Joy Behar's Foot Injury: Unpacking Recent Absences & The View's Ever-Changing Panel

A familiar face has been noticeably absent from the Hot Topics table this week, leaving many fans wondering what happened. We've got the latest on Joy Behar's status, and it opens up a fascinating look at why co-hosts leave The View.

TL;DR

• Joy Behar missed three consecutive episodes of The View (November 10-12, 2025) beyond her usual Monday off.
• Whoopi Goldberg confirmed Behar's absence is due to a foot injury, with hopes for her return by Thursday, November 13.
• The show has seen numerous co-host exits over 29 seasons, driven by factors ranging from "toxic" environments and on-air clashes to career opportunities, personal life changes, and contract disputes.

The Mystery of the Missing Moderator: What Happened to Joy Behar This Week?

Picture this: it's Tuesday morning, November 11, and you tune into The View, ready for your daily dose of lively debate. But wait, where's Joy Behar? For fans, it was a sudden absence. After skipping her usual Monday off on November 10, Joy was also missing from the Tuesday and Wednesday broadcasts, sparking a flurry of questions across social media.

Thankfully, the mystery didn't last long. On the Wednesday, November 12 episode, moderator Whoopi Goldberg, 69, provided a clear update. "Joy is out because she hurt her foot," Whoopi announced, adding a hopeful note, "and hopefully she'll be back here tomorrow." This came after Whoopi had simply told viewers on Tuesday that Joy was "out today, hopefully she'll be back tomorrow." So, no dramatic behind-the-scenes firing, just an unfortunate injury sidelining the 83-year-old veteran co-host (Source: Entertainment Weekly, "Joy Behar is Missing From The View Yet Again, Whoopi Goldberg Offers Explanation," November 12, 2025).

Behar, last seen on Friday, November 7, is one of The View's most enduring personalities. She's been with the show since its debut in 1997, only taking a break for Seasons 17 and 18, which she famously called being "fired" (Source: People, cited in "Why Is Joy Behar Missing From The View This Week? Details on Her Injury," November 12, 2025). She returned in 2015, partly, she said, because of the political climate around Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Her current absence highlights just how integral she has become to the show's dynamic.

Beyond a Sprained Ankle: Why Co-Hosts Really Leave The View's Iconic Table

While Joy's current absence is due to a foot injury, her long tenure is a rarity. The View is famous for its revolving door of co-hosts. Since its inception, dozens of strong personalities have sat at the table, some for decades, others for mere months. Their reasons for leaving are as varied and complex as the women themselves, offering a fascinating glimpse into the pressures and opportunities that come with being part of such a high-profile show.

The 'Toxic' Talk: When the Environment Became Too Much

For some co-hosts, the intensity of The View proved to be overwhelming, leading to claims of a "toxic" workplace. Meghan McCain, for instance, joined the show in 2017 and exited four years later in 2021. After stepping down from the conservative seat, she didn't mince words in her book, Bad Republican, calling the show's environment "toxic." She claimed "the atmosphere of The View breeds drama: producers can't control hosts, manage conflict or control leaking." McCain ultimately decided to leave after an on-air incident with Joy Behar in January 2021, while also dealing with postpartum anxiety following the birth of her daughter, Liberty, in September 2020 (Source: "How The View's Sunny Hostin "Almost Died" While Filming," date not specified).

Rosie O'Donnell, a host who left the show twice (in 2007 and again in 2015), also pointed to intense interpersonal dynamics. Her first departure followed an infamous on-air debate with Elisabeth Hasselbeck. O'Donnell later said she "didn't want to argue for a living" and felt there was a "setup" to egg her into arguments. During her second, shorter stint, rumors of tension with Whoopi Goldberg were rampant. O'Donnell confirmed these in the 2019 tell-all book, Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of The View, stating, "Whoopi Goldberg was as mean as anyone has ever been on television to me, personally—while I was sitting there."

Jenny McCarthy, who co-hosted for just one season, also recounted a difficult experience in Ladies Who Punch. She claimed producers actively tried to mold her into a different personality, suggesting "meetings before the show of them trying to input opinions in me to go against Whoopi." McCarthy alleged she "was going to work crying" and was "miserable," calling it "the most miserable I've been on a job in my 25 years of show business."

Quote Box

"My take on the show is that working at The View brings out the worst in people. I believe that all the women and the staff are working under conditions where the culture is so f--ked up, it feels like quicksand."

— Meghan McCain, in her book Bad Republican

Shifting Horizons: When New Opportunities Beckon or Life Changes Course

Not all departures are fraught with conflict. Many co-hosts have chosen to leave The View to pursue other career goals, prioritize family, or simply embark on a new chapter in their lives. Meredith Vieira, the show's original moderator, left in 2006 after nine years to take on a prominent role as Katie Couric's replacement on NBC's Today. Similarly, Lisa Ling, who co-hosted from 1999 to 2002, left to host MSNBC's National Geographic Explorer, with Barbara Walters herself advising Ling to "spread your wings."

Raven Symoné, after two seasons, announced her departure in 2016 to move to Los Angeles and film Raven's Home, a sequel to her hit Disney Channel series. She described her experience as "multidimensional" and expressed excitement, noting, "You can express it and we can disagree but we can move on and hug later." Rosie Perez, a co-host for ten months in 2015, left to star in Larry David's Broadway play Fish in the Dark, stating she "made the right decision to move on" and learned much about herself, including overcoming shyness.

For Candace Cameron Bure, who co-hosted seasons 19 and 20 (2015-2016), it was a blend of career commitments and immense pressure. She openly discussed the "stress and the anxiety," even experiencing "PTSD" from the show, feeling "enormous pressure" to represent conservatives on national television. She ultimately cited prior commitments, like filming Fuller House, for her December 2016 exit, but noted she "really grew" during her time there.

Example: A New Career Path

Imagine a scenario where "The View" approaches an accomplished journalist, Sarah, to join the panel. Sarah is thrilled by the prestige but quickly realizes the daily grind of live television, the constant political debates, and the pressure to articulate strong opinions on every topic isn't where her passion lies. She loves investigative reporting and long-form documentary work. After a year, despite the visibility and camaraderie, Sarah decides to respectfully decline a contract renewal, instead taking a position that allows her to travel and produce in-depth stories, realizing that her true calling lies beyond the "Hot Topics" table.

The Business of Broadcasting: Contracts and Unforeseen Circumstances

Sometimes, departures come down to the often-unseen business side of television. Star Jones, one of the original hosts, announced her departure on-air in 2006, much to the surprise of Barbara Walters. It was later revealed her contract was not renewed, but Jones chose to frame it as "going out on my own terms." Sherri Shepherd, after seven seasons, made her final appearance in August 2014, with a source telling The Wrap at the time that she declined ABC's final offer in contract negotiations. Similarly, Michelle Collins's tenure in 2015 was short-lived, with producers choosing not to bring her back after just one season, landing her in the "One Seasoner" club, as she put it on Instagram.

Nicolle Wallace, another co-host who lasted only one season in 2015, found out about her firing by reading it in the press. She admitted to the L.A. Times that it felt "like being broken up with" and speculated that the "problem" during her run was that it "wasn't contentious," and she didn't argue with her co-hosts enough. Paula Faris, who left The View after three seasons in 2018 (while remaining with ABC News), went through "months of hell" before making her decision, including a miscarriage, a concussion, and a head-on car crash, highlighting how personal challenges can significantly impact professional choices (Source: Good Housekeeping, cited in "How The View's Sunny Hostin "Almost Died" While Filming," date not specified).

Loyalty vs. Longevity: Behar & Goldberg's Enduring Stays

Despite the high turnover, some co-hosts achieve remarkable longevity. Joy Behar, as noted, is the longest-serving overall, and Whoopi Goldberg boasts the longest consecutive streak, currently in her 19th season (since Season 11). Their reasons for staying, however, offer a contrasting yet equally compelling perspective.

Joy, at 83, dismisses retirement, telling Entertainment Tonight in September that "creative people don't really retire." She sees her work on The View and her other creative endeavors as an ongoing passion. Whoopi, 69, offers a more pragmatic, humorous take on her continued work, stating, "If you don't marry well, you gotta keep working." When an interviewer suggested she could afford not to work, Whoopi insisted, "No, not by now. Not yet. I've got to keep paying those bills, baby." This highlights the often-unseen financial realities, even for established stars, and the drive to continue working for both fulfillment and necessity.

Perception vs. Reality: Counterpoints on The View's Workplace

It's easy to focus on the dramatic narratives of co-host departures, painting The View as a hotbed of conflict. And while some accounts, like Meghan McCain's, certainly lean into that, it's not the complete picture. For every story of backstage tension, there are others like Jedediah Bila, who served as the conservative host for seasons 20 and 21. She told the Behind the Table podcast that she had a "really great experience" and that the media was "very surprised that I didn't trash the show." Bila emphasized, "There was not one fight that we had off-set. There was not one close to argument. There was zero." This suggests that experiences can vary wildly, and that personal chemistry and individual resilience play a huge role.

Another counterpoint lies in the perception of celebrity wealth versus the reality of ongoing financial responsibilities. While audiences might assume established stars like Whoopi Goldberg are set for life, her candid remark about needing to "keep paying those bills" reminds us that long careers often come with continuous obligations. This challenges the idea that every high-profile personality can simply walk away when they choose, adding a layer of practical necessity to the concept of "creative people don't retire." It's a blend of passion, habit, and the tangible need to maintain a lifestyle that keeps many working well past traditional retirement age.

How to Watch The View and Stay Up-to-Date

If you want to catch up on the latest Hot Topics, or simply see if Joy Behar is back, The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC. For those who prefer to stream, you have several options:

• ABC Website: You can watch live or on-demand with a valid cable login.
• Hulu Subscription: Episodes are available to stream after they air.
• Live TV Streaming Services: Platforms like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer live access to ABC.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About The View

Q: When did Joy Behar start on The View? A: Joy Behar was one of the original co-hosts when The View premiered on ABC in 1997. Q: Is Joy Behar permanently leaving The View? A: No, her current absence is due to a temporary foot injury. There is no indication she is leaving the show permanently. Q: How old is Joy Behar? A: Joy Behar is 83 years old. Q: Where can I stream past episodes of The View? A: Current and recent episodes are typically available on Hulu with a subscription, and often on the ABC website or app. Practical Takeaways for Navigating High-Profile Workplaces

• Personal Well-being is Paramount: Whether it's a physical injury like Joy's or mental stress like Candace Cameron Bure's, knowing when to step back is crucial.
• Define Your "Why": Understanding your motivation for working – be it creative fulfillment (Joy), financial stability (Whoopi), or new challenges – helps in career navigation.
• Exit Strategies Matter: Whether for new opportunities or challenging environments, having a clear plan for your next move can make a transition smoother.
• Perception Isn't Always Reality: Public-facing roles often lead to speculation. Focusing on your truth, rather than external narratives, is vital for peace of mind.

Sources

• CinemaBlend, "As Joy Behar Is Missing From The View Yet Again, Whoopi Goldberg Offers Explanation," Erik Swann, November 12, 2025.
• Decider, "Why Is Joy Behar Missing From The View This Week? Details on Her Injury," Amanda Bell, November 12, 2025.
• Entertainment Weekly, "Joy Behar is Missing From The View Yet Again, Whoopi Goldberg Offers Explanation," Joey Nolfi, November 12, 2025.
• E! News, "Watch: Whoopi Goldberg Gets Candid on Leaving ‘The View’," date not specified. (Contains quotes from other articles referenced).
• E! News, "How The View's Sunny Hostin "Almost Died" While Filming," date not specified. (Contains quotes from other articles referenced).