According to media observers, the decision might have repercussions for the entire industry. If Ripa’s term is successful, it might inspire other networks to reconsider long-held beliefs about who should be on late-night shows and what kinds of formats are still popular. Changes at the Tonight Show tend to have an impact on television in general, as it has historically served as a cultural barometer.
Ripa faces a significant struggle. She receives a legacy that spans generations of American pop culture in addition to a desk. There will be a lot of scrutiny, great expectations, and unavoidable comparisons. However, people closest to the production claim that her confidence stems from experience rather than ego—thousands of hours of live television where surprise is commonplace. Continue reading…
