Honestly, if you turn on ABC at 11 a.m. and feel a little confused about who is sitting at that iconic curved table, you aren't alone. The lineup for a co host of The View has become one of the most scrutinized puzzles in daytime television. It’s not just about who is there; it’s about the chemistry, the shouting matches, and the occasional legal disclaimer read awkwardly into the camera.
Right now, the table is anchored by a specific group of women who have managed to survive the "revolving door" era of the show. We’re talking about Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin. But that’s just the surface. To really understand the seat of a co host of The View, you have to look at the tension between entertainment and hard news that defines the show's 28th season and beyond.
The Current Roster: Who’s Staying and Who’s Swaying
Whoopi Goldberg is the moderator. Period. Since 2007, she has been the one to throw to commercial or tell the audience to "calm down" when the booing gets too loud. She brings a specific kind of EGOT-level gravitas that the show desperately needs to keep from descending into pure chaos. Then there is Joy Behar. Joy is the only original member left from the 1997 launch, though she did take a brief "sabbatical" a few years ago. Her role is the comedic curmudgeon. She provides the liberal backbone that often clashes with the conservative seat.
The "conservative seat" is historically the most dangerous job in Hollywood. Just ask Meghan McCain or Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Currently, that role is filled by Alyssa Farah Griffin. Her path to becoming a co host of The View was unique because she actually worked in the Trump administration. This creates a fascinating, often uncomfortable dynamic. She isn't just theorizing about GOP politics; she was in the room. This adds a layer of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust) that Google—and viewers—actually crave.
Sunny Hostin brings the legal expertise. As a former federal prosecutor, she’s the one who explains the "legal notes" that Whoopi often has to read. Sara Haines is often the "bridge" at the table. She tends to focus more on lifestyle and parenting, providing a buffer when the political talk gets too vitriolic. Then there’s Ana Navarro. For a long time, she was a permanent guest, but she finally locked in her spot as an official co host of The View, usually appearing on Mondays and Fridays or when others are off.
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Why the "Conservative Seat" is the Hardest Job in TV
It's a tough gig. You are essentially paid to be the person that the live audience—and often your colleagues—disagree with for sixty minutes. When you look at the history of the co host of The View, the departures are often explosive. Candace Cameron Bure left citing the stress of having to defend her views daily. Meghan McCain’s exit was a tabloid firestorm.
The producers realized they couldn't just have a "shouting head." They needed someone who could articulate policy without losing their cool. Alyssa Farah Griffin’s tenure has been notably different because, while she disagrees with Sunny or Joy, the conversations rarely end in the kind of legendary "get out" moments we saw in the Rosie O'Donnell era. This shift toward "civilized disagreement" is a deliberate move by executive producer Brian Teta to keep the show relevant in a fractured political climate.
The Audition Process Nobody Talks About
Becoming a co host of The View isn't just about a good screen test. It's an endurance trial. During the search for a permanent replacement after Meghan McCain left, the show rotated through dozens of "guest hosts." We saw everyone from Mia Love to Lindsey Granger.
The producers aren't just looking for smarts. They are looking for:
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- The "Chemistry Crackle": Can you interrupt Joy Behar without making her actually angry?
- The Social Media Factor: Does what you say trend on X (formerly Twitter) within ten minutes?
- The Stamina: Can you handle being the villain of the internet for a week straight?
The Evolution of the Moderator Role
Whoopi isn't just a host; she's the referee. When the show gets too "hot," she’s the one who shuts it down. However, there have been moments where the moderator becomes the story. Her suspension in 2022 over comments regarding the Holocaust showed that even the most powerful co host of The View is subject to the network's strict standards and practices.
This brings up an interesting point about the show's longevity. It survives because it adapts. It started as a show where women "of different generations, backgrounds, and views" talked about coffee and kids. Now, it's a mandatory stop for presidential candidates. If you want to win an election, you have to sit at that table. That shift changed the requirement for what a co host of The View needs to be. You can't just be a celebrity; you have to be a debater.
Realities of the Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Is the drama real? Mostly. While the women often insist they are friends behind the scenes—and many are, like Ana and Sunny—the tension at the table isn't scripted. You can't fake the look of exasperation Joy Behar gives when a conservative talking point lands.
The show shoots "live to tape" in New York City. This means what you see is largely what happened, minus a few seconds for bleeping out curses. The pressure of live television creates a pressure cooker environment. Being a co host of The View means knowing that your smallest slip-up will be on the front page of every entertainment site by noon.
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Surprising Facts About The View Lineup
- The Pay Gap: While exact salaries are private, it is widely reported that Whoopi Goldberg earns significantly more than the other hosts, estimated in the $8 million to $10 million range annually.
- The "No-Go" Topics: There aren't many. However, the hosts are frequently briefed by ABC’s legal team before segments involving ongoing lawsuits (like the various cases involving former presidents).
- The Audition Duration: Some hosts guest-hosted for over a year before getting the permanent "Hot Topics" chair.
How to Keep Up with Changes
If you're trying to stay current, the best way isn't just watching the broadcast. The show’s YouTube channel clips out the "Hot Topics" segments, which are the meat of the program.
Also, pay attention to the "Behind the Table" podcast. It’s hosted by Brian Teta and often features a co host of The View talking about why they said what they said during the show. It provides a level of context that you don't get from the televised hour.
Navigating the Future of the Table
The show is currently in a "stable" phase, but in the world of daytime TV, stability is a relative term. As we approach major election cycles, the heat at the table inevitably rises. If you want to understand the current climate of American discourse, watching these six women is a pretty good litmus test.
To get the most out of your viewing experience:
- Watch the first 20 minutes. This is "Hot Topics," and it’s where the real work happens.
- Follow the hosts on social media. They often clarify their positions or share "outtakes" that didn't make the broadcast.
- Check the guest list. When a co host of The View is absent, the guest host is often someone the network is "testing" for a future permanent role.
The table will inevitably change again. It’s the nature of the beast. But for now, the chemistry between the "OGs" like Joy and Whoopi and the "new guard" like Alyssa and Sara is what keeps the ratings at the top of the daytime charts.