much she would get paid and if she was doing the morning show on CBS then she would be home for her children late at night. If I were her I would do the same thing. I think it would be nice to see poppy harlow in erica's old spot. But it would be nice and would get alot of attention and a ratings bost if he had celeberties come in everyday and fill in ffor awhile. It would be nice to see how he would react with them. Then maybe later on put someone on there permitally. just a thought, to kill the messenger.
I may be wrong, but I don't think Poppy Harlow would make a good fit. She's often on with Don Lemon and is involved in financial reporting and seems agressive. I can't see her playing "second fiddle" to AC.
I prefer Randi Kaye. She is an excellent investigative journalist and really tries her best interacting with AC, though there is an obvious age difference there.
In looking back at the clips, they've both "matured nicely."
Thanks Quitty.
I said "other" because I'd like to see Robin Meade get a shot. She's a sweetie, she's a talented broadcaster and Anderson loves her.
IMO no one can replace the Erica and Anderson chemistry but I voted for Poppy. I don't know if Anderson could deal with her for very long but she's a lively girl.
I'd like for him to have someone to play off that has the same sense of humor as he does. Unfortunately, no one currently at CNN fits that bill. :(
He is very funny on his own but I think when he has someone to comment to it's better (if it's the right person).
I voted for Poppy Harlow.She seems so full of energy.I am sad that Erica is gone,I will miss her.Irene
I agree with you Tedi B and that's why it's a real bummer that Erica is going. I miss her already.
Hello Quitty! Hello friends!
This question is the most awaited!
I do not know the work of all the people you put in the Quiz, but Randi Kaye and Tom Foreman don't have the personality and humor that make the final moments of AC360 so good, funny and relaxed. Regardless of who is sharing the screen with AC, this is not to be missed!
I voted for Poppy Harlow, despite not knowing much of her work, but she was in the coverage of New Year's Eve. Maybe this was a test to see how viewers receive her.
This replacement will be difficult ... Until someone captivate viewers takes time, but I wish that someone who comes to contribute enough for us faithful viewers!
Thank you and hugs!
@Tedi B, love your little pic. Stewie is hilarious!
I hope they don't have Randi Kaye replace Erica. Anderson and her have no chemistry at all and Randi seems rather stiff around Anderson. I don't think the mesh well together at all.
I too, like Maureen haven't posted in a while, and missed my fellow Anderfans.
Loved the clips! Thanks Quitty! And I loved Anderson and Erica talking about his appearance on Regis and Kelly, and his little, "She'll never be on the program again." So adorable.
Also, has anyone else noticed that when Anderson says he likes something or someone, he ALWAYS inserts the article, "the" before the noun--even though it doesn't necessarily need to be there. "I like 'the' Gaga..." "I like 'the' New York..." I just think it's interesting and adds to his charm.
Happy Sunday Ladies and Gentlemen.
360 is a news show not a morning talk fest. Anderson and Co need to get their priorities straight or the show WILL be canned and he will be back doing man on the street interviews.
Chemistry isn't the be all and the end all at having someone on occasionally with AC, but he I do like Randy a lot better than Erica. At times Erica seemed as if she wanted to be the host of the show and just took over segments. Sorry 360 IS a news show not a co anchor love fest.
@ACAnderFan
I completely agree with what you said about AC and Randi Kaye.
I really think that with Erica leaving, this would be a great time to shake up 360 a little.
I like the new 'what's next' segment and I think the show could do with reverting back to its previous red ways.
Not sure AC would really need a sidekick for this but I definitely think Poppy could contribute well. She seemed pretty fun and lively on NYE, more akin with Erica than someone like Randi.
I'm looking forward to seeing what they do.
Good discussion for a Sunday and thanks for the poll and great clips Quitty.
I know I'm not a fan of negative comments when it comes to CNN personalities but in this case I'm making an exception. I am not a fan of Randi Kaye's when it comes to the 360 Bulletin, and/or most of her reporting. I'm not sure if it comes from a personality perspective or because one of our readers had a negative experience with her and that has stuck in my head. If she is named to take EH’s place I won’t complain (much) but I also will probably skip covering the 360 Bulletins on my night’s blogging.
CNN seems to be hell bent on turning the current AC360 into the antithesis of what red 360 was. I'm guessing that there will be less light banter at the end of the program, which is a shame. For those of you who say it doesn't belong on a news show I strongly disagree. It is what sets AC360 apart from the rest and Cooper's sense of humor is the big draw to many fans. It is part of him and it has always been a huge part of every program he has anchored.
I have no idea if Poppy Harlow would be a candidate, but her spunkiness on NYE was fun to watch and I know from watching her business reporting that she is absolutely smart enough to go one on one with AC, just as Erica did. Another reporter at CNN who would be terrific is Zain Verjee. She’s moved over to CNNi but recently there has been talk of her coming back to domestic. These are talented ladies and it would be a waste to have them on 360 to just read the news bulletins. People of their caliber would need to be utilized to the full extent of their abilities, unlike what CNN did with Erica Hill.
It's hard to make a choice because I enjoyed AC and Erica together and I liked the few times last year when Anderson handled the 360 Bulletin on his own, so I couldn't vote. :P
Interesting comment about Randi Kaye, Phebe. I do think she's a good reporter, but I also think she's a little overused on 360 and maybe they need to branch out a bit and bring some fresher voices onto the show. I'm surprised and disappointed to hear that she may have been less than pleasant to an ATA reader.
Had a busy weekend but wanted to drop by and say that I will miss Erica. I liked the chemistry she had with Anderson when she was still in Atlanta and continued to enjoy it throughout her tenure in NYC. I also think she was getting very good at subbing for Anderson. She asked some great questions of guests over the holidays and has come a long way. In addition to a great sense of humor and seemingly genuine personality, Erica is very bright. Some will also remember the amazing job she did when reporting on the 9/11 attacks. I am happy for Erica and hope she has a wonderful future with CBS. As far as replacements go, I just don't know. There is plenty of talent when it comes to reporting the basic news bulletin but chemistry with the anchor is another thing. It will be interesting to see what unfolds next on CNN.
Why even have the bulletin or have someone in that role? Anderson was funnier alone. I'm not intending to insult Erica or her role perhaps CNN needed to cut headcount and Erica's position was not needed. As with Bill Hemmer and Jim Moret, they were told they had to relocate or leave. They left.
Erica doesn't travel and maybe they wanted her to travel or whatever.
@anon 12:07
When people criticize 360 (and believe me it does deserve it right now) some say "it's a news show, so there for....." But I've always seen 360 as a show with no label. Anderson and his EP decide the format. The show isn't called 360 "real news only" show. It is what they make it good or bad but no one has claimed that it's just supposed to be a news show. I agree it's not a morning gab feast but what goes on the show is their choice and what they want it to be.I never did understand why the banter between them wouldn't be allowed on a "news" show. Many other "news" shows have funny and light moments.
@all
360 isn't perfect and even to me, the optimist, I know it's not what it used to be. I hope it gets better but now with Erica leaving I have to wonder what will happen. As others have said, it seems a perfect time to shake things up and remake the show. I hope they will. I think it might help if everyone that has issues writes to 360. I can't say it will help but it's better than nothing.
@ACandefan- Thanks! I love Stewie :)
I am beginning to feel that Erica's departure is a precursor to Anderson leaving. And his or their comment that maybe they will be working together again so maybe it really means something.
Randi Kaye is a damn good reporter, but I agree that her chemistry with AC is lacking. She tries, and she clearly has a sense of humor, but she just seems shy and uncertain to me.
Phebe, excellent post. CNN would do well to heed your advice.
@ judy: "She is an excellent investigative journalist and really tries her best interacting with AC, though there is an obvious age difference there."
...Seriously? She's not younger than Erica so I'm assuming you mean she's older than AC, but he's 42; how old could she be? If she's 50, I'll eat my hat. I assumed she was around Anderson's age. If not, well, she looks incredible.
If I had to hazard a guess, they probably won't bother fully replacing Erica in that they won't have someone else come in and spend the hour in the studio with Anderson--they'll probably just rotate Randi and Tom Foreman and have them do the bulletins and the Shot by satellite. And I think Phebe's right and the tone of the show will be more somber without Erica there.
@Laurie Beth: Of course I meant older! I thought that was self evident to most people.
Anderson's interview on 60 Minutes was IMHO, his best in a very long time. It was compelling and timely and the book is now #1 on Amazon.
Schmidt was far too kind to Palin, who in her own book blamed him for almost everything that went wrong. She also blasted CBS and Katie Couric. I got the feeling that it was no accident that AC reported this story. We may well see him on CBS...though I know nothing about his future plans.
So you think she's 50+? She really does not look it and anything less than that is not a significant age difference. I'm not trying to beat a dead horse; I'm genuinely intrigued by your statement.
Erica's role easily be filled by someone who is located remotely like she was from Atlanta.
If anybody's interested in a follow-up on this: according to Randi Kaye's Facebook page, her high school and college graduation dates (1985 and 1989) make her exactly Anderson's age, give or take six months.
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