Let me tell you a story about Joy Behar. It’s been over two decades since Joy first took her seat at the hosting desk on The View. Can you believe it? A lot has happened in that time. Fans often wonder how she’s still rocking the talk show scene after all these years. And let’s face it, people are curious—does she have plans to retire anytime soon? Let’s dive into this and see what’s really going on.
When Did Joy Behar First Step Into 'The View'?
Back in 1997, Joy Behar joined the iconic lineup of The View as a cohost. It was a star-studded debut with the likes of Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Barbara Walters, and Debbie Matenopoulos by her side. That’s right, folks—she’s been around from the very beginning. Imagine sitting there with those legends, breaking the ice on some of the most talked-about topics of the day. Joy wasn’t just a newcomer; she brought a unique voice and personality that would soon become a staple of the show.
Was Joy Behar Ever Let Go From 'The View'?
Here’s where things get interesting. Over the years, the lineup on The View has shifted dramatically, with some beloved hosts leaving and others joining. Back in 2013, Joy Behar took a break from the show. Shocking, right? Fans were left scratching their heads, wondering what happened. But Joy, being the candid person she is, admitted she was actually relieved when they didn’t renew her contract at that time.
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“When they told me they weren’t renewing, I said, ‘Good, I’m out of here,’” Joy told People in March 2017. “I didn’t like the way the show was going at that time.” But life has a funny way of circling back. Joy returned to The View in 2015 after making appearances as a guest cohost. It was like a homecoming. “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in,” she said in a statement. “And I’m looking forward to sticking my two cents into the hot topics.”
Reflecting on her departure years later, Joy admitted during a July 2022 interview with Time, “I was glad to be fired. I basically was sick of the show at that point for some reason, I don’t even remember why.” Sounds like she needed a breather, and who could blame her?
Is Joy Behar Still Hosting on 'The View'?
Fast forward to today, and Joy is still a mainstay on The View. She might take the occasional break, but she’s the longest-serving host on the series. That’s no small feat. In fact, she’s become such an institution that it’s hard to imagine the show without her. Her sharp wit and unfiltered opinions have kept audiences coming back for more.
Will Joy Behar Ever Walk Away From 'The View'?
Right now, it doesn’t seem like Joy is planning to leave the show anytime soon. In fact, she’s quite invested in staying put. “I just signed a contract, so I’ll be here for a while,” Joy told People in October 2022. “I have no plans to retire.”
At the time, Joy, who is happily married to Steve Janowitz, was approaching her 80th birthday. Can you believe that? Despite her age, she remains passionate about the show. “It’s really, you know, something that is an important show in many ways,” the New York native said. “Sometimes I don’t believe that, as I’ve been here since the beginning, but we’re the most-watched show in daytime. Most-watched!”
In March 2024, Joy got emotional during an episode of The View while discussing Jason Kelce’s retirement from the NFL. “He sounds more upset that he’s leaving his friends,” Joy said. “When I leave this show, it will not be because I’m worried about my future. It’ll be because I will miss my friends. That’s basically it.”
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Her fellow cohosts rallied around her, offering support as Joy teared up. “I love when you say that,” Sara Haines said, hugging Joy. The audience was moved by this heartfelt moment. “The good news is you can never leave us,” cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin added with a smile.
