Whoopi Goldberg & Joy Behar Look Back on Decades of The View, Barbara Walters, and Broadcasting Through a Pandemic

**Secrets, Scandals, and Sisterhood: Whoopi Goldberg & Joy Behar Reflect on 25 Years of *The View***

In a special episode of the podcast series *Behind The Table*, longtime co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar take listeners on a heartfelt journey through their remarkable careers on *The View*. The pair share personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes memories, and reflect on how the show adapted to the challenges of broadcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Legacy of Leadership

Joy Behar has been a cornerstone of *The View* since its inception in 1997, making her the longest-serving co-host in the show’s history. Known for her sharp humor and fearless political commentary, she has been part of nearly every era of the show. Whoopi Goldberg joined the panel in 2007 as moderator, bringing her steady presence to the daily debates. With an EGOT status and a Disney Legends Award, Goldberg is the longest-serving moderator in *The View’s* history.

Broadcasting Through a Pandemic

The conversation, recorded in 2021 during the show’s 24th season, offers a glimpse into how *The View* adapted to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Goldberg and Behar recall the sudden changes in March 2020, when the show aired without a live audience for the first time. Shortly thereafter, Behar stepped away temporarily for safety reasons, and by April, the entire panel was broadcasting from their homes.

“Being remote took away the natural rhythm of conversation,” Goldberg explained. Behar agreed, adding, “We’re supposed to respond to each other in real time, and that element got lost.”

Despite the challenges, there were unexpected benefits. Behar shared how working from home allowed her to spend more time with her family. “You learn something about yourself,” she said. “It’s not the end of the world to be away from New York City.”

Honoring Barbara Walters

No discussion about *The View* would be complete without reflecting on its trailblazing creator, Barbara Walters. Behar praised Walters for her resilience in a male-dominated industry, saying, “She was up against some of the worst misogyny in the history of television…

and she survived it all.” Goldberg added, “Barbara was fascinated by strong women—by how they did it. I think that’s why she created *The View* in the first place.”

Goldberg also recounted the moment Walters invited her to join the show, saying she was initially hesitant due to concerns about controversy. Walters reassured her and even hosted a dinner with Rosie O’Donnell and Joy Behar to persuade her. That dinner marked the beginning of Goldberg’s journey on *The View*.

From Dinner to Hot Topics

In the podcast episode, Goldberg and Behar reflect on that pivotal dinner, the conversations that convinced them to join the show, and the realization that they had become “Hot Topics” themselves. Their candid discussion offers an intimate look at the show’s evolution and its impact on their lives.

With humor, honesty, and heartfelt reflections, Goldberg and Behar celebrate 25 years of *The View*, a show that has not only shaped their careers but also redefined daytime television.