On Thursday, November 2, fans of 'The View' noticed that Joy Behar was missing from her usual spot on the hosting panel. The absence sparked curiosity among viewers, but Whoopi Goldberg quickly stepped in to explain why Joy wasn’t there. As it turns out, Joy’s not just taking a random day off—she’s diving headfirst into a new creative project.
Why Did Joy Behar Skip 'The View'?
Right at the start of the episode, Whoopi broke the news to the audience. She announced that Joy wasn’t joining them because she’s busy preparing for the premiere of her latest theatrical work. It's a significant moment for Joy, and the team didn’t want to distract her with the demands of the show.
“Joy isn’t with us today because she’s getting ready for the big premiere of her play, Bonkers in the Boroughs, at the New York Comedy Festival,” Whoopi explained to the audience. “We wanted her to be stress-free and fully prepared for this exciting moment in her career.”
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Not only is Joy writing and producing the five-part play, but she’s also stepping into the spotlight as an actress in it. On this particular episode, Ana Navarro stepped in to cover for Joy, adding her own flair to the conversation. Ana usually only graces the show on Mondays, Fridays, or when one of the regular cohosts is unavailable, making her appearance a treat for viewers.
Joy had already hinted at this new chapter in her career during an earlier episode on October 7, which also happened to be her 81st birthday. It was a day filled with celebration and revelation as Joy shared her passion for theater.
“When I’m not sitting here being interrupted by you ladies, I’m diving into the world of playwriting!” Joy joked with her cohosts, a wide smile on her face. “I’ve written five short plays—perfect for those with attention deficit disorder—called Bonkers in the Boroughs. They’re going to be part of the New York Comedy Festival this November.”
During that birthday episode, Sunny Hostin expressed her excitement and intention to purchase a ticket to see the play at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center. Joy’s cohosts cheered her on as she discussed her latest venture, thrilled for her new journey. The play boasts a star-studded cast, including familiar faces from TV like Bob Ari, Susie Essman, Dan Grimaldi, Danny Hoch, Jackie Hoffman, Lou Liberator, and Renée Taylor.

When Can We Expect Joy Behar Back on 'The View'?
Joy also took a break on Friday, November 3, to stay focused on her play. She’s expected to rejoin the team on November 6, ready to bring her unique perspective back to the show.
“I’m stepping away for a couple of days so I can give this new project my full attention. I’ll be back next week,” Joy said during an episode of the “Behind the Table” podcast. “It’s all about self-preservation, darling.”
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Whoopi stepped in to moderate the broadcast on Friday afternoon in Joy’s absence. Despite typically having Fridays off, Whoopi clearly showed her support for Joy’s big endeavor, proving that the bond among the cohosts runs deep.


