As The View celebrates its 25th anniversary, co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar sat down to reflect on the show’s legacy, its impact on daytime television, and the dynamic relationships that have defined its quarter-century run. Since its debut on August 11, 1997, The View has been a cultural touchstone, blending fiery debates, heartfelt camaraderie, and occasional feuds among its panel of outspoken women. Created by Barbara Walters, the show revolutionized talk television by offering a platform for diverse perspectives on politics, culture, and personal stories. Goldberg and Behar, two of the show’s longest-serving hosts, shared their thoughts on the journey, the controversies, and the bonds that have kept them at the table.
A Groundbreaking Platform
The View was born out of Walters’ vision for a show where women from different backgrounds could discuss the day’s issues with candor and humor. Behar, an original co-host alongside Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, and Debbie Matenopoulos, remembers the early days as both exhilarating and uncertain. “Nobody knew if it would work,” Behar said in a recent interview. “Five women talking over each other about politics and life? It was a gamble, but Barbara had this instinct that it would resonate.”
The show’s format—combining “Hot Topics” discussions with celebrity interviews and lifestyle segments—quickly caught on. It became a space where viewers could see women tackle everything from presidential elections to parenting struggles, often with unfiltered passion. Goldberg, who joined in 2007, noted the show’s unique ability to mirror real-world conversations. “It’s like sitting at a kitchen table with your friends, except the whole country’s listening,” she said. “We don’t always agree, and that’s the point.”
Friendship at the Core
The heart of The View lies in the relationships among its hosts. Behar and Goldberg, with their distinct personalities—Behar’s sharp-witted liberalism and Goldberg’s measured, libertarian-leaning pragmatism—have forged a friendship that anchors the show. “We fight, we laugh, we cry,” Behar said. “It’s like a marriage, but with better lighting.” Their chemistry, built over years of shared airtime, has weathered countless changes in the panel, from Rosie O’Donnell’s polarizing stints to Meghan McCain’s stormy departure in 2021.
Goldberg emphasized the trust that underpins their bond. “Joy and I don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect each other’s right to an opinion,” she said. “That’s what keeps us going.” Their friendship has extended off-screen, with Behar recalling late-night phone calls to decompress after particularly heated episodes. “Whoopi’s got this calm that balances my chaos,” Behar quipped. “She’s the yin to my yang.”
Feuds That Fueled Headlines
The View has never shied away from controversy, and its feuds have often made as many headlines as its discussions. From O’Donnell’s clashes with Elisabeth Hasselbeck over politics to McCain’s frequent sparring with Behar and Goldberg, the show has thrived on tension. “Conflict is part of the deal,” Goldberg admitted. “You put strong women together, sparks are gonna fly.”
One of the most infamous moments came in 2009 when Hasselbeck and Behar clashed over abortion rights, leading to a tearful on-air exchange. More recently, McCain’s tenure was marked by heated debates, particularly with Behar, over issues like gun control and the Trump administration. “People think we hate each other, but it’s not that simple,” Behar said. “We’re passionate, and sometimes that looks like a feud. But we’re professionals. We move on.”
Goldberg, known for her role as the moderator, has often played peacemaker but isn’t afraid to draw a line. In 2022, she faced backlash for comments about the Holocaust, leading to a brief suspension. Reflecting on the incident, she said, “I learned a lot. You say something, you own it, you grow. That’s life.” Her ability to navigate such moments has cemented her as the show’s steady hand.
A Mirror to Society
Over 25 years, The View has reflected America’s evolving cultural and political landscape. The show has tackled landmark events—the September 11 attacks, the Obama and Trump presidencies, the #MeToo movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic—with a mix of gravitas and relatability. “We’re not just talking heads; we’re living through the same stuff as our audience,” Behar said. The show’s diversity, both in its hosts and its topics, has been a key to its longevity. From discussing systemic racism to celebrating milestones like same-sex marriage, The View has aimed to represent a broad spectrum of experiences.
The show has also adapted to changing times. Recent seasons have embraced social media, with clips of “Hot Topics” going viral on platforms like X. “We used to just worry about the studio audience,” Goldberg said. “Now we’re reaching people who watch us on their phones at 2 a.m.” This digital evolution has kept The View relevant, even as daytime TV faces declining viewership.
Looking Ahead
As The View enters its 26th season, Behar and Goldberg remain optimistic about its future. Newer co-hosts like Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin bring fresh perspectives, while the show continues to attract high-profile guests, from presidents to pop stars. “The table keeps changing, but the mission doesn’t,” Goldberg said. “We’re here to talk, to listen, to challenge.”
Behar, now 82, and Goldberg, 69, show no signs of slowing down. “I’ll leave when they drag me out,” Behar joked. Both credit the show’s staying power to its willingness to evolve while staying true to its core: real women, real talk. “We’re not perfect, but we’re honest,” Goldberg said. “That’s why people keep coming back.”
In a television landscape crowded with options, The View remains a singular force—a place where fire, friendship, and feuds coexist, reflecting the messy, vibrant reality of human connection. As Behar put it, “Twenty-five years is a long time, but we’re just getting started.”
