Elisabeth Hasselbeck Returns to The View After Blasting Joy Behar and Calling the Show “Sinking”

The Hot Topics table on The View is about to heat up again.

Former cohost Elisabeth Hasselbeck is returning to the show as a guest panelist, setting the stage for a potentially tense reunion with longtime cohost Joy Behar — whom Hasselbeck has openly criticized in recent months.

Hasselbeck, who was a full-time cohost from 2003 to 2013, will step in while current conservative panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin takes maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.

A very public feud

The timing of Hasselbeck’s return is notable. In January 2025, she publicly slammed Behar over her comments about Carrie Underwood, who chose to perform at Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

At the time, Hasselbeck accused Behar of attacking Underwood and trying to stay relevant by stirring controversy. She took to social media — and later appeared on Fox News with Sean Hannity — claiming the show was “sinking” and lacked voices with “a lick of sense.”

Despite those remarks, Hasselbeck struck a warmer tone this week. In an Instagram Story, she congratulated Griffin on her pregnancy and said she was “excited” and “honored” to be asked back.

“It’s a really intelligent group of women,” she said — a noticeable shift from her earlier criticism.

Old tensions resurface

This isn’t the first time Hasselbeck has been pulled back into View drama. Last year, former cohost Rosie O'Donnell reignited talk about their infamous 2007 on-air fight, calling it a “setup” by late producer Bill Geddie.

Hasselbeck responded with emotional videos, saying she had tried for years to repair their relationship and inviting O’Donnell to reconcile in person.

More familiar faces returning

According to current executive producer Brian Teta, Hasselbeck isn’t the only former panelist coming back. Abby Huntsman will also return, along with guest panelists including Amanda Carpenter, Sheryl Underwood, Whitney Cummings, and Savannah Chrisley.

Savannah Chrisley is scheduled to appear on February 17.

Whether Hasselbeck’s return leads to fireworks or friendly debate, one thing is clear: The View is leaning into its most controversial history — and viewers will be watching closely.

The View airs weekdays on ABC.