In a move that has sent shockwaves through the television world, ABC has reportedly decided not to renew the contracts of The View’s veteran co-hosts Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg, citing their “toxic” image as the driving factor. The announcement, which surfaced in early 2025, marks the end of an era for the long-running daytime talk show, where the two have been fixtures for decades. But as fans and critics debate the decision, one question looms large: Was this the right call for ABC, or a misstep that could alienate a loyal audience?
Joy Behar, an original co-host since The View’s debut in 1997, and Whoopi Goldberg, who joined in 2007, have been the backbone of the program, known for their unfiltered opinions and fiery debates. Behar, with her sharp wit, and Goldberg, with her commanding presence, turned the show into a cultural touchstone, tackling everything from politics to pop culture. Together, they’ve weathered controversies, co-host shakeups, and shifting viewer tastes, making their exit a seismic shift for the series.
According to sources close to the network, ABC’s decision stems from a desire to rebrand The View and move away from what executives have labeled “toxic elements.” While the term remains vague, it’s widely speculated to reference the polarizing nature of Behar and Goldberg’s on-air personas. Both have faced backlash over the years—Goldberg for comments on sensitive topics like the Holocaust in 2022, which led to a brief suspension, and Behar for her outspoken critiques of political figures, often sparking outrage online. These moments, while ratings gold, have also painted the show as a lightning rod for division.
The timing feels abrupt, especially as The View remains a daytime juggernaut, consistently drawing millions of viewers. Posts on X have exploded with reactions, from celebration—“Finally, ABC is cleaning house!”—to dismay—“Whoopi and Joy are The View; this is a mistake.” Supporters argue their authenticity is what sets the show apart in a sea of sanitized talk shows. “They say what others won’t,” one fan wrote. “That’s not toxic—that’s real.” Critics, however, cheer the move, pointing to a perceived decline in civility. “The yelling and interruptions were unbearable,” another user posted. “Good riddance.”
ABC’s gamble raises questions about the show’s future identity. Behar, 82, and Goldberg, 69, brought a mix of experience and edge that younger co-hosts like Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin may struggle to replicate. The network hasn’t announced replacements, but insiders hint at a push for a fresher, less contentious lineup. Yet, diluting the show’s signature heat could backfire—after all, it’s the clash of perspectives that keeps viewers tuning in. Without Behar’s sardonic humor or Goldberg’s gravitas, will The View lose its bite?
The decision also reflects broader trends in media, where networks are increasingly wary of personalities that alienate segments of the audience. In an era of fragmented viewership, ABC may be betting on a safer, more unifying approach. But is “safe” what fans want from a show built on bold takes? The risk is real: alienating the core audience that thrived on Behar and Goldberg’s unpredictability could tank ratings, while failing to attract new viewers could leave The View adrift.
Was it the right call? It’s too soon to say. If ABC pulls off a reinvention that honors the show’s legacy while broadening its appeal, this could be a masterstroke. But if the absence of Behar and Goldberg turns The View into a bland shadow of itself, the network may regret letting its titans go. For now, the stage is empty, the mics are cold, and the debate rages on—on air and off.
