Matt Buckler: Elisabeth Hasselbeck to guest host on 'The View'

Jul. 29—There was an easy way to become an instant celebrity back in 2000 and 2001 — be a contestant during the first two seasons of "Survivor." It was such a huge hit that almost everyone who was associated with the show was in demand. Those early survivors were similar to our founding fathers. Everyone knows who they are.

The ratings have cooled off since that blistering start, but when "Survivor" was in its infancy, the show was the biggest on television.

One of the cast members who benefited from the early popularity of "Survivor" was Elisabeth Hasselbeck, one of the stars of the show's second season, finishing in fourth place.

She became a panelist on ABC's "The View," giving the show a conservative viewpoint. She earned a lot of popularity with her verbal sparring sessions with the likes of Barbara Walters, Rosie O'Donnell, and Joy Behar before leaving "The View" in 2013 to become a co-host on "Fox & Friends."

Now she's about to make a U-turn. Hasselbeck will be returning to "The View" on Aug. 3 as a fill-in, keeping the studio seat warm until a full-time conservative voice takes her place.

The first time Hasselbeck was on "The View," she was the straw that stirred things up. Expect her to do it again, except on a temporary basis.

"It will be an honor to co-host 'The View,' sell our best-selling book, 'Flashlight Night,' and as always, tackle hot topics," Hasselbeck told People magazine.

As usual, there's always a book to promote. But Hasselbeck proved in 2001 that she is a survivor.

Controversial Cuomo

"Real Time with Bill Maher" has been off the air for a few weeks, but Maher has come up with a great way to let people know the show is returning — by landing a controversial interview guest for tonight's show (10 p.m. on HBO).

Chris Cuomo, who was fired from CNN for using his influence to help his brother, the governor of New York, fight sexual misconduct charges, will be talking to Maher.

Cuomo has been in the headlines this week. He landed a job as news anchor on the NewsNation cable network and will start in the fall. While at CNN, Cuomo was accused of sexual harassment, so Maher and he should have a lot to talk about.

Don't expect a tough interview, however. Maher usually sympathizes with controversial guests instead of confronting them.

He may do the same with Cuomo.

Sitting on Maher's panel tonight will be John McWhorter, associate professor at Columbia University, and Sam Stein, White House editor for Politico.

The beginning of the show, however, will be the best part. It will be Cuomo's first TV interview since landing the News Nation job. Cuomo's back in the game. Considering the viewership for News Nation, however, it isn't the big leagues.

Hogan retires

Kevin Hogan broke in with WFSB-TV3 in a major way — covering the visit of the Pope John Paul II to Cuba in 1998. He has been a steady voice at the station ever since — until this week.

Hogan, after nearly 25 years at Channel 3, has retired.

Hogan's career started in 1973 and included a stop in New York. He was busy, however, at Channel 3, anchoring the weekend news and handling the job as New London bureau chief, where he broke many stories.

As an anchor, Hogan had a smooth, unemotional style, devoid of any drama. He was the ultimate straight shooter.

It's a style that worked for 50 years in broadcasting.

Matt Buckler is television and radio editor of the Journal Inquirer.

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