Here’s an interesting twist in the TV world: The View had been struggling for much of 2024, but now the ratings are skyrocketing post-election. According to an exclusive source speaking to Closer, the staff is breathing a collective sigh of relief and brainstorming ways to keep the momentum going with some seriously juicy talking points.
From Troubled Waters to Smooth Sailing
The View wasn’t exactly riding high at the start of this season. It was in serious trouble, but things have changed dramatically since the election. An insider from ABC shared, “The View was really in a tough spot at the beginning of the season, but everything has turned around in the weeks following the election.”
What’s fascinating is how the show has managed to capitalize on the political climate. “It’s finally being acknowledged internally at ABC that the ladies of The View attract the most attention when they’re diving headfirst into political discussions,” the insider revealed. This shift in strategy seems to be paying off in a big way.
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Why the Drama Works
Let’s not forget the drama that keeps viewers glued to their screens. The source emphasized that the catty in-fighting that defines much of the show's drama is a significant draw. “If they’re at each other’s throats while doing it? Even better!” the source exclaimed.
As uncomfortable as some of the clips might be, they have a way of going viral, and that’s exactly what the show needs. “As painful as these clips can be to watch, they’re going viral for a reason, and as long as the numbers are up, this particular panel isn’t going anywhere,” the source added.
Impressive Numbers Post-Election
The numbers don’t lie. During the week of November 4, The View averaged 3.078 million viewers, ranking first among daytime broadcast network talk and news shows. The day after the election, the show saw an impressive spike with 4.470 million viewers tuning in. Hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Joy Behar, and Alyssa Farah Griffin discussed and reacted to Donald Trump’s second victory, marking the highest-rated episode since Barbara Walters’ farewell on May 16, 2014. Year-on-year, viewership has surged by 24 percent.
“ABC invested millions in relocating the show to a new studio this year, but it’s the current political climate and the ladies’ reactions to it that are driving interest in this franchise and keeping it on the air,” the source explained.
The plan moving forward is simple: keep things spicy. “Across the board, the strategy is to lean into the controversial topics,” the source added.
Not Out of the Woods Yet
While the ratings rebound is a relief for the cast and crew, the show isn’t completely out of the woods. There are still plenty of critics who aren’t fans of the ladies around the table and are hoping the show will eventually falter.
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“The danger is when the ladies start to second-guess themselves or censor themselves to appear more likable or pleasant,” the insider admitted. To showrunners and network executives, the message is clear: “The audience has spoken, and they prefer the shock value of the arguments over pleasant daytime chit-chat.”
