Former talk show queen Rosie O’Donnell is returning to daytime television in an attempt to reclaim her throne.
The controversial comedian will have a new, as yet unnamed show on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, the company announced on Thursday. The new show is set to debut in 2011.
“Rosie is an undeniable talent who has captivated TV audiences for nearly 20 years,” Oprah Winfrey said in a statement. “She’s a true original, who brings her authentic voice, dynamic energy and pure passion to everything she does.”
O’Donnell previously hosted “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” from 1996 to 2002, where she was dubbed “the queen of nice.”
She also a memorably stormy one season stint replacing Meredith Viera on “The View” in 2006. There she exhibited a much more acerbic persona, publicly clashing with co-hosts Barbara Walters and Elisabeth Hasselbeck and drawing criticism for her outspoken views on President George W. Bush and the Iraq War. She was a ratings hit, however, resulting in a 27 percent ratings increase during her time on the program.
