ABC’s “The View” is one in all the longest-running shows in all of daytime television. Now, near the top of its historic twenty ninth season, the show has finished out quarter one in all 2026 with its strongest viewership in five years. This comes as cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin is about to return from maternity leave, and rumblings that former cohost Elisabeth Hasselbeck may return full-time.
Along with Griffin, the present co-hosts on “The View” are Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Ana Navarro.
‘The View’ Has Had A Strong 2026 So Far
In keeping with The Wrap, “The View” has ended its first quarter of 2026 with a median of two.78 million viewers, the show’s highest rankings because the same time period in 2021. The long-running daytime talk show also posted a healthy 1.86 household share.
That’s not all: amongst women aged 25 to 54, the show posted its best rankings in two years, averaging 242,000 viewers. “The View” also did well with women aged 18-49, delivering 182,000 viewers. Moreover, each demographics saw double-digit increases in viewership, with the previous seeing an 11% rise and the 18-49 demographic posting 11% more viewers. Overall, the show is up 10%.
The Hit ABC Talker Is #1
In additon to reaching a five-year rankings milestone, “The View” also stays number one amongst daytime network talk shows and news programs. That is the case each in total viewership and households. For context, this excludes syndicated shows.
The second-rated show within the category is NBC’s “Today Third Hour,” with its 2.17 million viewers and 1.42 rating share. In third place is “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” which averaged 1.50 million viewers and a 0.87 household share.
“NBC News Day by day” ranked last with 1.45 million viewers and a 0.96 rating.
‘The View’ Clearly Retains A Strong Fanbase
Following news that “The View” scored its best quarter-one rankings in five years, many fans of the show took to social media not only to precise excitement but in addition to defend it against online bashers.
One person said on Facebook, “I hate to interrupt it to you people who find themselves hating on ‘The View,’ nevertheless, there’s nothing you may do to remove their popularity. And your commenting on their social media page helps to grow their social media platform. So… keep the comments coming! Lol!!”
Another person said, “Well deserved! The most effective tranquilizer for regardless of the heck is occurring in DC.”
One other “View” fan wrote, “Congratulations, ladies. MTG had rather a lot to do with that record-breaking view. Everyone was anticipating what she needed to say about Trump. Bring her on again for Q2.”
A unique Facebook user stated, “Thanks for keeping me sane during these crazy times!!!!
Love you, guys!!! Grateful for you and my View time.”
Some Wonder If Elisabeth Hasselbeck May Return
As mentioned, Griffin is currently on maternity leave from “The View” and is about to return on April 13 after leaving in February. There have been several guest co-hosts in her absence, including former regular co-host Hasselbeck.
During her week-long stint on the show, many noticed that she brought a certain fire to the panel that had been missing for a while. As Variety put it in March 2026, amid her hosting, “Suddenly, it’s relevant.”
The report states that in recent months, “The View” had “been lacking energy” and that “Hasselbeck has given the show the jolt it needed.”
Whoopi Goldberg Recently Reunited With Brandy On ‘The View’
People watch “The View” for several reasons. For some, their goal is to listen to various perspectives on politics. For others, they’re looking forward to the celebrity interviews and maybe even Goldberg’s notable on-screen reunions.
Recently, in April 2026, R&B legend Brandy appeared on “The View” to advertise her recent memoir, “PHASES.” Notably, she starred in “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” in 1997 alongside Goldberg, Whitney Houston, Paolo Montalban, and more.
During her appearance, she not only gave Goldberg a warm greeting but in addition discussed her recent star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, unveiled on March 30 ahead of the discharge of “PHASES” the next day.
Regarding the star, Brandy said she “manifested” it after telling herself, as a young girl, “I’m going to sing my way onto one in all those stars.”
“The View” aires week days on ABC.