‘The View’: Whoopi Goldberg & Joy Behar Make TV History

Season 28 of The View is on the horizon. As the premiere approaches, two cast members, Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, are set to make television history as long-time hosts. Here’s a look at their careers on the talk show and a recap of past co-hosts.

The View has featured 24 co-hosts since its debut in 1997 with Barbara Walters at the helm. Walters stayed until Season 17, but Whoopi Goldberg is about to surpass her for the co-host with the most consecutive seasons. Whoopi joined the show in 2007 after Rosie O’Donnell’s departure and has been a staple ever since, frequently introducing Hot Topics and moderating debates.

Joy Behar has been with The View longer in total but was let go after Season 16. She returned in Season 19, and by the start of Season 27, she acknowledged her two-season absence. “We’ve been here for 27 years,” she said. “I was here for all of it, except for two, when they canned me.” This makes her the third longest-serving co-host after Whoopi and Walters. Season 28 will mark her 10th season since her return.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who joined in Season 7 and left after Season 16, ties with Joy for third-longest tenure. She did not return to the show but went on to co-host Fox & Friends.

Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, and Sunny Hostin follow, each serving nine years. Sunny is part of the current lineup, having started in Season 20. Meredith and Star were original members and stayed until Season 9.

Sherri Shepherd spent seven years on the show, leaving in 2014. She ties with Sara Haines, who has served seven non-consecutive years. Sara joined in Season 20, left to host GMA3, and returned in Season 24.

Meghan McCain, a controversial figure, lasted four years despite frequent rumors of her firing. She left after Season 24. Lisa Ling also served four years, from Seasons 3 to 6.

Current co-hosts Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro have been on the show for three years each. Other three-year co-hosts include Raven Symone and Paula Farris in Seasons 18 and 19.

Several co-hosts lasted only two seasons, like Debbie Matenopoulos, Rosie O’Donnell, Candace Cameron Buré, Jedediah Bila, and Abby Huntsman. Others were on for just one season, such as Jenny McCarthy, Nicolle Wallace, Rosie Perez, and Michelle Collins. This period, between Seasons 17 and 19, was especially turbulent for the show.

Season 28 of The View premieres on September 3 at 11 a.m. EST on ABC.

Source: TV Shows Ace