The View executives are reportedly considering a significant change to the daytime talk show’s opening to accommodate veteran co-host Joy Behar following a fall that left her with a dislocated shoulder.
Behar, 84, has been absent from the ABC programme since October 1 after falling at the network’s New York studios last month and sustaining the injury. Now, sources close to production have told The U.S. Sun that executives are discussing ways to make the set safer for the long-serving presenter as concerns about her mobility reportedly grow.
Executives Consider Changing the Show’s Opening
One insider familiar with The View‘s production said staff were discussing a potential overhaul of the show’s traditional opening sequence.
“There’s serious talk about changing the entire opening of The View so the ladies are already seated at the table when the cameras start rolling,” the source explained.
“That way, Joy wouldn’t have to walk out anymore.”
The programme typically begins with its co-hosts walking onto the set from backstage before taking their places around the table. Under the proposed arrangement, the women would already be seated when filming begins, eliminating the need for Behar to make the walk on camera.
According to the insider, colleagues have become increasingly concerned about the presenter’s safety, with claims that she has appeared less steady on her feet.
ABC executives are reportedly exploring possible adjustments to reduce the risk of another accident.
It Would Not Be the First Adjustment Made for Behar
The programme has previously modified its opening to accommodate Behar after an injury.
Following a broken toe late last year, production arranged for the co-hosts to be seated when the show began, allowing Behar to avoid walking to the table in front of the cameras.
However, the change was short-lived, with the programme eventually returning to its customary walk-on opening.
It remains unclear whether the latest proposal will be implemented. The U.S. Sun said it had contacted a representative for The View for comment.
Part-Time Schedule and Retirement Also Under Discussion
The potential format change comes amid separate reports that executives are considering reducing Behar’s workload.
Sources previously told The U.S. Sun that ABC executives were weighing whether the presenter could work fewer than her usual four days a week.
Insiders have also claimed that some executives would prefer Behar to retire in the near future. However, the prospect of her stepping away from the show appears complicated by her own stated attitude towards retirement.
During a September 2023 episode of The View: Behind the Table podcast, Behar made her position clear, saying that, for her, “there’s no such thing as retiring.”
Despite the reported discussions, another production insider stressed that Behar remains an important part of the programme.
“Joy is the longest-running co-host, and she has a lot more to say,” the source said.
“We have been keeping her seat warm, and all look forward to having her back at the table.”
The contrasting accounts suggest that, while changes may be under consideration, there is no confirmed decision that Behar will leave the show.
Behar’s Return Remains Uncertain
Behar’s latest absence has already been extended twice as she continues to recover from her shoulder injury.
During the October 20 broadcast, Whoopi Goldberg told viewers that Behar would not be returning just yet, despite an earlier indication that she would be back that week.
The veteran presenter has been missing from both The View and its companion podcast since October 1, and no new return date has been announced in the report.
Her recent injury follows other accidents in recent years. Behar took time away from the programme after injuring her foot in 2025 and also suffered a fall at home in 2023.
The View began its 30th season on September 8 after its usual summer break. Behar’s continued absence has left viewers waiting for her return as questions grow over whether the programme will make further changes to accommodate her recovery.