During the interview, Behar expressed her thoughts about potentially departing the show once her contract with ABC concluded. “I have a three-year contract,” Behar disclosed in the book. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t leave if I want to, because they can’t really do anything to me at this point. I don’t see myself staying for more [time]. That’s it!”
Behar, known for her liberal stance on the show, clarified that her decision to stay or leave depended on her feelings as time progressed. “I could be wrong. If I’m as fabulous in [2022] as I am now, I’ll think about it. But the chances of that happening…” she trailed off. “You know, time marches on. I’m not a kid.”
Variety sought verification from The View regarding the interview’s authenticity and Behar’s purported retirement plans. They inquired if Behar intended to let her contract expire in 2022.
The show’s representative assured Variety that Behar was not planning to depart and debunked the rumor as “not true.”
The spokesperson clarified, “Joy was asked what happens at the end of her contract and as she herself made clear in the interview if she’s ‘as fabulous in [2022] as I am now,’ she will be in her seat at the table.”
Throughout her tenure, Behar has represented the Democratic viewpoint on the show. Her presence has surpassed even the show’s founder, Barbara Walters, who exited the program in 2014 at the age of eighty-four.
In 2013, ABC terminated Behar due to her overtly political stance, though they later welcomed her back for guest appearances. She eventually returned as a full-time host two years later.
She authored a book titled The Great Gasbag: An A–Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World.
Behar went on leave from The View on March 13 due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Citing her age as a risk factor, she chose not to commute for the show but emphasized, “I’m in a higher risk group because of my age, but I’m perfectly healthy.” She recently transitioned to remote appearances from her home in the Hamptons.