Joy Behar has addressed speculation about her upcoming absence from The View, clarifying that she is not leaving the ABC daytime talk show and is not taking a hiatus. During a May 2026 broadcast, the longtime cohost explained that she has a planned trip overseas and will be away for about two weeks while working on her play, My First Ex Husband, in London. Behar said the break is work-related, not a departure, and emphasized that she will return to the program after her trip.
Behar also noted that the London project is not her first writing effort. She said she has written several plays, including Bonkers in the Boroughs, underscoring that she continues to stay active creatively outside of television. While discussing her temporary absence, she joked with her cohosts and said she would miss the viewers most, adding that the audience has always been one of the most important parts of her work on the show.
Her comments came after rumors spread online suggesting that her time away might signal a larger change at The View. Some viewers speculated that she could be getting phased out or that network changes might be behind the short break. Behar’s on-air explanation aimed to put those theories to rest and make clear that the absence is planned and temporary.
After the explanation was shared on the show’s social media channels, fans reacted widely. Many expressed support and wished her well on the London project, praising her long career and continued energy at age 83. Others said they were relieved to hear she was not leaving the program. A smaller number of commenters remained skeptical and suggested there may be more behind the decision, but Behar’s message was straightforward: she will be back in two weeks.
The timing of the announcement comes as The View continues to perform strongly in its 29th season. The show recently posted its best first-quarter ratings in five years, averaging 2.78 million viewers and posting notable gains among key women demographics. Its season 29 premiere also delivered the show’s strongest audience since 2020, reinforcing that the long-running talk show remains a major daytime television presence.
While Behar is away, guest cohosts are expected to fill in on the panel. Names mentioned include comedian Sheryl Underwood and media commentator Kara Swisher, with Ana Navarro also appearing more frequently than usual. The rotation will keep the program moving while Behar handles her overseas work.
For now, Behar says her absence should not be overinterpreted. She framed it as a short, professional trip tied to her theater work and a brief pause from the daily schedule of The View, not a sign that she is stepping away from the show.
