Kathy Griffin set to succeed Joan Rivers as new host on 'Fashion Police'

Comedian Kathy Griffin (l) and the late Joan Rivers. (Reuters)

Comedian Kathy Griffin has closed a deal with E! to succeed the late Joan Rivers as co-host of "Fashion Police." Griffin will be one of two new faces to join the panel next year, along with celebrity stylist and television personality Brad Goreski who replaces original co-host George Kotsiopoulos. They will sit alongside returning panelists Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic. Also changing is the format of "Fashion Police," which will no longer be a weekly program but will air 17 episodes throughout the year, focused on the biggest red carpet and fashion events of 2015 including the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, New York Fashion Week. Its first installment will air on Monday, January 12, dedicated to Golden Globes coverage.

“I get it! These are some big shoes I’m going to fill. Joan was truly one of a kind. Now I hope you will accept me for me,” Griffin said.“I’m just Kathy. Did I say I’m just Kathy? I meant I’m Kathy F---ing Griffin and you celebrities better strap yourself in, as I am taking no prisoners. I am not holding back so DAMMIT let’s have some fun!”

Getting "Fashion Police" back on its feet was one of the first priorities for longtime Bravo topper Frances Berwick who recently added E! to her purview. To do so she reached to talent from Bravo’s roster. Berwick has had a long, close and collaborative relationship with Griffin, who was a staple on Bravo for years, winning two best reality program Emmys for the long-running "My Life On The D-List," shared with Berwick, who served as an executive producer. Berwick also gave Goreski his own reality series, "It’s a Brad Brad World" on Bravo, after he broke out on the network’s "The Rachel Zoe Project."

Griffin emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Rivers immediately following the sudden death of the veteran comedian on September 4. With the blessing of Rivers daughter, "Fashion Police" executive producer Melissa Rivers, E! announced in September that "Fashion Police" will continue, returning with originals in January. Attention focused on Griffin, who was friends with Rivers and has a similar comedic sensibility.

"Not only was Joan a trailblazer, she was also a dear friend and mentor to Kathy, who will no doubt continue her legacy and do the series justice by bringing her own unique comedic style and tell-it-like-it-is personality to the host chair," said Jeff Olde, EVP, Programming and Development, E! “Plus, the addition of trendsetting stylist Brad completes the panel as the show begins its next chapter, which will focus on covering the major award shows and fashion events throughout the year.

"Fashion Police" is produced by Wilshire Studios. Melissa Rivers and Lisa Bacon serve as executive producers

"Kathy just feels right, and Brad brings a fun, new voice to join Giuliana and Kelly in this ensemble," said Rivers. "I'm excited to see where this panel takes this series my mother so adored in this next incarnation.