Kristen Bell has always been quite popular in Hollywood, and following her selection to host Netflix's presentation of the SAG Awards in January, there's increasing speculation that she is being groomed for a major talk show role – with the potential to emerge as the fresh, uncontroversial version of Ellen DeGeneres, an exclusive source tells Life & Style.
“To be candid, acting isn't Kristen’s primary passion,” the insider says of the 44-year-old Michigan native. “She excels at it, and she experienced success this year with Nobody Wants This, which will continue on Netflix with additional episodes. However, Kristen's true talent lies in genuinely connecting with people and gaining their trust.”
The Veronica Mars star has been honing her hosting skills for some time alongside her career in film and television, which began on Broadway. After hosting the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2018, she will return to host the 31st annual SAG Awards on February 23 in Los Angeles, now broadcast on Netflix after the streaming service secured the rights in 2023.
“Excited to host the SAG Awards again this year,” Kristen expressed in a press release. “It’s an honor to be invited back, and I’m looking forward to spending the evening with my fellow actors as we celebrate our craft.”
As the insider notes a larger audience is anticipated for the SAG Awards on Netflix and the Oscars on ABC this year, there is growing discussion about Kristen taking on a significant and enduring hosting role alongside her acting career. “Hosting the SAGs sends a strong message to Hollywood and her bosses at Netflix that she could be a superior 'New Oprah' or 'New Ellen' compared to Drew Barrymore or Kelly Clarkson,” the source claims. “Long before Ellen DeGeneres faced backlash, Kristen was recognized and seriously considered as a potential daytime talk show star, and she still harbors that ambition.”
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesWith Ellen, 66, departing California for the U.K. and exiting the entertainment industry, there’s an opportunity again at the pinnacle of talk-TV.
food chain. As it turns out, the actress who voices a character in Frozen is somewhat of a protégé of Ellen. Kristen Bell's web series, Momsplaining with Kristen Bell, has been available on comedian Ellen DeGeneres's video platform, Ellentube, since 2018. The show, which targets new and expecting mothers, provides helpful advice on motherhood and serves as a testing ground for Kristen’s future aspirations.
“When the opportunity arises, Kristen can excel in daytime 'mom' TV, and she and her team are aware of this,” says an insider.
“She is currently focused on making more of Nobody Wants This, but by hosting the SAG Awards, she is clearly signaling that she aims to become the next big talk show host that women admire and follow.”
“This kind of role is perfect for her.”