Oprah Makes Surprise TCA Appearance For Rosie

By Jolie LashBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Television Critics Association Summer 2011 Session in Beverly Hills on Friday to introduce her newest member of her Oprah Winfrey Network staff, Rosie ODonnell. The new Chief Executive Officer of OWN Oprah herself flew in from Hawaii especially to give the returning talk show host, who will helm The Rosie Show, beginning October 10 at 7 PM ET/PT, a warm welcome. Last June I went to see Rosie and we talked about the idea of her coming to OWN, Oprah told reporters from the stage. She could have gone to any other big broadcasters but she chose to align herself, her talent, her big vision with OWN and I could not be prouder to have you with this family. Rosie said the honor of working with Oprah, her new boss, is a thrill and she even had a pedicure done the second ever in her life-- for Fridays presentation. Its a huge stamp of approval thats beyond anyones dream, Rosie said of working with Oprah. Its almost like being knighted in some way. Rosie said she is already thinking of guests for the upcoming show and has her eye on a particular British comedian for her very first week of shows this fall. First week, I hope well get Russell Brand I love the guy, she said of the funnyman, who she admitted she first came across when he hosted the MTV Movie Awards several years ago. Ive been spending time with him in Miami and I just find him fascinating, she added, also noting shed love to see British chanteuse Adele on her show. Rosie said her new show isnt going to be too similar to her old syndicated talk show, which she did in her 30s and where she found herself in awe of celebrities like Barbra Streisand. I loved these people like Streisand, Tom Cruise. The concept that I could meet them [during the run of my last show] was beyond belief and now that Im 50, both of these people have stayed in my house, she said, adding her new show is about growth. Its gonna be one celebrity per show and theyre gonna have something to talk about and want to come play. Im gonna do my kind of comedy, she added of the diversity in her new program. Well have some audience segments and were gonna end with one game because my goal was to host The Price is Right Then, [Bob Barker] retired and they chose Drew Carey Hes doing a fine job. When asked if her new show would cover news-making events like the Casey Anthony trial, Rosie said it might, depending on the topic. I dont know why this one became the news driver that it did, she said of the Casey Anthony trial specifically. Were not gonna look for controversy, but should it be germane [or important to] current events, [well do it] Beyond that, Rosie said The Rosie Show will feature some behind the scenes stuff, showing her at her current spot in life. Youre gonna see what it feels like to be 50 years old, to move to another city, to be divorced, which I never thought I would be It wasnt what I thought it would be [at this age] Youve got a blueprint when youre in your 20s and 30s and you get to your 50s and youre like holy crap, I didnt expect that. At the end of the presentation, which Oprah watched from the wings, Rosie and her boss, grabbed each others hands, before walking backstage with their arms around each other. The Rosie Show premiers on October 10 on OWN. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.