What Happened to The View?
"The View" is a long-running American daytime talk show created by Barbara Walters, featuring a multi-generational panel of women discussing current events, politics, and pop culture. Now in its 29th season as of 2026, the show continues to be a top-rated program, known for its lively debates and diverse perspectives, despite ongoing cast changes and occasional controversies. It remains a significant platform for political discourse and celebrity interviews, consistently ranking as America's most-watched daytime talk show.
Quick Answer
"The View" is currently in its 29th season as of April 2026, maintaining its status as America's most-watched daytime talk show. The current panel includes Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro. Recent events include Alyssa Farah Griffin's maternity leave and the birth of her son in February 2026, Joy Behar's temporary absences due to illness, and Ana Navarro's return after attending a political protest in March 2026. The show continues to generate headlines for its hosts' strong opinions and political discussions.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
The View Premieres
Barbara Walters' brainchild, 'The View,' debuts on ABC with an original panel including Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulos, and Joy Behar.
Whoopi Goldberg Joins as Moderator
Whoopi Goldberg becomes a permanent co-host and moderator, significantly shaping the show's dynamic and political discussions.
Transferred to ABC News Division
The show moves from ABC's entertainment division to ABC News, leading to a renewed focus on news and political topics and a boost in viewership.
Whoopi Goldberg Signs New 4-Year Deal
Whoopi Goldberg inks a new contract to remain on 'The View' for four more seasons, extending her tenure through Season 28.
Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin Named Permanent Co-Hosts
Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin officially join the panel as permanent co-hosts for Season 26, filling the conservative seat and expanding the regular lineup.
Q1 2025 Ratings Uptick
'The View' concludes the first quarter of 2025 with an increase in ratings, averaging 2.62 million viewers, marking its seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth.
Alyssa Farah Griffin Announces Pregnancy
Alyssa Farah Griffin announces on the show that she is expecting her first child, a baby boy, due in February 2026.
Returns for Season 29
'The View' returns from its winter hiatus for new episodes, kicking off Season 29 with a lineup of political and celebrity guests.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Appearance Boosts Viewership
An exclusive interview with Marjorie Taylor Greene leads to 'The View's most-watched telecast in nine months, drawing 2.754 million viewers.
Joy Behar's Absence Due to Illness
Joy Behar is noticeably absent from several episodes due to illness, with Whoopi Goldberg informing viewers of her recovery.
Alyssa Farah Griffin Gives Birth
Alyssa Farah Griffin gives birth to her son, Justin Patrick Griffin, Jr., with co-hosts announcing the news on air.
FCC Investigation Confirmed Amid Strong Ratings
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr confirms an investigation into 'The View's exemption from the 'equal time' rule, even as the show continues to rank No. 1 in daytime ratings.
Sara Haines Faces Backlash Over ICE Comments
Sara Haines draws criticism from viewers and social media for expressing support for the deployment of ICE agents at airports during a 'Hot Topics' segment.
Ana Navarro Returns After Miami Protest
Ana Navarro returns to 'The View' after an unexplained absence, revealing she attended a 'No Kings' protest in Miami and discussing her political activism.
Sunny Hostin Criticizes Trump's Supreme Court Appearance
Sunny Hostin strongly criticizes President Trump's unprecedented attendance at Supreme Court arguments regarding birthright citizenship, calling it a 'front row seat to his racist theory'.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Created by broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, "The View" premiered on August 11, 1997, with a vision to bring together women of different generations and backgrounds to discuss the day's "Hot Topics." The original panel included Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulos, and Joy Behar. Over its nearly three-decade run, the show has seen numerous co-host changes, often leading to media attention and shifts in its dynamic. In 2014, the show was transferred from ABC's entertainment division to ABC News, a move that contributed to viewership growth and a warmer critical reception.
As of April 2026, the panel consists of moderator Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro. Whoopi Goldberg, who joined in 2007, signed a four-year contract in September 2021, securing her role through at least Season 28 (2024). Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin were officially named permanent co-hosts for Season 26 in August 2022, solidifying the current lineup.
"The View" consistently ranks as the number one daytime network talk show in households and total viewers, a position it has held for nine consecutive seasons as of March 2026. For the week of March 2, 2026, the show averaged 2.638 million total viewers. This success comes amidst an evolving media landscape and an FCC investigation, confirmed in March 2026, into whether the show qualifies for an "equal time" rule exemption for political interviews.
Recent events in late 2025 and early 2026 have kept the show in the headlines. Joy Behar experienced absences due to a foot injury in November 2025 and later an illness in January 2026, with Whoopi Goldberg providing updates to viewers. Alyssa Farah Griffin announced her pregnancy in October 2025 and gave birth to her son, Justin Patrick Griffin, Jr., on February 10, 2026, leading to her maternity leave. Ana Navarro was notably absent from a March 2026 episode, later revealing she was attending a 'No Kings' protest in Miami, a topic she discussed upon her return. Sara Haines also faced backlash in March 2026 for comments supporting the deployment of ICE agents at airports. The show continues to be a platform for strong political commentary, with Sunny Hostin frequently making headlines for her opinions on figures like Donald Trump.
"The View" remains a cultural phenomenon, influencing discussions on political and social issues and serving as a mandatory stop for politicians and newsmakers. Its ability to generate lively, often controversial, conversations ensures its continued relevance and high viewership in the competitive daytime television market.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The View made different choices?