Abby Huntsman Reveals Why She Jumped at the Chance to Return to ‘The View’
As expected, former The View cohost Abby Huntsman returned to the table on Monday’s (March 23) episode as guest host during Alyssa Farah Griffin‘s maternity leave, joining Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin. Despite having some harsh words for the show after her exit, revealing back in 2021 that she found the environment to be “toxic,” she returned with a message of positivity.
“It’s like no time has passed. It’s weird sitting here, but congratulations to Alyssa. All the joy in the world. Remember, I had my twins on the show. We were pregnant together, Sara, and there’s something so special to having a baby on the show, because you go through it together,” she said.
She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak out alongside the other cohosts at a difficult time in American history.
“It’s like I’m more passionate, more emotional, and more concerned about my country, living outside of doing this every day. And there are a lot of things I’m concerned about, but one of them has been our free media and how that’s been threatened in more ways lately than ever before. And so I sit at this table not taking it for granted,” Huntsman said.
“When I got [the call to join], I thought, ‘You know what? I grew up many years living in China with my family. My dad served the country. I know what it’s like to wake up and try to go to Huffington Post and your blog, and you can’t read it.’ Yeah. And so I celebrate this opportunity, and I celebrate us thinking differently.”
Huntsman’s opening statement continued, “I’m sure we’ll get criticized for whatever we say, but that’s what makes this country so beautiful. And I just think we just need to remember how fragile that is and what a slippery slope it can be to lose. That’s right, freedom. I don’t mean to preach, but it’s just, it’s a special thing.”
The View, weekdays, 11a/10c, ABC
Don’t Miss Any Co-host Chaos
Get absolutely everything about The View in your inbox!
Conversation
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
G
Would prefer Jebediah Abila!!!
Did she leave on bad terms?!
She was great and i think she got the short end of the deal with her interview with Hilary Clinton. Bring back Jebidah and give her a second round!!
-
E
I think they were too excited to get McCain that they pushed Bila out without a good reason. I saw Sonny at a play right before they announced NutMeg and said that I hoped she wasn\'t going to be hired. She replied it was a done deal and would be tense. Boy, was she correct.
-
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services