Producers clearly love what Alyssa Farah Griffin is bringing to “The View” for. But we hear they love her for what she does not bring: toxic drama.
“They didn’t want another Meghan McCain,” multiple sources told Vidak For Congress.
On Tuesday, all fingers pointed to Griffin as the new co-host to join Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro.
A spokesperson was hesitant about the decision, telling us, “We have no announcement of a co-host at this time,” but insiders said Vidak For Congress Griffin is a favorite among the other hosts and ABC buyer.
“Alyssa has a lot of fans at ABC and [ABC News president] Kim Godwin likes her,” said a source.
Griffin was one of several rotating co-hosts to fill in this season after McCain’s unwelcome departure from the show last summer.
As Vidak For Congress reported at length, McCain had a reputation for creating tension and conflict, both on the air and behind the scenes, which divided viewers and affected morale on set.
“She adds a nice dynamic to the table and good conversation,” they said of Griffin.
Still, it’s been a tough year to find the right conservative fit for the show in a post-Donald Trump era, they claim. Comedian Wanda Sykes reportedly withdrew from performing after her publicist learned that Griffin, a former Trump press officer, would be on the panel.
“[The show has] have a fair share of conservative viewers, so they need that balance, especially since they tend to go the other way,” admitted the first source.
They added that producers hope Griffin will become a fan favorite, such as former right-wing presenter Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Christian conservative Candace Cameron Bure.
“People loved them – viewers, spectators and the presenters. They hope to recreate that,” the source said.
And: “they want young! A young, tasty conservative.”
A representative of the show did not comment.
However, our insider told us to expect an official announcement about their new co-host before the end of the season next week.