Adam Carolla Show Debbie Matenopoulos on Why She Was Fired from The View & Newsom’s Cringy Moment
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Dec 8, 2025 Debbie Matenopoulos, a television host and journalist known for her early work on The View, shares her journey in the world of media. She opens up about the pressure of being the youngest host and ultimately getting fired due to network demands. Debbie reflects on her mentor, Barbara Walters, while discussing the evolving dynamics of female representation in journalism. The conversation shifts to her father's battle with ALS and her caregiving experiences, as well as the launch of her interactive cookbook, Greek-ish. They also humorously dissect Gavin Newsom's recent awkward viral moment.
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Youngest Host On The View
- Debbie Matenopoulos recounts being hired at 21 and filmed during her NYU graduation before even starting on The View.
- She says Barbara Walters hired her young but later fired her after two years when the show struggled and the network got nervous.
Barbara Walters: Tough Yet Maternal
- Debbie describes Barbara Walters as a tough perfectionist who controlled wardrobe, hair color, and on-air boundaries.
- She says Walters could be both stern and grandmotherly, even tapping her under the table to get attention.
The View's Original Neutral Playbook
- The View's original concept prioritized diverse generations and neutral discussion over partisan positioning.
- Debbie argues Barbara Walters enforced restraint to preserve interviews and journalistic credibility.
