In a surprising turn of events that has reverberated through the corridors of daytime television, ABC has announced that it will not be renewing the contracts of Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, two of the most recognizable faces on “The View.” The decision marks the end of an era for the long-running talk show, which has been a staple of American daytime television since its inception in 1997. The network’s statement, succinctly noting the reason for this change as “we’re removing toxic people from the show,” has ignited a firestorm of debate and speculation among fans, critics, and industry insiders alike.
Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar have been synonymous with “The View” for years, contributing to its reputation as a platform for spirited discussions on a wide array of topics, from politics to pop culture. Goldberg, who joined the show in 2007, and Behar, one of the original co-hosts who returned in 2015 after a brief departure, have been pivotal in shaping the show’s dynamic, often bringing their strong, unfiltered opinions to the table. Their departure heralds a significant shift for “The View,” signaling a new direction that ABC hopes to take in the years ahead.
