Whoopi Goldberg hosted ‘The View’ remotely on 23rd February 2026 due to a significant snowstorm impacting New York City. The co-anchor kicked off the episode by informing viewers that she found herself “snowed in” as a result of the blustery weather, which had gripped the East Coast in a historic blizzard.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/whoopi-goldberg-the-view-798af0035c84416e993ef194c9ce37df.jpg)
Goldberg addressed her audience via video call, explaining that she could not make it to the studio due to the severe conditions. “I’m coming to you remotely because this crazy, historic blizzard that is slamming the East Coast has snowed me in,” she shared. The panelists were joined at the Hot Topics table by Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, and guest co-host Amanda Carpenter, while Goldberg’s seat remained conspicuously empty.
The absence of a live audience was a notable change for the show, which usually thrives on viewer interaction. The empty seats in the studio were a stark reminder of the harsh weather outside. Goldberg likened the scene to “a little nutty,” highlighting the extreme conditions caused by the Nor’easter that had been forecasted to affect the area for several days.
In light of the inclement weather, the show’s producers had advised the audience to stay home, a precaution echoed by Goldberg. The segment began with an acknowledgment of the challenging conditions, with Goldberg urging viewers to ensure they were safe amidst the storm. “Look at it out there; it’s a little crazy,” she remarked, indicating the severity of the situation facing many residents.
This blizzard, described by officials as potentially one of the ten worst in 150 years, had already caused disruption across the city, affecting public transport and home lives alike. The National Weather Service indicated that the storm would continue to batter the Eastern Seaboard until at least 25th February, leaving many stranded and without regular routines.
The previous month, on 26th January, ‘The View’ had faced a similar situation when the city experienced another snowstorm. During that broadcast, the hosts playfully acknowledged the lack of a live audience by waving at the empty seats when they entered the studio. “Hello, hello, and welcome to The View, y’all,” Goldberg had welcomed viewers then, noting their absence due to dangerous weather conditions as declared by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
In light of the storm, other shows, including ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’, also opted to proceed without their usual audiences. Co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos reported having to stay overnight at a hotel nearby due to the challenging commute posed by the weather. Ripa remarked on how they thought it would be an easy stroll across the street but encountered heavier than expected snowfall and strong winds, complicating their plans.
The unusual circumstances surrounding the storm have not deterred regular broadcasts, but they have prompted necessary adjustments and precautions. Efforts have been made to ensure the safety of both the hosts and the audience, highlighting the importance of public health and safety amid inclement weather.
‘The View’ continues to air weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on ABC, maintaining its connection with viewers, even when circumstances dictate that some, like Goldberg, must participate from afar. As the weather continues to disrupt the East Coast, the resilience and adaptability displayed by the show promise to engage and entertain audiences through the challenges posed.