Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
According to Variety, the New York Times best-selling book “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View,’” which unveils the drama behind the scenes of the ABC talk show, has sold its screen rights to Erik Feig’s media company PictureStart.
The book is set to be turned into a TV miniseries. “Ladies Who Punch,” was released in 2019 and became a trending topic on social media. There were repeated mentions by Andy Cohen, Wendy Williams, Howard Stern, and much more. The book was written by Variety’s New York Bureau Chief Ramin Setoodeh and was based on more than 150 interviews.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The book, which is considered non-fiction, talks about what went on backstage during the filming of ‘The View.’ The show, created by Barbara Walters back in 1997, is a platform for women to speak on topics in politics and pop culture.
One of the drawbacks of the show, which was meant for women to have a voice, is that it created a power struggle between Walters and the celebrity women co-hosts, including Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Star Jones.
Back in 2006, before an interview with Hillary Clinton, O’Donnell blasted Donald Trump on his finances and sexist treatment of women. A feud ensued between the two, which continued through Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. It also caused conflict backstage between O’Donnell and Walters.
“It started as a bet nobody thought would ever work, but when icon Barbara Walters created ‘The View’ 23 years ago, she also began a conversation that has not ceased in breaking ground, pulling in audiences and guests around the world and remaining a cultural juggernaut,” explained Ryan Lindenberg, PictureStart’s executive VP of production. “Ramin’s amazing book is the perfect fodder for an addictive, juicy, wickedly smart, and provocative series that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, wanting more.”
The TV series will bring aboard A-list actresses to play Walters and her co-hosts. Walters retired from the show back in 2014, and with the show on its impressive 23rd season, ‘The View’ is still experiencing an increase in viewership on ABC.
