Joy Behar missed a milestone broadcast of The View on Wednesday, October 7, as she celebrated her 84th birthday away from the ABC daytime talk show table. Her absence marked her sixth consecutive missed episode following a painful backstage accident that resulted in a dislocated shoulder.
The veteran co-host suffered the injury nearly a week prior after reportedly catching her heel backstage at the studio. Her representative confirmed that her shoulder was successfully reset and not broken. However, the recovery timeline kept her sidelined from the panel. The mishap also forced Behar to miss the show’s live podcast event, Behind the Table, held at City Winery in New York City.
Co-Hosts Address Behar’s Absence and Celebrate On Air
With moderator Whoopi Goldberg already away from the studio to film the Netflix comedy-drama Women Like Us, panelist Sunny Hostin stepped in to helm the broadcast. At the start of Wednesday’s show, Hostin addressed the audience to explain both veteran hosts’ absence.
“So Whoopi is still out making a movie and unfortunately our dear friend Joy dislocated her shoulder,” Hostin shared with the studio audience, prompting an audible gasp. Hostin quickly reassured viewers, adding, “Yeah, so she’s recovering and will be back soon.”
Referencing the temporary absence of the “two OGs,” Hostin joked that hosting duties fell to the next most seasoned panelist. She was joined by co-hosts Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, alongside returning guest host Sherri Shepherd.
A History of Resilience on Daytime Television
Behar has been a fixture of The View since its inception. She has served nearly 30 years across her original run from 1997 to 2013 and her subsequent return in 2015. She holds the record as the longest-running talk show host on the program and has repeatedly expressed her deep commitment to the series.
Despite minor health setbacks-including a brief absence after dropping an iPad on her foot and breaking a toe-Behar maintains an active schedule. Her representatives expect her to return to the talk show desk once fully cleared by medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joy Behar miss her birthday episode on The View?
Joy Behar missed her 84th birthday episode on October 7 because she was recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained after catching her heel backstage.
How long has Joy Behar been on The View?
Behar has been with The View for nearly 30 years, spanning her original run from 1997 to 2013 and her return in 2015, making her the longest-running host on the show.
Who moderated The View while Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg were absent?
Sunny Hostin stepped in to moderate the show alongside regular co-hosts Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and guest host Sherri Shepherd.
Is Joy Behar returning to television?
Yes, representatives confirmed that her injury is not broken, and she is expected to return to the talk show panel once her recovery period concludes.
Has Joy Behar ever considered retiring?
Behar stated in past interviews that she has signed a new contract, loves her job, and has no plans to retire from daytime television anytime soon.
