Sara Gilbert to Exit ‘The Talk’ After 9 Seasons

Sara Gilbert is moving on from The Talk.

Gilbert, who created the CBS daytime talk show and has been a co-host since 2010, made the announcement on Tuesday’s episode amid tears.

“This is hard to do and something … that I have been struggling with for a while and going back and forth, but I have decided that it’s time for me to leave the show at the end of the season,” Gilbert said to the audience and her fellow co-hosts. “I obviously love it here, and like I said, this was extremely difficult.”

After nine seasons, Gilbert blamed the exit on her busy schedule, which includes producing and starring on ABC’s The Conners and parenting her young children.

“I loved it and felt totally empowered, but also, if I’m being honest about it, my life was slightly out of balance. I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my three kids as I’d like, or time for myself,” she explained.

She also expressed a desire to do more acting, adding:  “As I’ve continued on, I’m starting to develop more things to produce, and I’m having opportunities to act. Don’t know how I’m going to do it all. I’m looking at the next six months and thinking, ‘There’s not time.’”

Read More: Julie Chen Leaves ‘The Talk’ Following Les Moonves Resignation

Sara Gilbert broke down during her announcement. (Credit: The Talk/YouTube)</em>
Gilbert broke down during her announcement. (Credit: The Talk/YouTube)

Fellow co-host Sharon Osbourne was visibly upset by Gilbert’s announcement, saying: “I want to say so many things to Sara. I’ve never worked with someone for nine years before, I always get fired.”

Gilbert appeared moved by Osbourne’s reaction.

Angelica McDaniel, executive vice president of daytime programs at CBS, also chimed in on Gilbert’s departure, saying in an official statement: 

“Sara’s passionate vision for a forum in which women on camera and off could celebrate mutual support, emotional growth, and everyday achievements was a driving force behind bringing The Talk to air in 2010 as CBS’ first daytime talk show.”

She continued: “Her authenticity, compassion, quick wit and drive to succeed led to 9 successful seasons of The Talk, garnering numerous daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Show and Outstanding Host.”

The message concluded: “We are thankful that Sara inspired us from the beginning and wish her all the happiness and success on her new journey. She will always be family and, as you know, family can always come by for a talk.”

Gilbert, who will leave the show at the end of this season, follows Julie Chen’s departure in September 2018. Chen left the series after The New Yorker published numerous articles detailing sexual misconduct allegations against her husband and former CBS Corporation CEO, Les Moonves.

“I have been at The Talk since the day it started nine years ago, and the cast, crew and staff have become family to me over the years,” she said in part. “But right now, I need to spend more time at home with my husband and our young son. So I’ve decided to leave The Talk.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3uz1L9GrLU