Ladies Who Punch

The Explosive Inside Story of "The View"

By: Ramin Setoodeh

Narrated by: Ramin Setoodeh

This program is read by the author.

Like Fire & Fury, the gossipy real-life soap opera behind a serious show.

When Barbara Walters launched The View, network executives told her that hosting it would tarnish her reputation. Instead, within 10 years, she’d revolutionized morning TV and made household names of her cohosts: Joy Behar, Star Jones, Meredith Vieira, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. But the daily chat fest didn’t just comment on the news. It became the news. And the headlines barely scratched the surface.

Based on unprecedented access, including stunning interviews with nearly every host, award-winning journalist Ramin Setoodeh takes you backstage where the stars really spoke their minds. Here's the full story of how Star, then Rosie, then Whoopi tried to take over the show, while Barbara struggled to maintain control of it all, a modern-day Lear with her media-savvy daughters. You'll hear about how so many cohosts had a tough time fitting in, suffered humiliations at the table, then pushed themselves away, feeling betrayed - one nearly quitting during a commercial. Meanwhile, the director was being driven insane, especially by Rosie.

Setoodeh uncovers the truth about Star’s weight loss and wedding madness. Rosie’s feud with Trump. Whoopi’s toxic relationship with Rosie. Barbara’s difficulty stepping away. Plus, all the unseen hugs, snubs, tears - and one dead rodent.

Ladies Who Punch shows why The View can be mimicked and mocked, but it can never be matched.

©2019 Ramin Setoodeh (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Probably the most enjoyable read of the year

I've been a fan of the view since 2006. I wasn't planning on buying this book at first, but when I heard the leaked audio on Elizabeth quitting, I knew I had to get it. I listened to this book in under a week, the first time I've been able to finish a book cover to cover in over two years. Initially, it was just going to be a plane ride listen, but Setoodeh investigative journalism proved to be more than that. I am hoping and praying that he'll be able to promote the book Live on The View, where he'll no doubt be grilled and talked over - I'm sure he'd love it!

Manufactured Scandal

The deep background seemed a little bit more like betrayal at a certain point because you are constantly wondering about context, since most of it was from years ago. Sure the drama is interesting and fascinating, but it leaves you wondering if that would have been a focus if the show had been male centric. Whatever you think of the show it has lasted decades and broke ground. The book mentions this, but undercuts that accomplishment. A lot of jobs television and otherwise have in fighting. Especially when the job isn’t right for someone or they didn’t realize what they signed up for. People are complicated and painting them as a hero or villain when it suits the chapter seems lazy. It would have been far more interesting to point a portrait of the nuanced grey.

Addicted

I could not stop listening. I found myself going to my car during my lunch and my breaks just to sit and listen. It was so so so juicy. Made me love The View even more.

just ok

it was interesting but I wouldn't call it explosive. the reader was just ok, a bit bland.

It's a good read.

All the juicy parts were discussed on tv and social media before I had a chance to read it myself.
A few good revelations....a little sad about Barbara Walters.