Whoopi Goldberg will temporarily step away from her role on the daytime talk show “The View” this month, as she embarks on filming a new movie. The news was shared during the latest episode of the “Behind the Table” podcast, hosted by Goldberg and the show’s executive producer, Brian Teta.
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On 16 September, Teta confirmed to listeners that Goldberg will be absent for a few days while she works on the film “Women Like Us,” a Netflix production featuring notable actresses Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams, and Vivica A. Fox. Teta remarked, “We’re going to lose you for a couple of days because you’re going to be doing this movie,” highlighting the exciting opportunity for the EGOT-winning actress.
In the interim, Goldberg will continue to host the show every Monday, with a lineup of guest co-hosts stepping in during her absence throughout the week. Former co-hosts Lisa Ling, Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd, and Debbie Matenopoulos are set to join Joy Behar, who will take on the role of moderator. This arrangement allows for a familiar dynamic as audiences continue to engage with the show.
Ling, who served as a co-host from 1999 to 2002, will lend her voice alongside Jones, who was part of the programme from 1997 to 2006. Shepherd’s tenure spanned from 2007 to 2014, while Matenopoulos was present from 1997 to 1999. Teta expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, “Joy’s up for it. She’s always excited to moderate,” reflecting a shared enthusiasm for the show’s upcoming episodes.
Goldberg’s brief hiatus is not the first of its kind; she previously took time off to feature in an Italian soap opera, “Un Posto Al Sole,” last November. After filming in Naples, she returned to her duties on “The View” in December, demonstrating her commitment to both her acting career and the talk show.
Reflecting on her long tenure with “The View,” which began in September 2007, Goldberg has mentioned that she occasionally considers leaving the show but finds it surprising that she has remained for so long. As the current moderator, she is joined on the panel by co-hosts Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro, contributing to the dynamic discussions that have become a hallmark of the show.
In an effort to uplift viewers, Goldberg instituted a tradition last season of concluding episodes with words of encouragement. “I wanted to give people a little message of hope,” she shared, noting that the topics discussed on the show can often be quite heavy. Her intention is to provide a sense of lightness and perspective for the audience, reinforcing her role as both a host and a source of inspiration.
“The View” continues to air weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on ABC, maintaining its reputation as a platform for lively discourse and diverse opinions. As Goldberg prepares for her temporary absence, fans can look forward to the familiar faces stepping in to share their insights during her time away.