Joy Behar Confirmed to Stay on ‘The View’ After Injury Hiatus, Debunking Exit Rumors

ABC’s The View has officially quashed speculation that veteran co-host Joy Behar, 84, was being pushed out of the daytime talk show following a shoulder injury that kept her off the air for much of October. A representative for the program confirmed to Entertainment Weekly this week that “there is no truth” to a RadarOnline.com report alleging Behar was on the outs amid a rumored panel shake-up.

RadarOnline Report Sparks Speculation About Panel Shake-Up

Last week, RadarOnline.com published a story claiming Behar’s place on the program was in jeopardy after she missed several weeks due to a shoulder dislocation suffered in late September. The outlet reported that producers were allegedly looking to make the show “less shrill and more inviting to a broader audience,” suggesting a deliberate move to phase out the longtime co-host.

The report gained traction given Behar’s extended absence and her status as the show’s most outspoken liberal voice. However, the network’s swift and direct denial puts the narrative to rest—at least for now.

ABC and ‘The View’ Producer Confirm Behar’s Return

The show’s executive producer, Brian Teta, delivered the most definitive update Monday on the Behind the Table podcast. “Joy is back,” Teta announced at the close of the episode. “We’ve missed her. We’ll see you tomorrow!”

Behar returned to the table Tuesday for her first appearance since September 30, marking the end of a roughly three-week hiatus. The confirmation aligns with earlier comments from co-host Sunny Hostin, who told viewers on October 1 that Behar was “recovering and will be back soon.”

Shoulder Injury Sidelined Veteran Host for Weeks

Behar suffered a dislocated shoulder in late September, an injury that required more recovery time than initially anticipated. During her absence, the show continued with its remaining panelists—Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and rotating guest co-hosts.

The injury marked the second time in recent years that a physical ailment pulled Behar away from the broadcast. In 2023, she missed several days after breaking her toe when she dropped an iPad on her foot.

Co-Hosts Rally Around Behar During Absence

The camaraderie at the table was evident throughout Behar’s recovery. Whoopi Goldberg shared a personal message from Behar during Goldberg’s birthday episode on October 7, reading aloud: “Thanks to everyone who inquired about my recovery. If I was still 21, I’d have bounced back the next day. But, since I’m an old bat, recuperating takes a bit longer. I plan to be back next week to fill everyone in on all the gory details.”

Last week, Goldberg added on air: “We’ll have something special when you know you’re on your way back. Hurry back. It’s not the same at the table. We miss you, we do.”

“It’s not the same at the table. We miss you, we do.”

— Whoopi Goldberg, October 2026

Behar’s Legacy as Daytime Television Pioneer

Behar has been a fixture on The View since its inception in 1997, when she joined Barbara Walters as an original co-host. In 2022, she earned recognition as the longest-running female host of an American television program—a record that underscores her enduring presence in daytime TV.

Over nearly three decades, Behar has become known for her sharp comedic timing, unfiltered political commentary, and willingness to engage in heated debates across the ideological spectrum. Her tenure has spanned seven presidential administrations and countless cultural flashpoints.

Past Injuries and Resilience

Behar’s recent shoulder dislocation follows a pattern of bouncing back from minor but disruptive injuries. The 2023 broken toe incident—caused by a dropped iPad—kept her off the show for only a few days. In both cases, she addressed the injuries with her signature self-deprecating humor, framing her recovery in the context of age while making clear she had no intention of stepping away.

At 84, Behar remains the eldest member of the panel, but her work ethic and on-air energy have shown little sign of slowing. Her return this week reinforces that the rumors of a forced exit were unfounded.

Behar on Politics and Potential Trump Appearance

In a recent interview with New York Magazine, Behar—an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump—said she would welcome the opportunity to have him return to the View table. Trump appeared on the program 18 times before his first presidency.

“I’d love Donald Trump to take the heat,” Behar said. “You can’t go to Fox all the time.”

The comment reflects her longstanding approach: confronting political figures directly rather than avoiding conflict. It also signals that, despite the injury and the rumors, Behar remains fully engaged with the show’s core mission of political discourse.

What This Means for ‘The View’ Moving Forward

With Behar back at the table, The View returns to its full Season 28 lineup heading into the holiday season and a politically charged 2027. The brief speculation about her departure highlights the intense scrutiny the show faces regarding its panel composition, particularly as it navigates its third decade on air.

For now, the show’s most tenured voice remains exactly where she’s been for 29 years—at the table, microphone on, ready for the next hot topic.

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