Joy Behar Missing from The View: Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Injury Update

Longtime "The View" co-host Joy Behar has been noticeably absent from the Hot Topics table this week, sparking questions among devoted fans. Fellow panelist Whoopi Goldberg finally shared the reason, putting speculation to rest.

TL;DR: Here's the Quick Scoop on Joy's Absence

• Joy Behar missed Monday (her usual day off), Tuesday, and Wednesday episodes of "The View."
• Co-host Whoopi Goldberg confirmed on Wednesday, November 12, that Behar is out due to a foot injury.
• Goldberg expressed hope that Behar would return to the show by Thursday, November 13.

Where Has Joy Behar Been Hiding Out All Week? If you've been tuning into "The View" this week, you might have noticed a familiar chair sitting empty. Joy Behar, the quick-witted, often unfiltered co-host, has been absent from the panel, leaving many viewers wondering where she was and if everything was alright. Her absence stretched from Monday, November 10 (which is typically her day off), through Tuesday, November 11, and into Wednesday, November 12. The silence from the panel about her whereabouts on Monday and Tuesday only fueled the speculation. It wasn't until Wednesday's broadcast that answers finally arrived, directly from the show's moderator, Whoopi Goldberg.

"Well, hello, hello, hello, and welcome to 'The View,' y’all!" Goldberg said, opening Wednesday's show. "Now, Joy is out because she hurt her foot, and hopefully she’ll be back here tomorrow."

— Whoopi Goldberg, "The View," November 12, 2025 (Source: Entertainment Weekly, "Joy Behar Missing From The View For Third Consecutive Episode; Whoopi Goldberg Gives Update," November 12, 2025)

This update from Goldberg (69) quickly clarified the situation: Behar (83) suffered a foot injury, which is keeping her off the air. The good news for fans is that the expectation is for a swift return, possibly as early as Thursday, November 13.

A Staple of Daytime Television: Joy Behar's Enduring Legacy on "The View"

Joy Behar isn't just any co-host; she's an institution on "The View." She's been a continuous presence since the show's premiere in 1997, a remarkable run in the ever-changing landscape of daytime television. Her only break from the Hot Topics table was a two-year hiatus between 2013 and 2015. Her journey with the show hasn't been without its bumps. Behar herself has openly shared that she was "fired twice" by the show's late creator and her former boss, Barbara Walters. Despite these temporary departures, Walters reportedly regretted her decisions, and Behar was ultimately rehired, proving her essential role in the show's dynamic. This long history underscores just how impactful even a brief absence from Behar can feel. For many, "The View" wouldn't be quite the same without her distinctive voice and comedic timing. The consistency of her presence is something that few other co-hosts can boast, making her an undeniable anchor for the long-running program.

The Ever-Rotating Panel: A Look at "The View's" History of Co-Host Changes

"The View" is famed for its rotating panel and the lively debates that ensue, but also for its frequent changes in co-host lineup. While Joy Behar's current absence is due to a temporary injury, the show has seen many significant departures over its nearly three-decade run. Understanding this history helps put Behar's enduring tenure into perspective. For example, original co-host Star Jones made a surprise on-air exit in 2006 after her contract wasn't renewed. Rosie O'Donnell left the show twice, citing clashes with co-hosts like Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Whoopi Goldberg, and also personal health reasons. Elisabeth Hasselbeck, the show's long-standing conservative voice, departed in 2013 to join "Fox and Friends," though unreleased audio later revealed she once tried to quit on-air after a heated debate with Barbara Walters. More recently, hosts like Meghan McCain described the show's environment as "toxic" after her 2021 departure, citing postpartum anxiety and an on-air incident with Joy Behar as contributing factors. Candace Cameron Bure, who served as a conservative co-host, spoke about the "stress and anxiety" and "enormous pressure" she felt during her two seasons (2015-2016), leading to her exit. Jenny McCarthy, after just one season, claimed producers tried to "change" her and make her go "against Whoopi," calling it "the most miserable I've been on a job." These instances highlight the show's intense, often challenging environment, and the diverse reasons co-hosts have chosen or been made to leave. Against this backdrop, Behar's nearly continuous presence and her ability to navigate the show's demanding format for so long is truly exceptional. Her brief injury-related absence, therefore, feels more like a temporary pause rather than a dramatic exit, a testament to her steadfast commitment to the show.

Why Joy Behar's Foot Injury is Not a Sign of Retirement

At 83, some might wonder if a foot injury could push Behar towards retirement, but she's made her stance on the matter quite clear. Just a month ago, as she celebrated her 83rd birthday on the show with a quirky jewelry tag sale (joking about her "holes dried up" as she sold clip-on earrings), Behar spoke about her future plans. "Creative people don't really retire," Behar told Entertainment Tonight in September, reiterating, "Creative people don’t retire, they don’t resign, they just keep going." This sentiment suggests that a minor setback like a foot injury is unlikely to deter her from her passion for broadcasting and creating. Whoopi Goldberg echoed a similar sentiment about continuing to work, albeit for a different reason, stating, "If you don’t marry well, you gotta keep working." For Behar, it's the creative drive that keeps her coming back.

A Mini Story: The Empty Chair and the Morning Ritual

Imagine Elena, a retired teacher in Miami, for whom "The View" is as much a part of her morning as her first cup of coffee. She enjoys the spirited banter, the occasional eye-roll, and especially Joy's dry, often politically charged wit. On Monday, when Joy isn't there, Elena thinks nothing of it – Monday is Joy's usual day off. But when Tuesday rolls around, and then Wednesday, the empty chair starts to feel heavier. Elena, like many others, feels a small void, missing that familiar voice, a quiet reminder of how deeply ingrained these personalities become in our daily routines. The show carries on with Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, but for Elena, it's just not quite the same without Joy's unique perspective.

Addressing Counterpoints and Understanding the Broader Impact

While Behar's absence undoubtedly created a noticeable void for loyal viewers, it’s worth noting two key counterpoints. First, "The View" has a proven track record of adapting to host changes, both temporary and permanent. The show's format, revolving around a panel discussing current events, is robust enough to continue, even with a key player missing. Ana Navarro, for instance, stepped in as the fifth panelist on Wednesday, ensuring the conversation continued without a hitch. This adaptability means that while Behar is missed, the show itself is not stalled. Second, a foot injury, while inconvenient and painful, is typically a temporary condition. Behar’s own comments about creative people not retiring, coupled with Whoopi Goldberg’s hopeful prognosis of her return "tomorrow," suggests this is a short-term issue, not a career-ending one. This is a significant distinction from many past departures which often involved deeper personal or professional conflicts, or permanent shifts in career direction. Therefore, while fans are certainly eager for her return, there's no indication that this foot injury signifies anything more than a brief recovery period for the veteran host.

Practical Takeaways for Keeping Up with "The View"

• Stay Tuned for Her Return: Whoopi Goldberg indicated Joy Behar might be back as early as Thursday, November 13. Keep an eye on the show for the official comeback.
• The Show Must Go On: Even without Joy, "The View" continues to air weekdays with its dynamic panel, ensuring you don't miss out on important discussions.
• Reassurance, Not Retirement: This absence is due to a temporary injury, not a permanent departure, aligning with Behar's recent statements about not planning to retire.
• Where to Watch: You can catch "The View" live on ABC every weekday at 11/10c. Episodes are also available to stream via the ABC website (with a valid cable login) or on platforms like Hulu, Fubo, and Sling TV.

Sources

• Bell, Amanda. "Why Is Joy Behar Missing From ‘The View’ This Week? Details on Her Injury." Decider, November 12, 2025.
• Nolfi, Joey. "Joy Behar Missing From The View For Third Consecutive Episode; Whoopi Goldberg Gives Update." Entertainment Weekly, November 12, 2025.
• Swann, Erik. "As Joy Behar Is Missing From The View Yet Again, Whoopi Goldberg Offers Explanation." CinemaBlend, Undated (mentions Nov 12 episode).
• Page Six. "Joy Behar was absent from two consecutive episodes of ‘The View’ without explanation." Page Six, Undated (mentions Whoopi Goldberg's explanation on Wednesday).
• Page Six. "The talk show host’s absence comes over a month after she celebrated her 83rd birthday on the show with a jewelry tag sale." Page Six, Undated.
• E! News. "Joy Behar Is Taking Some Time To Recover." E! Online, Undated (mentions Nov. 12 episode).