Rosie O'Donnell, New Co-Host On 'The View,' Increases Ratings

Daytime talk show The View hasn't seen premiere ratings this big since 2006. And newcomer Rosie O'Donnell is to thank for that.

After an absence of seven years, the boisterous comic returned to the daytime chat-fest for Monday's premiere show.

According to Nielson, the show totaled 3.9 million total viewers. However, this didn't happen out of nowhere. The last time the comic was on the morning talk show rating were this high. Unfortunately she only lasted one season.

Critics of the show have already chimed in and staked their opinion on how things will hold up without retired Barbara Walters on the gossipy panel.

"Only time will tell how well the chemistry holds up and evolves amount the central quartet, but despite all the changes (including a new show runner), The View hasn't done much more than rearrange — and perhaps reupholster — the chairs," The Boston Herald commented.

When Barbara Walters was running the table the series ratings boasted more than 5 million viewers. However how this new revamping of hosts will hold up is solely up to the viewers. Actress Rosie Perez, Republican political analyst Nicolle Wallace and Rosie O'Donnell are all newcomers this season. They will be seated next to veteran moderator Whoopi Goldberg, a fan favorite.

O'Donnell once hosted her own show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show from 1996-2002. From the show she developed an alter ego of "Queen Nice" and showed off her philanthropic efforts.

O'Donnell often made hysterical remarks for her love of Barbra Streisand and heartthrob Tom Cruise. Viewers loved the rawness and realness she had to offer. Hopefully she will bring some of this to her new gig.