Television host and former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila joins “The Talk” for season 12 as new host of the Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show, with Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and Jerry O’Connell, premiering Monday, Sept. 13. Gbajabiamila appeared as a guest co-host on multiple episodes in June and July.
Currently, Gbajabiamila is the host of NBC’s competition series “American Ninja Warrior” and “American Ninja Warrior Junior.” He became a published author in 2019 with his critically acclaimed debut book, Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams. He also executive produced the 2020 film “Sylvie’s Love.” As a professional athlete, Gbajabiamila played five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end, with the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, before retiring in 2008.
“The Talk” TALK airs weekdays (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; 1:00-2:00 PM, PT/CT) on the CBS Television Network and streams on Paramount+.
“The Talk” features a panel of well-known entertainment personalities discussing current events, pop culture, family, celebrity and trending topics of the day. The daily one-hour series is hosted by Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots, Jerry O’Connell and Akbar Gbajabiamila. The hosts exchange stories and share their opinions on issues and events in the headlines. The show also features celebrity guest interviews, musical performances and cooking segments, as well as human interest stories.
