Why Whoopi Goldberg Missed ‘The View’ Season 27 Premiere

Meredith Jacobs September 5, 2023, 12:03 pm

The View — Whoopi Goldberg — ABC/Jeff Lipsky

The View returned for its 27th season on Tuesday, September 5, but one of the hosts was missing from the table.

While Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Sunny Hostin were all present, Whoopi Goldberg was not. Behar addressed her absence in her opening, explaining that Goldberg has COVID, and also providing a potential timeline for her return. “It’s back,” Behar said. “But she’s on the mend. She’s on the tail end, and she’ll probably be back here this week, but sorry she’s not here for those of you who were looking forward to seeing her.” (Goldberg previously missed episodes of The View due to COVID in November 2022.)

Behar also addressed the fact that she hasn’t been on The View for all 27 seasons. “I was here for all of it except for two when they canned me, when they sacked my behind,” she said prior to the news about Goldberg. “This feels the same. It’s Groundhog Day every day for me.”

The View introduced a brand-new table for its 27th season of conversations surrounding Hot Topics and must-see television. The talk show has also expanded its “Behind the Table” podcast series, hosted by executive producer Brian Teta, to daily episodes providing listeners with insider perspectives from those who know it best.

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Each episode features the co-hosts offering first-hand reactions to what happened on the show, engaging in candid conversations about their lives, and going behind the scenes. They’ll react to some of the most talked-about interviews, answer viewer questions, and occasionally welcome guests for an extended chat. The podcast will also include members of The View Crew, who help create the headline-making moments of the pop-culture phenomenon.

The new daily version premiered on Tuesday, September 5. Plus, there’s a pre-launch episode featuring a conversation with Teta and Griffin reflecting on her first year on the show, now available (after dropping on September 4).