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 show has finished out quarter one of 2026 with its strongest viewership in five years. This comes as cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin is set to return from maternity leave, and rumblings that former cohost Elisabeth Hasselbeck may return full-time.
In addition to Griffin, the current co-hosts on “The View” are Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Ana Navarro.
‘The View’ Has Had A Strong 2026 So Far
According to The Wrap, “The View” has ended its first quarter of 2026 with an average of 2.78 million viewers, the show’s highest ratings since the same time period in 2021. The long-running daytime talk show also posted a healthy 1.86 household share.
That’s not all: among women aged 25 to 54, the show posted its best ratings in two years, averaging 242,000 viewers. “The View” also did well with women aged 18-49, delivering 182,000 viewers. Additionally, both demographics saw double-digit increases in viewership, with the former seeing an 11% rise and the 18-49 demographic posting 11% more viewers. Overall, the show is up 10%.
The Hit ABC Talker Is Number 1
In additon to reaching a five-year ratings milestone, “The View” also remains number one among daytime network talk shows and news programs. This is the case both in total viewership and households. For context, this excludes syndicated shows.
The second-rated show in the category is NBC’s “Today Third Hour,” with its 2.17 million viewers and 1.42 rating share. In third place is “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 Retains A Strong Fanbase
Following news that “The View” scored its best quarter-one ratings in five years, many fans of the show took to social media not only to express excitement but also to defend it against online bashers.
One person said on Facebook, “I hate to break it to you people who are hating on ‘The View,’ however, there’s nothing you can do to take away their popularity. And your commenting on their social media page helps to grow their social media platform. So… keep the comments coming! Lol!!”
Someone else said, “Well deserved! The best tranquilizer for whatever the heck is going on in DC.”
Another “View” fan wrote, “Congratulations, ladies. MTG had a lot to do with that record-breaking view. Everyone was anticipating what she had to say about Trump. Bring her on again for Q2.”
A different Facebook user stated, “Thank you for keeping me sane during these crazy times!!!!
Love you, guys!!! Grateful for you and my View time.”
Some Wonder If Elisabeth Hasselbeck May 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 her 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 put it in March 2026, amid her hosting, “Suddenly, it’s relevant.”
The report states that in recent months, “The View” had “been lacking energy” and that “Hasselbeck has given the show the jolt 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 varying perspectives on politics. For others, they’re watching for the celebrity interviews and perhaps even Goldberg’s notable on-screen reunions.
Recently, in April 2026, R&B legend Brandy appeared on “The View” to promote her new memoir, “PHASES.” Notably, she starred in “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” in 1997 alongside Goldberg, Whitney Houston, Paolo Montalban, and more.
During her appearance, she not only gave Goldberg a warm greeting but also discussed her 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 those stars.”
“The View” aires week days on ABC.