ABC’s “The View” is one of the longest-running shows in all of daytime television. Now, near the end of its historic 29th season, the series finished the first quarter of 2026 with its highest viewership in five years. This comes as a co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin is set to return from maternity leave, and rumors have it that former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck can return full time.
In addition to Griffin, the current co-hosts of “The View” are Joy Béhar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny accommodation, Sarah HainesAnd Ana Navarro.
“The View” has had a strong 2026 so far
According to The Wrap, “The View” finished its first quarter of 2026 with an average of 2.78 million viewers, the show’s highest ratings since the same period in 2021. The long-running daytime talk show also posted a strong 1.86 household share.
That’s not all: among women aged 25 to 54, the show recorded its best audience in two years, with an average of 242,000 viewers. “The View” also performed well among women ages 18-49, with 182,000 viewers. Additionally, both demographics saw double-digit increases in viewership, with the former seeing an 11% increase and the 18-49 demographic seeing 11% more viewers. Overall, the show is up 10%.
The hit ABC Talker is number 1
In addition to reaching a five-year ratings milestone, “The View” also remains number one among the network’s daytime talk shows and news programs. This is the case for both the total audience and households. For context, this excludes syndicated shows.
The second-ranked show in the category is NBC’s “Today Third Hour,” with 2.17 million viewers and 1.42 audience share. Coming in third was “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” which averaged 1.50 million viewers and a 0.87 household share.
“NBC News Daily” ranked last with 1.45 million viewers and a 0.96 rating.
‘The View’ clearly maintains a strong fan base
Following the news that “The View” had its best quarter in ratings in five years, many fans of the show took to social media not only to express their excitement, but also to defend it against online smears.
One person said on Facebook: “I hate to tell you guys who hate ‘The View’, however, there’s nothing you can do to take away their popularity. And your comments on their social media page help grow their social media platform. So…keep commenting! Lol!!”
Someone else said: “Well deserved! The best tranquilizer for everything going on in Washington DC.”
Another “View” fan wrote: “Congratulations, ladies. MTG had a lot to do with that record-breaking view. Everyone was waiting for what she had to say about Trump. Bring her back for the second quarter.”
Another Facebook user said: “Thanks for keeping me sane during these crazy times!!!!
I love you guys!!! I am grateful for you and my viewing time.
Some wonder if Elisabeth Hasselbeck could return
As mentioned, Griffin is currently on maternity leave from “The View” and is set to return on April 13 after leaving in February. There have been several guest co-hosts in his absence, including former regular co-host Hasselbeck.
During her week-long stint on the show, many noticed that she brought a certain fire to the panel that had been missing for some time. As Variety said in March 2026, in the midst of his hosting, “Suddenly it’s relevant.” »
The report said that in recent months, “The View” had “lacked energy” and that “Hasselbeck gave the show the boost it needed.”
Whoopi Goldberg recently reunited with Brandy on “The View”
People watch “The View” for several reasons. For some, their goal is to hear different perspectives on politics. For others, they’re watching for celebrity interviews and maybe even Goldberg’s remarkable on-screen reunion.
Recently, in April 2026, R&B legend Brandy appeared on “The View” to promote her new memoir, “PHASES.” She notably played in “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” in 1997 alongside Goldberg, Whitney Houston, Paolo Montalbanand more.
.@4everBrandy, author of the new memoir “Phases,” explains how she manifested her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: “I’m going to sing my way onto one of these stars – that was my affirmation when I was a kid.” pic.twitter.com/4lPnnbryGy
– The View (@TheView) April 1, 2026
During her appearance, she not only gave Goldberg a warm shout-out, but also discussed his recent star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, unveiled on March 30 ahead of the release of “PHASES” the following day.
Regarding the star, Brandy said she “manifested” it after telling herself as a young girl, “I’m going to sing my way onto one of these stars.”
“The View” airs weekdays on ABC.
