should have said, "will be on at the same time here." Have you had ads for his show being on at that time where you live?

I didn't know AC was going to have his own show. Thanks for the heads up!

I do like Oprah, but haven't been as interested in her final shows as I would have thought I'd be. I have an appointment at the time her last show airs on Wednesday, so looks like I'll miss the finale.

She certainly did a great job for 25 years. She's not perfect, but did contribute enormously to many important causes, and made the world a better place. She made a positive impact through her work. That's the best any of us can hope for. Of course, most of us won't become billionaires while doing our good deeds!

I wouldn't miss these last three days for the world. I feel Oprah is just a wonderful human being that has done so much to make our world a better place to exist in. I have been watching her for the twenty-five yrs., not every day but an awful lot and I know for sure that there is going to be a little hole in my heart not being able to enjoy her and her thoughts and lessons each morning or afternoon or evening, I have been lucky enough to have had her on three times a day near Chicago. I can only wish her and Stedman the Best in the years to come. She will be missed.

I've caught most of the shows the last few weeks. Hard to deny what that woman means to & has done for so many! I've never understood those who would minimize that.

Haven't seen any Anderson Cooper promos. Network or cable?

natal, I read that Anderson's show will be in syndication, on major networks.

I just watched it, and I think they got it right- giving, not just accolades from celebs-

I love Oprah!! I have taped her shows forever. (I must FF through the commercials). What is not to admire about that woman?

Is she still with Stedman? I thought they parted ways years ago.

I Tivo the show, but I haven't watched all of the last month's, some I just deleted based on the topic.

The shows that brought back some of the real Hollywood/movie celebrities I thought were a waste of good airtime, just real lightweights, like she was "phoning it in." I watched the Sarah Ferguson show and the Chaz Bono show, but not the Shania Twain show (flip a coin, I guess--choose the celebrity you like a bit better!)--but all were basically promos for their shows over on OWN. The James Frey shows -- deleted as quickly as I could; the original controversy helped me make up my mind about this guy back then. The Ralph Lauren show and the makeover show -- fluff (but I plan to watch them, cuz I'll want some fluff in a week or two, along with the celebrity finales). And if I'm not mixing up the regular Oprah show with the stuff on the OWN station, didn't she even have a few of the "behind the scenes" or chats with her producers filling airtime on her regular daily syndicated show?

I have liked a lot of what she's put out there over the years, some eye-opening stuff, some funny stuff, a lot of empowerment messages.

(Oh, and the 2-part finale -- those are Tivo'd, too!)

I used to watch her years ago, but haven't been interested in watching for years. I think the final turn-off for me was naming her magazine after herself AND putting herself on every cover.

I agree that she has done great good with her wealth and influence, and is truly a self-made woman. I wish her well in her future endeavors. But I won't be watching, and I won't miss her presence.

Each to their own, though.

I will be odd not to have her on the screen at 4 ; I will miss her, she's one of a kind and I do believe she has helped and inspired so many people. I missed yesterday's show but will watch the last 2. I think what I've learned most from her is compassion and forgiveness.

As for her magazine, I always buy it, it has enough content and features to
make it worth the buy, I fly a lot so that's when I usually grab it.

I'm with Les, I won't miss her presence.

I do record her show and only watch those that appeal to me. I will not be watching the Hollywood stars tripping all over themselves to get on her good side today.

Don't get me wrong, she's a wonderful person, but a bit self-serving and I believe she believes what she say's is gospel. That I don't like.

She's never raised kids but thinks she knows how to. huh uh, it doesn't work that way.

Who here would not give money to charities if we had billions to give? All of us would! So I don't give her extra kudos because she's wealthy and can afford to give to other's.

One more thing and this spoke volumes to me. I've watched a couple of her "Behind the Scenes" shows on the OWN channel, and boy I'd hate to work for her!

She can be downright mean to an employee if they mess up. Plus, she makes her employees work awfully long hours which really shocked me since she is so "Pro Motherhood," etc.

She said to one employee with a stern look on her face, "This doesn't make me happy." Wow.

She's definitely not the same down to Earth Oprah when she began in TV.

I definitely will miss her Christmas shows!

I also expect a lot of flak for my comments, so be nice. :)

Her show airs here at 4 so I'm often in the kitchen preparing dinner and if the topic interests me I'll watch.

Yesterday's show (the 1st of the 2 parters) didn't do much for me for some reason. Listening to celebrities gush over Oprah's importance was a tad too much. But the parts that did hit home for me were the segments showing real people, especially the kids who just had their library restocked. I think it would have been a more fitting tribute to limit the number of celebrities and highlight more of those people who have benefited from her generosity, her influence or her show.

I am in oakley's and les' camp--but reading this topic, maybe Oprah is more appealing to people who are watching tv in the afternoon? That's *not* a value judgment, but one reason I was never a big fan is simply that I'm not home at 4 pm every day. Though, I suppose I could have recorded it. It always seemed to me to be just another talk show, albeit with a super star hostess.

I'm also not one to get overwhelmed at television shows ending. It just doesn't seem all that major to me, no matter who it is. So the over-the-top hype about this (she changed television! she invented reality tv! she walks on water!) doesn't do much for me.

Although I didn't watch it regularly I did catch a couple of moments of the Behind The Scenes and yep, Oprah is clearly a Tough Boss. I've always figured she was no picnic to work for, because anyone who gets as far as she has didn't do it by being a shrinking violet, never-say-boo kinda gal.

Ann

lol oakley--- i thought i knew how to raise kids before i had them too! i just found out that i had alot to learn after having them!!
i very rarely turn on tv in the afternoon, so won't miss her....

I've been watching the Behind the Scenes show too, and I had just the opopsite reaction. It seems to me that she has created a very positive, creative work environment -people are not snarky, sarcastic, bullying, etc. -all things that I have come to accept as normal in the corporate world. "This doesn't make me happy" seems like a very reasonable response for a top manager to make. Her top producers make over a million dollars a year. The problem with earning that kind of salary is that your employer owns you. I wouldn't do that job if I had small children. I think those women are making a huge mistake -many of them are working reallly, really long hours.

I think Oprah is one of the most important people on the planet today. She has used her life tremendously well.

In the camp that doesn't think Oprah walks on water. She did rehab herself in my eyes when she had James Frey (Million Little Pieces) back after 5 yrs. After watching her treat another human being the way she did Mr. Frey on that day 5 years ago, I haven't watched another show going forward, save the shows with James Frey which aired here last week. She did appologize, finally.

I won't be watching but I rarely watch any daytime tv (nor do I dvr). I do think Oprah has done some admirable deeds, but there are many others out there who have done so, and with much less publicity. Not blaming her for that, just saying.

tina

One thing I liked about her was that she wasn't afraid to go on TV without the glamorous hair, make-up, etc.(and she's not one who looks fantastic without it) For example, on her camping trip show she was wearing jeans, flannel shirt, no make-up- a lot of celebs wouldn't do that. That down-to earthiness is a big part of her appeal-

I was working for the local ABC affiliate when her show began airing nationally. With a TV in every office, it was hard to miss. Was pretty obvious even back then that she was something special. I'll never understand the need by some to denigrate her talents and achievements.

I won't be watching either. I understand the line of thought that Oprah has done a world of good, but I also find her diva-ness (is that a word?) to be very offputting.

I will definitely miss her. I don't watch it everyday but if I'm relaxing at 4:00, I will check to see what her topic for that day is.

I think she brought to the forefront many issues that people at home suffer with. Her shows let people know that people are not alone - no matter what their lot in life is.

I am wondering after all of this if she will show up with a talk show on OWN. It will be sad if she disappears completely.

No, she is not withour fault(she can be a bit full of herself) but she has done alot of good.

I hear (and see) what y'all mean about the "full of herself" quality at times! Can't help but wonder how brimming over with myself *I* would be if I had done the things, talked to the people, lived the life and made the money she has! I probably would have become so obnoxious I'd have been taken off the air. I wouldn't have had the chance to make a voluntary exit! The executives would be saying, "We've about heard enough of you Stinky, drive off into the sunset now!"

Natal, what sort of work were you doing in TV land? I have a brother who worked for NBC for years (film production, editing, writing, music) but is self-employed now.

I like Oprah a lot. I have always had her show recorded on my DVR and I pick and choose which ones to watch based on whatever interests me. I have watched most of them this season. I thought Monday's show was a little over the top, but I'll watch the last two shows because I can't help myself. I have watched a LOT of Oprah shows over the years but I can't say that I will "miss" her. Maybe it's because it feels like a good time for her to stop. My DH doesn't like her at all but I still find him sitting next to me watching her show occasionally!

Nope. No interest. I did record the Ralph Lauren show because posters here mentioned it, but I haven't watched it yet. I find Oprah difficult to watch. I feel the same way about Barbara Walters. There's just something about the way they approach people, maybe because it's been so long since they had a normal life, that makes me queasy. It's sort of like they are actors playing the part of themselves. I'm not making any sense, am I...

You are making sense.
It's hard to get 'round the fact that she's a billionaire who leads a privileged life. Though I don't object to her millions, it's the fact she doesn't openly acknowledge it, instead she pretends she's one of us.

Her weight really has been one of the connecting things about her, it identifies her with the world and has nothing to do with money.

Though I don't object to her millions, it's the fact she doesn't openly acknowledge it, instead she pretends she's one of us.

How does she not acknowledge it? According to some of you she's damned if she does and damned if she doesn't.

Anyone see (hear) Aretha perform "Amazing Grace"? Absolutely beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes.

Missed that, but loved seeing all the Morehouse alumni streaming onstage. What a powerful moment!

And I missed that! I'm so glad I decided to watch. Looking forward to tomorrow's show!

I meant her lifestyle. Or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about!

I hear (and see) what y'all mean about the "full of herself" quality at times! Can't help but wonder how brimming over with myself *I* would be if I had done the things, talked to the people, lived the life and made the money she has! I probably would have become so obnoxious I'd have been taken off the air. I wouldn't have had the chance to make a voluntary exit! The executives would be saying, "We've about heard enough of you Stinky, drive off into the sunset now!"

Yep, I would be totally insufferable!

I'm recording them and watching. Everyone oozing over her was a bit much, but it's basically a moving on party for her and that's what a party like that is all about. I was sort of surprised to see that so far John Travolta hasn't come out nor Dr. Oz. I was really glad to see Maria Schriever. She's incredible.

As far as missing Oprah's show, I've been watching her off and on now since her first year and have had different emotions about her at different periods. I hated the way she treated James Frey, I thought she completely let people down that day by not practicing what she preaches. I was glad that she revisited the topic with him, he got to tell his side of the story and closure was found. That said, there have also been several times where she was treated terribly on camera by guests and was still able to turn a cheek, I give her lots of credit for that. I love that she has helped normal people from all walks in ways that they really needed the help, and her push to promote education throughout the world has been a blessing.

I've not enjoyed the programming on OWN, I hope that gets better in time. I usually do well with change, but think I will end up missing her show more than I thought I would.

I loved part II. Loved it and cried. Like I said before, what is not to like about that woman?

As far as OWN, I'm hoping it develops with more of her time and energy.

Dr. Oz was there yesterday. He was in one of the last segments where Rosie O'Donnell comes out to sing and she highlights Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and Nat Berkus.

OH!!! OK! Sorry, when I saw Dr. Phil who isn't one of my favorites at all, I skipped through the Rosie act and didn't see the others in there. Part II was a real tear jerker wasn't it? People there were so riled up, the energy in that arena had to have been amazing.

I was glad to see Stedman get up, say a few words and to address her on a more personal level in public.

I've literally never watched Oprah until a few days ago. TV was on and I happened to see she was interviewing Ralph Lauren and his family. I didn't know how he started out, etc. so I found it interesting. They seem like lovely people. Just wish the stuff wasn't so expensive!

From what little I know of Oprah, it sounds like she's very nice and has done a lot for people. I probably won't be watching though.

When Oprah said "That doesn't make me happy," it was the tone of voice she used that no employee wants to hear from their boss.

Another part of the Behind the Scenes shows were how the zillions of producers were literally sweating it out in the Control Room during a show hoping Oprah will "like this" and if they KNEW she wouldn't, you could see the stress on their faces.

It also emphasizes that Oprah is all about "me me me." And why not? Her money is what makes or breaks her employees. She has them by the ying yang and they know it. It's why people flock to her.

As I said above, in the beginning I really liked Oprah. She was no different than her viewers, except she had a tv show.

It's only because of her wealth (IMO) that she's become pampered and spoiled by everyone. Sure, she has a great personality but many people do in her line of work. They just can't afford to buy their way through life like Oprah does.

Don't you know that every audience member hopes that they come home with some type of gift? ;) I would too. lol

Don't get me wrong. I don't begrudge her wealth or status, but she's not the same person anymore and it shows. And for the life of me, I don't get why everyone falls at her feet and takes her word as "gospel."

Ten bucks if she still had her O show & take away the billions, she wouldn't be so "God Like."

Bumblebeez, I think you got what I meant. She tries to present herself as just regular folks, but she's not. She can't be at this point in her life. It's sort of like Marie Antoinette building the pretend village at Versailles thinking that staying there would be anything like what the common man experienced.

I applaud Oprah's accomplishments. I love the fact that she represents what is possible with hard work, talent and perseverance. I just can't watch her and I certainly don't value her opinion more than the opinion of anyone else.

Oakley, you're so funny. I wasn't aware you knew Oprah back when.

forhgtv, I applaud Oprah too and I like her so much, but "...like Marie Antoinette building her pretend village at Versailles..." -- LOL!! There is a bit of that in her.

I heard that her last show doesn't have any guests, and it is just Oprah talking to the audience - no questions. Sounds kind of dull to me.

I heard that on the radio this morning terriks - I believe they said she would be telling the audience what they had meant to her over the years and that today's show was filmed yesterday.

She has certainly overcome alot - poverty, rape, etc. not a very happy childhood. Although I have never kept up with her show, I loved her in color of purple.

tina

Sorry Natal, but you're not making sense again.

I was talking about when she first started her talk show, before the diva-ness & zillions set in. Cheers! ;)

forhgtv, Oprah actually built her a "special" little house out of THE most expensive materials possible, near her mansion, and she goes there to pull a Marie Antoinette.

Terriks, I doubt I watch today's show either. Not in the mood for more self-promotion, patting of her back, and advertising for OWN. Which is kind of funny because she is NOT leaving TV.

Well I watched the final taping today. And she managed to talk the entire show. I was beginning to feel like I was part of the congregation and she was the preacher. She said she wanted to be a teacher and that's how she spent the hour - teaching to us...or maybe it was at us. I'm not sure. About all I remember was she kept saying that we are responsible for the energy we bring into the room. And everything is energy .. even a flower is energy. She spoke about the community and how she'll miss everyone, how her audience is the love of her life, she thanked us for sharing this journey with her, etc.

I actually thought it was a let down after all the hype about the final show and slightly boring.

Well Oakley, wrong once again. Her show today was all about saying thank you.

If you have even the slightest interest here's a brief set of quotes from the show.

Here is a link that might be useful: recap in quotes

I just finished watching her final show, I found it not boring at all; it was a recap of what her 25 years have been and it was like reading a book of lessons in life, I've read my fair share of spiritual and self help books and even at 59, I struggle with certain issues and wonder when I'll ever really "get" it. She gives me hope to keep at it and be what I can be, to find my meaning in life.

Oprah said it all, in a humble and loving way, I personally do not doubt her sincerety. She's no different than she was 25 years ago, down to earth and wiser than she was then, and certainly richer ( good for her) but she gives credit to everyone she's learned from, it's the essence of what shaped her.

She's a true succcess story in my book, one of a kind.

I've watched a few behind the scene shows and I think Oprah would be a dream boss. She inspires her employees to do well not because of fear but because they want to please her so badly. As an employee, I'll take that kind of stress any day.

But I guess if you've never really had a job, it might be hard to see the difference.

Oakleyok...You said that "Oprah actually built her a 'special' little house out of THE most expensive materials possible, near her mansion, and she goes there to pull a Marie Antoinette." Seriously? I did not know that. ROTFL!!!