In an interview with ScreenRant, Inside Out 2 co-writer Dave Holstein talked about how Val as a character was created to act out as a role model for Riley rather than an interest fixated on romance.

Val Warner anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News in the morning at 6 a.m. Val knows Chicago inside and out and brings her insight and knowledge to Chicago audiences who look forward to starting their day ...

An onlooker says Val had his arm around Johnson all evening and introduced her to friends as "my girl." Later that month, they stepped out with Maksim, 38, and Murgatroyd, 31 for a sweet double ...