Raven-Symone Will Bring More Viewers To 'The View'

It's no secret that The View has been struggling recently. After a major shakeup with its hosts, the show has had a hard time trying to find some consistency. However, all of this may change in the near future. ABC just announced that Raven-Symoné will officially join The View as the new co-host. She will be sitting alongside fellow co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez, and Nicolle Wallace. ABC's decision isn't coming out of left field, however; Raven-Symoné has been guest hosting on the show fairly regularly in the past few months, and her presence has not gone unnoticed.

Though Raven-Symoné is best known for That's So Raven, and her role as Olivia on The Cosby Show, more recently it has been her outlandish comments on race and identity and that has kept her name in the headlines. During an appearance on Oprah: Where Are They Now last year, Raven-Symoné stated that she was a "colorless" person. She said, "I’m an American. I’m not an African American; I’m an American… I mean, I don’t know where my roots go to."

More recently, on The View, she said she was against Harriet Tubman being the new face on the $20 bill. She said, "I think we need to move a little bit forward." Though Raven has every right to her opinions, I sometimes wish she would fully explain her thoughts and ideas so they don't always come across as confusing and, often, offensive. Still, Raven's outlandish remarks probably played a major role in ABC's decision to hire her permanently.

Though we may not always agree with Raven-Symoné, her statements and ideas certainly have us tuning into The View. Here are seven reasons why she'll bring more viewers to the daytime talk show.

1. She'll Up The View's Social Media Presence

Though daytime talk shows aren't typically geared toward younger viewers, Raven-Symoné could certainly give The View some much needed revitalization. Comments that she's made on the show in the past were trending topics on social media. More out of the box comments will definitely cause young people to pay attention to a show they may have previously ignored.

2. Raven-Symoné Can Bring Us the Inside Scoop On Our Favorite TV Shows

In the past year, The View hasn't been the only show that Raven-Symoné has appeared on. We've seen her guest starring on ABC's black-ish, and on Fox's Empire. If Raven were to reprise her role on either of the shows during the upcoming season, fans of both series would definitely tune into The View for any inside information that she's able to share.

3. Her Identity Is Multifaceted & Important

Raven-Symoné is very much against labeling herself, which is her right. However, she has a multiracial background, and she's in a relationship with a female partner. Though she chooses not to label herself personally, it's still extremely important for viewers and guests to engage with someone whose life embodies so many different experiences.

4. Her Comments Will Always Have Us Talking

Whether we agree with her or not, Raven-Symoné has definitely gotten us all talking. All press is good press, and, if nothing else, Raven-Symoné will spark writers, cultural critics, and everyone in-between to open a discourse about the talk show again.

5. Raven-Symoné's Opinions Will Probably Provoke Debates

There is nothing wrong with a healthy debate. I've always felt that it's important to take on constructive criticism, and to be open to opinions that are dissimilar to your own. Though many may not agree with Raven-Symoné, she has a right to her thoughts and ideas. Hopefully, her presence will cause her co-hosts and guests on the show to be open about sharing theirs as well.

6. Her Presence May Appeal To Millennials

One thing that Raven-Symoné does get right is her refusal to let others force her into a box. I think that speaks to millennials as a whole. Young people may tune into The View just to watch someone who has has total agency over how they self-identify.

7. Raven-Symoné Is Super Stylish

Even if you have no desire to hear Raven-Symoné's opinions, you might still tune into The View because of her style. I loved her purple and blue ombré hair, and she's never been afraid to experiment with her clothing. For that reason alone, new viewers might be drawn to The View for style inspiration.

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