Maria Menounos To Replace Giuliana Rancic On ‘E! News’ Despite Viewer Criticism During SAG Awards

Maria Menounos is headed back to E! for a regular role. The TV personality will replace Giuliana Rancic as a co-anchor on “E! News.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, she’ll join “E! News” veteran anchors Jason Kennedy, Terrence Jenkins and Catt Sadler on a daily basis to deliver entertainment news. New anchors Zuri Hall, Erin Lim and Sibley Scoles were also announced as new contributors.

“As an established entertainment and news journalist with strong Hollywood connections, Maria has proven herself to be a great fit with the 'E! News' team,” E! executive vice president of news and digital John Najarian said. “And with their diverse backgrounds and wide ranging areas of expertise, Sibley, Erin and Zuri will be key additions to 'E! News,' which boasts the youngest and most affluent audience amongst all entertainment shows.”

Meounos’ addition might be surprising to some. When she previously filled in for Rancic at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards during “E! Live From the Red Carpet,” fans responded with plenty of backlash on Twitter.

#MariaMenounos is dying on the red carpet. So awkward and uncomfortable to watch. Where on earth is @GiulianaRancic!? #SAGAwards
— rachel (@rachelbrooke_) January 26, 2015

Maria Menounos needs to work on her red carpet interviewing. Way too many awkward silences and rushes through list of questions. #SAGAwards
— Claire McCorquodale (@ClaireMcCorqs) January 26, 2015

She's making me miss Giuliana RT @tomandlorenzo: OHMIGOD SHUT UP MARIA MENOUNOS #SAGAwards
— shannon mckenna (@shanmckenna) January 26, 2015

It looks like the criticism didn’t stop the former “Extra” host from getting the gig. While the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet special was her most memorable performance, she has been on E! before without that kind of heavy backlash. She has filled in on several occaisons on “E! News” before and has been appearing on E! Online’s “Live From E!” series for over a year, according to Deadline.

Rancic will leave on Aug. 10. As previously reported, the veteran “E! News” host will remain in her position on “Fashion Police” and will continue to host “E! Live From the Red Carpet” specials. Rancic explained that she wanted to leave to pursue other professional opportunities.

“For more than a decade, I was fortunate enough to play a role in the success of 'E! News' and will miss my family at the show,” Rancic said in a statement earlier this month. “At the same time, I am excited to not only continue as host of two major franchises on E! but also executive produce the aspirational new show ‘Rich in Faith’ for Oxygen as well as take my wine and clothing lines to the next level. This is such a thrilling time for me and I thank the gang at E! for understanding my desire to embark on this next chapter in my life.”

“E! News” airs daily on E! Check your local listings for times. Do you like Menounos or do you think they could’ve found a better replacement? Sound off in the comments section below!