Is Raven-Symoné’s ‘View’ Hiring a Stroke of Genius TV Programming or Just Shameless Social Clickbait?

“In the past, controversy has always equaled ratings,” one expert tells TheWrap

After a polarizing start to her official co-host gig on “The View,” Raven-Symoné raises questions about ABC’s motives to install the former child actor as a panelist and how she truly relates to wide audiences.

The 29-year-old was initially touted as a funky show business vet (she got her start at 3 years old on “The Cosby Show”) bringing a millennial perspective to the existing cast of Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace.

Yet since her debut, and on dozens of guest stints prior to landing the job, she has mostly enjoyed attention for her contrary, pot-stirring opinions as opposed to the conventional duties required of a host.

Whether it is questioning the suggestion of Harriet Tubman as the first female face to grace U.S. currency, blasting Miley Cyrus for her bisexuality admission or sympathizing with the controversial Rachel Dolezal, Raven can draw Twitter invective in a heartbeat — and that might be the point.”

“It’s clear that this is just about ratings,” said Amy Palmer, Founder and CEO of PowerwomenTV, a digital network with partners like Time Inc. “In the past, controversy has always equaled ratings for ‘The View.’”

The former Disney star’s combined social following doesn’t hurt: 630,000 Twitter followers, 932,000 Instagram fans and an impressive 4.4 million Facebook watchers are ready at a moment’s notice to engage with her, to say nothing of her legion detractors. 

In comparison, panel moderator Goldberg clocks roughly 979,000 Twitter followers, 160,000 on Instagram and 1.2 million on Facebook. Wallace has 12,800 Twitter fans and 10,000 likes on Facebook.

Raven Symone, The View
The View/ABC

“That goes hand in hand with her seat on the show. Any person who is cast on ‘The View’ has to have a large social following, because that’s equivalent to a voice. Be it some who grew up watching her or found her on social, millennials are also a key element,” said Palmer. “They have to remain relevant to the target audience because it’s a sweet spot for advertisers.”

Veteran producer Scott Stern, who spent over a decade in CBS morning news programming and had stints at the likes of “Live With Kelly and Michael,” said Raven-Symoné shouldn’t be tasked with bringing the same elements as Wallace or Goldberg.

“The show is called ‘The View,’ it’s a place for people to offer their points of view. They needed something polarizing, and to grab some attention right now. They’re not getting enough from [the others] on the panel,” Stern said.  “I think they hope she’ll grow into being more informed, but they need something to get them press.”

Pointing to newer, buzzier rival fare like “The Talk,” Stern said “The View” desperately “needs to be a part of cultural conversation. Viewers want a connection, whether it’s good or bad. They haven’t had a real connection with a lot of the people on the panel this year.”

ABC seems confident in their choice.

“Raven is smart, funny and genuine. We’ve loved getting to know her, and we’re all thrilled she’ll be part of ‘The View’ every day,”  Executive Producer Bill Wolff said upon her hire. “She brings a fresh perspective on the hot topics of the day, and she’s a lively, welcome addition to our conversations and interviews.”

“Raven- Symoné is a welcome addition to ‘The View,’” added creator and EP Barbara Walters. “She is happy, amusing and well informed, and has already brought a unique perspective to the program that has resonated with our audience.”

Here’s how Raven has resonated with lovers and haters on social media:

https://twitter.com/lovelordeclub/status/611619915858997248?lang=en

https://twitter.com/__Dutch/status/609066479758106624

https://twitter.com/ddlywckmorm/status/613855373754241024

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