Sara Gilbert doesn’t see Barbara Walters’ upcoming retirement as a chance for her CBS daytime show “The Talk” to dominate the genre.
“I don’t think we think of anything as taking over,” Gilbert told TheWrap while promoting her new CBS comedy, “Bad Teacher.”
“There’s room for everybody,” she continued. “I know all of us on the show really look up to Barbara Walters and think she’s a legend. We’re honored to be compared to her in any way.”
Gilbert, who not only serves as a co-host on “The Talk” but also created the show and serves as an executive producer, is returning to her first love: acting. Best known as Darlene on ABC’s classic 80’s comedy, “Roseanne,” she plays a late-blooming teacher on “Bad Teacher,” which premieres on April 24.
“I’m just excited to be acting again,” she said. “I took a few years off just to focus on the talk show and now the talk show is up and running smoothly — and luckily growing and doing well. So, I had extra time and energy. Acting is such a passion for me, from six years old on. I’m just thrilled to be doing it again.”
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Produced by Sony Pictures Television and CBS Television Studios, “Bad Teacher” follows Meridith (Ari Graynor), a former trophy wife who masquerades as a teacher in order to find a new man after her wealthy husband leaves her penniless. Aside from Gilbert, it also stars Kristin Davis, Ryan Hansen, David Alan Grier and Sara Rodier.
Watch the interview above.
“The Talk” airs weekdays at 2 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. PT/C. “Bad Teacher” premieres Thursday, April 24 at 9:30 p.m. on CBS.