No matter the job, getting along with your coworkers isn’t always easy — but try doing it live on national television. For nearly three decades,The Viewhas thrived on that tension, with behind-the-scenes drama often spilling onto the Hot Topics table. Since its 1997 debut, the show has featured fiery debates, unexpected walk-offs, and more than a few unforgettable feuds.
With over two dozen women cycling through the co-host lineup, few know the rollercoaster better thanJoy Behar. Aside from a brief hiatus (a.k.a. her “firing”), Joy has beenThe View’s longest-running co-host — and she’s not afraid to name names. On a recent episode of theBehind the Tablepodcast, the 82-year-old comedian pulled back the curtain on the show’s most “toxic” eras — and the co-hosts who made life miserable.
Joy Behar Reflects on Decades at ‘The View,’ Revealing Why Today’s Co-Hosts Are Less Toxic
Hosted by Executive ProducerBrian Teta,Behind the TableinvitesThe Viewladies to share their thoughts on the show, favorite moments, and stories that the fans are dying to hear. Having been part of the show the longest,Joy Behar has an arsenal of stories to share.And like she is on the show, the comedian is unafraid to mince her words and tell it like it is. So, on a recent episode, Joy gave her boss everything and more.
While discussing how some past co-hosts come back from time to time to sit at the Hot Topics table, it was noted that if you come for one co-host, you come for them all. Though they all have had their fair share of spats on screen, there is still a familiar bond that they form. As Joy said, “If someone starts to attack one of us, I will defend. It’s the family — never talk outside the family.The Godfather. Is that how the line goes?” It’s one thing for us to have our own critiques amongst ourselves." As Teta joked that they certainly have them, Joy noted that of all the casts throughout time,this current line is the most “amiable.”
“I’ve been here many years now, and I know a lot of different groups. This group is the least… what’s the word I’m looking for…? They have the least animosity. Some years they’ve been bad,” Joy said. Though Teta tried to play off his following comment,“I can’t imagine what you’re talking about,“as an inside joke, it’s no secret just who has caused animosity at the table. And on social media. While Joy wouldn’t give an official name, one can only imagine that the reference was towardMeghan McCain. Though Joy was known to engage in political banter with many of the conservative panelists, there was never much love lost between her and the daughter of the lateSenator John McCain. In 2021, McCain shared her side of things about life on the show. In her book,Bad Republican,and while promoting it, McCain spoke about how she feltWhoopi Goldberghad wanted her gone and detailed the infamous on-air spat she and Joy had following the “You missed me so much,” moment.
Whoopi Down: Inside Whoopi Goldberg’s On-Air Collapses on ‘The View’
Whoopi Goldberg has had it. Officially!
‘The View’ Keeps Things Hot
There has always been discussion about how tension would radiate at the table through the screen. Though other co-hosts have attempted to remain mum about one another,there has always been talk about the chemistry when McCainwas on the roster. Some co-hosts likeSara HainesandSunny Hostinhave attempted to remain neutral regarding McCain. Subtle hints have emerged—like Sara Haines agreeing withMatt Rogers’use of the word “uncomfortable” to describe the atmosphere. For her part, Meghan McCain hasn’t held back, recently calling her former co-hosts “crazy old people.”
Over the years,The Viewhas welcomed tension and drama to the studio.Perhaps the most discussed panelist fight occurred between then-moderatorRosie O’Donnelland formerSurvivorstarElisabeth Hasselbeck.The 2007 clashset off a firestorm of questions about what had occurred behind the scenes and how it would affect the show moving forward. Another panelist who was often in the Hot Topics hot seat was original co-host,Star Jones. But as Joy had noted in the past, there was nothing but love for Star, who had returned countless times.
As a fan of the show, and a frequent audience member when time allows,I was present for the fight when Rosie O’Donnell returned to the panel with Whoopistill occupying the moderator slot.Let’s just say commercial breaks atThe Vieware tense!As fans at home watching a current group that has love for one another, it was interesting to get to that point due to the “toxic” chemistry of the past. As much as the ratings would love to see big blow-ups, it may not be healthy for the women who came to work and are asked to speak their minds.
The Viewairs weekdays on ABC. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu.
