Joy Behar’s extended absence from The View has reportedly sparked growing concern behind the scenes, with insiders claiming some ABC executives would prefer the veteran co-host to consider retirement following a shoulder injury sustained in a fall at the network’s New York studios.
The 84-year-old television personality has been away from the daytime talk show since October 1, after reportedly dislocating her shoulder in September. Although earlier announcements suggested she would return soon, her recovery has taken longer than expected, leaving colleagues and viewers waiting for an update.
According to sources who spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun, some members of the production team are increasingly worried about Behar’s safety around the studio. One insider claimed she has needed staff to guide her backstage and expressed concern that another fall could have serious consequences.
The reports have also fuelled speculation about whether Behar, who has been part of the programme since its launch in 1997, will continue in her current role or eventually step away from the show.
Insiders Claim Staff Are Worried About Another Fall
One source close to the production described what they alleged were growing concerns about Behar’s mobility and safety.
“People are increasingly worried about her falling,” the insider said.
“It’s become a dangerous situation, and nobody wants to be responsible if something happens.”
The source further claimed that the situation was more serious than had been acknowledged publicly, describing Behar as unsteady on her feet and alleging that her condition had become a significant concern for those working at the studio.
These claims have not been independently verified, and the programme has not publicly confirmed that Behar requires assistance moving around backstage.
A second insider suggested that some ABC executives would prefer the presenter to retire before another accident occurred.
“They want Joy to retire gracefully,” the source said.
“Give her a huge farewell, celebrate her extraordinary career and let her leave with dignity.”
However, the same insider claimed Behar was unwilling to consider stepping away voluntarily.
“Joy isn’t going anywhere voluntarily,” the source said, adding that she still believed she could perform her role.
The U.S. Sun contacted a representative for The View for comment.
Could Joy Be Asked to Reduce Her Workload?
Retirement is not the only possibility reportedly being discussed behind the scenes. According to the second insider, there have also been conversations about reducing Behar’s schedule from four days a week to a part-time arrangement.
The source pointed to Barbara Walters, the programme’s original co-host, who stepped away from The View in 2014 after reducing her involvement. Walters was 84 when she left and died in 2022.
A reduced schedule could offer a potential middle ground between continuing her current workload and leaving the programme altogether. However, there has been no official announcement that Behar will change her working arrangements.
Another source close to production pushed back against the suggestion that Behar’s departure was imminent, emphasising her importance to the show and expressing confidence that she would return.
“Joy is the longest-running co-host, and she has a lot more to say,” the insider 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 some sources claim concerns are mounting, others remain hopeful that Behar will resume her place on the panel.
Whoopi Goldberg Provides an Update on Joy’s Recovery
During the October 20 broadcast, Whoopi Goldberg addressed Behar’s absence while the programme celebrated co-host Sunny Hostin’s birthday.
Goldberg had previously suggested that Behar would be back that week, but this time she made clear that her colleague was still recovering.
“Joy is still healing; she made a big deal of calling people in the dead of night, saying, ‘You make sure you wish Sunny a happy birthday from me,’” Goldberg told viewers.
She did not offer a new date for Behar’s return.
Behar has also been absent from the show’s companion podcast during her recovery. Her extended break has attracted attention partly because of the earlier suggestions that she would be back on air soon.
For now, the latest public update indicates that she is still healing, with no confirmed return date.
Joy Behar Has Faced Previous Injuries
The current shoulder injury is not the first accident to interrupt Behar’s work.
In 2025, she took time away from The View after suffering a foot injury. She also experienced a fall at home in 2023.
Her latest absence comes during a significant period for the programme, which began its 30th season on September 8 following its customary summer break.
Behar has been associated with the show since its debut in 1997, making her one of its most enduring personalities. Her long tenure has helped establish her as a defining voice on the panel.
The current line-up includes Behar, Goldberg, Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.
Will Joy Behar Return to The View?
For the moment, Behar’s future on the programme remains uncertain. The claims that executives would prefer her to retire come from unnamed insiders, rather than an official statement from ABC or The View.
One source has suggested that a farewell could be the preferred outcome for some executives, while another insists the programme is looking forward to Behar’s return. A possible reduction in her schedule has also been raised, but no decision has been confirmed publicly.
What is clear is that Behar remains away from the show while recovering from her shoulder injury.
Whether she returns to her usual four-day schedule, takes on a reduced workload or eventually decides to retire has yet to be established. Until the programme provides a definitive update, viewers will have to wait to find out when the veteran co-host will be back at the table.