Kathie Lee Gifford has launched a pointed critique against the current panel of hosts on the long-running daytime talk show The View, accusing them of fostering an atmosphere of "viciousness" that she claims was absent in earlier seasons. The 72-year-old television veteran made these remarks during an appearance on the Tomi Lahren Is Fearless podcast, where she contrasted the show's present tone with her past experiences as a guest.
A Shift Towards Divisiveness
During the interview, conservative commentator Tomi Lahren prompted Gifford by asking if she believed society had become more divided. Gifford responded emphatically, stating, "There’s just more of us — and we’re meaner now." She elaborated that in previous years, "People at least would pretend to have some manners. Now, there’s a viciousness." This observation formed the core of her criticism, suggesting a fundamental change in the show's dynamics under its current lineup.
The Current Hosting Team
The View, which first aired in 1997, is currently hosted by Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Ana Navarro. Behar has been a co-host since the show's inception, with a brief hiatus between 2013 and 2015, while Goldberg joined in 2007, making them the senior members. Haines and Hostin both became regulars in 2016, with Griffin and Navarro added more recently in 2022.
Gifford recalled her earlier guest appearances on the programme, noting, "I used to be able to go on The View and talk to Joy and Whoopi and a lot of the other people there — Debbie Matenopoulos and I are still good pals — and never had a problem." She attributed this to a different approach, emphasising, "I don’t proselytize everything. I share my faith, but I don’t say, 'You’re going to go to hell if you don’t.'"
Perceptions of Miserable Atmosphere
When questioned by Lahren about whether she would still feel welcome on the show today, Gifford expressed sadness at what she perceives as a decline. "I mean, everybody seems like they’re just miserable people now," she remarked. Asserting her own disposition, she added, "I may make people miserable just talking the way we’re talking, but nobody will ever confuse me with a miserable person, right?" Gifford further described herself as "joy personified," highlighting a stark contrast with her characterisation of the current hosts.
Historical Context and Previous Criticism
Gifford's comments echo longstanding criticisms of The View, particularly from former co-host Meghan McCain, who was part of the show from 2017 to 2021. McCain, known for her conservative viewpoints, often clashed with her more liberal colleagues. In a 2022 interview, McCain cited a specific incident with Joy Behar as a tipping point for her departure.
After returning from maternity leave, McCain joked to Behar, "You missed me so much when I was on maternity leave. You missed fighting with me." Behar's blunt reply—"I did not. I did not miss you. Zero."—was described by McCain as emblematic of the unsupportive environment. "I didn’t feel supported when I had my baby, and I didn’t feel supported coming back, and that was ultimately it," McCain explained. "That was why I left!"
In earlier reflections, McCain acknowledged the contentious nature of her role, stating in 2021, "People really love fighting with me and I've come to terms with the fact that people love me and love to hate me."
Broader Implications for Daytime Television
Gifford's critique raises questions about the evolution of daytime talk shows and their role in public discourse. Her remarks suggest a perceived shift from respectful debate to more aggressive confrontation, which she ties to a broader societal trend towards incivility. The Daily Mail has reportedly contacted representatives for The View for comment, though no response has been detailed in the interview.
As a seasoned figure in morning television, Gifford's perspective carries weight, highlighting ongoing tensions within popular media formats. Whether her assessment reflects a temporary phase or a permanent change in The View's ethos remains a topic of discussion among viewers and industry observers alike.
