The View Executives Reportedly Want Joy Behar to Consider Retirement After Injury Raises Safety Concerns Behind the Scenes

Joy Behar’s extended absence from The View has reportedly sparked growing concern among production staff, with insiders claiming that executives at ABC would prefer the veteran host to consider retirement rather than risk another injury.

The 84-year-old comedian has been away from the daytime talk show since October 1 after falling backstage in September and dislocating her shoulder. Although viewers were previously given reason to expect her return soon, her recovery has taken longer than anticipated, raising questions about when she will be back on the panel.

According to sources who spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun, some members of the production team are increasingly worried about Behar’s safety while navigating the backstage areas.

One insider close to the show claimed that Behar has needed assistance getting around behind the scenes.

“People are increasingly worried about her falling,” the source said, describing the situation as dangerous and expressing concern about who might be held responsible if another accident occurred.

The insider further alleged that Behar’s condition was more serious than publicly acknowledged, claiming she had become a significant safety concern backstage.

“She’s unsteady on her feet, and there are serious concerns about her safety,” the source added.

These accounts have not been independently verified, and ABC has not publicly confirmed the reported concerns. The network was contacted for comment by The U.S. Sun.

ABC Executives Reportedly Want Joy Behar to Leave on Her Own Terms

A second source told the publication that ABC executives would prefer Behar to retire before she experiences another injury.

“They want Joy to retire gracefully,” the insider said, suggesting that the network would like to give the longtime host a major farewell that celebrates her career and allows her to leave with dignity.

However, according to the source, Behar has shown little interest in stepping away from her position.

“Joy refuses to even consider it,” the insider claimed, adding that the veteran presenter remains happy in her role and believes she can continue doing the job.

“Joy isn’t going anywhere voluntarily,” the source continued. “She still thinks she can do the job, and nobody has the courage to tell her it’s time to leave.”

The first insider also alleged that staff members have been closely monitoring Behar and helping her move around backstage, describing the situation as a considerable responsibility for the production team.

It remains unclear whether ABC has formally discussed retirement with Behar or whether the reported concerns reflect conversations among individual staff members.

Could Joy Behar Move to a Part-Time Schedule?

Rather than leaving the show altogether, Behar could potentially reduce her workload, according to the second insider.

The source claimed that discussions had taken place about moving the host away from her current four-day-a-week schedule to a part-time arrangement.

As a precedent, the insider pointed to Barbara Walters, the original co-creator and longtime presence on The View, who was 84 when she stepped away from the program in 2014 after transitioning to a reduced schedule. Walters died in 2022.

Whether Behar would consider a similar arrangement remains uncertain.

The veteran host has been a member of The View since its debut in 1997, making her one of the show’s most enduring personalities. Her long tenure has made her a familiar presence for generations of viewers.

Whoopi Goldberg Confirms Joy Behar Is Still Recovering

On October 20, Whoopi Goldberg addressed Behar’s continued absence during an episode celebrating co-host Sunny Hostin’s birthday.

Goldberg had previously indicated that Behar might return during the week, but her latest update made clear that the host was not yet ready to resume her duties.

“Joy is still healing; she made a big deal of calling people in the dead of night, saying, ‘You make sure you wish Sunny a happy birthday from me,’” Goldberg told viewers.

She did not provide a new date for Behar’s return.

Behar has been absent from both the daytime program and its companion podcast since October 1. Earlier in the month, the show had offered updates that suggested her return was approaching, but she remained off the air.

Her absence also meant missing a birthday celebration earlier this month, adding another milestone to a period away from the program.

Joy Behar Has Experienced Previous Falls and Injuries

The current shoulder injury is not the first time Behar has had to take time away following an accident.

In 2025, she took a leave of absence after sustaining a foot injury. She also suffered a fall at home in 2023.

Her latest accident occurred as The View entered its 30th season, which began on September 8 following the show’s customary summer break.

The current panel features Behar alongside Goldberg, Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.

For now, Behar’s return remains uncertain as she continues recovering from her shoulder injury. While reports suggest that some insiders believe she should consider retirement or a reduced schedule, no official announcement has confirmed any change to her role.

Until further details emerge, the focus remains on her recovery and whether she will be able to return to the program she has helped define since 1997.